Resolved to die rather than become the bride of Maxwell,
she had spent the hours and days of her imprisonment in nerving herself
to meet whatever bitter fate might await her, in maintaining her purity
and her principle.
The appearance of Jerome Vaudelier caused her a thrill of apprehension,
but it was quickly supplanted by a feeling of interest in the individual
himself. Her own gloomy position seemed divested of its sombreness, as
she felt that the penitence of the erring soul had not been a reality.
"Jerome Vaudelier, are you, too, the minister of a villain's wishes?"
"Nay, Miss Dumont--"
"Say that you are yet true to yourself; that you have not forgotten
those solemn vows you made in the home of your father; say that you are
not the tool of the vile Maxwell--say it before you speak your business
with me!"
"Miss Dumont, I acknowledge that the present appearance is against me;
but I assure you I have come only as the minister of good to you."
"Bless you for the words! I feared you had again been tempted."
"So I have, lady, and apparently have yielded; but it was only to save
you.
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