The Secret Room (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 edition. Excerpt: ...passed before a summons came for Bertram and Cicely. Then Dame Bridget was sent to fetch them, as before she had been sent to see they were not closeted together, the priest's injunctions being strict on that point. "We must keep them apart," said he, "or the one will teach the other defiance." But he forgot that, though separated by walls, in prayer they could meet at the foot of God's throne. "Alack, childer " said the dame, as she marshalled them before her, "I wis ye have done something grievous. There is your aunt as pale as a ghost, and the master black as thunder. Dear heart alive but I am vexed for you." Cicely threw her arms about the kind-hearted dame. "You will love us still, Bridget," she asked; "no matter what ill you hear of us?" The woman's answer cast a chill on both young hearts. "Aye, aye," said she, "trust me for that. Poor childer, can I forget ye are orphans? Play what pranks ye will, ye shall find a corner in old Bridget's heart. I close it 'gainst none but heretics and such vile scum, beshrew them " "They will all be against us " whispered Cicely mournfully to her brother. "Aye, and God for us," returned Bertram, with such a brave light in his eyes that the courage came back to Cicely. '"Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do.' The Lord Christ will give us strength to bear all, sister," said Bertram softly, as together they entered their uncle's private room. 109 CHAPTER XIV. ffasrswuticm. Master Giles and his wife were seated at a table. Before them lay the open Bible, its pages bruised and soiled by the priest's cruel heel; behind stood the father himself, with a look of bitter anger on his face. It...