The Man in Black: An Historical Novel of the Days of Queen AnneJames, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
History
The Man in Black: An Historical Novel of the Days of Queen Anne
James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
Great Britain -- History -- Anne, 1702-1714 -- Fiction
She was thus walking with her dear Emily, as she called her, one day
on that terrace at the back of the house where the memorable
conversation had taken place between Mr. Hastings and Sir John
Fenwick, and was treating Emily to a minute and particular account of
the death of the latter, when Marlow suddenly arrived from London, and
entered the house by the large glass door in front. He found a servant
in the hall who informed him that Mrs. Hastings was still in bed, and
that Emily was walking on the terrace with Mrs. Hazleton. Marlow
paused, and considered for a moment. "Any thing not dishonorable," he
said to himself, "is justifiable to clear up such a mystery;" and
passing quietly through the house into the dining-room, which had one
window opening as a door upon the terrace, he saw his fair Emily and
her companion pass along towards the other end of the walk without
being himself perceived. He then approached the window, and
calculating the distances nicely, so as to be sure that Mrs. Hazelton
was fully as far distant from himself as she could have been from Sir
John Fenwick and Mr. Hastings on the evening when they walked there
together, he pronounced her name in an ordinary tone, somewhat lower
than that which Mr. Hastings usually employed.
Mrs. Hazleton instantly started, and looked round towards the spot
where Marlow was now emerging from the room.
The lady could not miss an occasion, and the moment she saw him she
exclaimed, "Dear me! there is Mr. Marlow; I am afraid he brings bad
tidings, Emily."
Emily paused not to consider, but with her own wild grace ran forward
and cast herself into his arms.
Fortunately Mrs. Hazleton had no dagger with her. Her face was
benevolent and smiling when she joined them; for the joy there was
upon Emily's countenance forbade any affectation of apprehension. It
said as plainly as possible, "All is well;" but she added the words
too, stretching forth her hand to her supposed friend, and saying,
"Dear Mrs. Hazleton, Charles brings me word that my father is
safe--that the Government have declared they will not prosecute."
"I congratulate you with my whole heart, Emily," replied the lady;
"and I do sincerely hope that ministers may keep their word better in
this instance than they have done in some others."
"There is not the slightest doubt of it, my dear madam," said Marlow;
"for I have the official announcement under the hand of the Secretary
of State."
"I must fly and tell my mother," said Emily, and without waiting for a
reply she darted away.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account