"I can listen--I can hear all that you may say having reference to him.
I know not what you may intend; I know not what you may demand for your
service. But name your condition. All in honor--all that a maiden may
grant and be true to herself, all--all, for his life and safety."
"Still, I fear, Miss Colleton--your love for him is not sufficiently
lavish to enable your liberality to keep pace with the extravagance of
my demand--"
"Hold, sir--on this particular there is no need of further speech.
Whatever may be the extent of my regard for Ralph, it is enough that I
am willing to do much, to sacrifice much--in return for his rescue from
this dreadful fate. Speak, therefore, your demand--spare no word--delay
me, I pray, no longer."
"Hear me, then. As Creighton, I loved you years ago--as Guy Rivers I
love you still. The life of Ralph Colleton is forfeit--for ever
forfeit--and a few days only interpose between him and eternity. I alone
can save him--I can give him freedom; and, in doing so, I shall risk
much, and sacrifice not a little.
Pages:
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779