Pelham — Volume 07 by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 16 of 78 (20%)
page 16 of 78 (20%)
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"Yes," said I, incautiously, "they are the initials of Gertrude Douglas." "What!" cried Glanville, in a loud tone, which he instantly checked, and continued in an indrawn, muttered whisper: "How long is it since I heard that name! and now--now--" he broke off abruptly, and then said, with a calmer voice, "I know not how you have learnt her name; perhaps you will explain?" "From Thornton," said I. "And has he told you more?" cried Glanville, as if gasping for breath-- the "history--the dreadful--" "Not a word," said I, hastily; "he was with me when I found the picture, and he explained the initials." "It is well!" answered Glanville, recovering himself; "you will see presently if I have reason to love that those foul and sordid lips should profane the story I am about to relate. Gertrude was an only daughter; though of gentle blood, she was no match for me, either in rank or fortune. Did I say just now that the world had not altered me? See my folly; one year before I saw her, and I should not have thought her, but myself honoured by a marriage;--twelve little months had sufficed to--God forgive me! I took advantage of her love--her youth--her innocence--she fled with me--but not to the altar!" Again Glanville paused, and again, by a violent effort, conquered his emotion, and proceeded: |
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