Walter Colyton (Volume 3 ); A Tale of 1688 (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. 1830. Excerpt: ... the strength of her body. Her reason no longer wandered, but the intensity of its cbllectedness, centering for ever upon this one object, sometimes assumed an almost delirious appearance, exhibiting itself in a feverish restlessness, often accompanied by anger-sparkling looks, a menacing voice, and denouncements equally vehement and impotent against the persecutors of Forester. She even provided herself with a dagger, which she secretly showed to her friend, wildly declaring that if he perished, she would execute some signal vengeance, though yet she knew not upon whom the blow should fall. In the midst of this high excitement, the result of an ardent temperament and uncontrollable passion, she endeavoured to persuade herself that she was not actuated by love so much as friendship; an opinion which, with a refined feeling of delicacy, she took particular pains to impress upon Agatha. " We must complete the good work," she exclaimed--" by achieving the liberation of our mutual friend, the brave and noble Forester. Great as is his peril, it is not more deadly and imminent than that which lately hung over the head of our dear Walter. What shall we suffer Hetty to surpass us in heroism and perseverance? Never--never My life is of little value. I feel that it cannot last long; it may as well be plucked at once, as be left to wither upon the stalk; I wish to attest the sincerity of my friendship before I die, and I swear to you, dearest Agatha, that I will deliver your lover, your future husband, or perish in the attempt." Agatha, although she was infinitely too highsouled to harbour in her bosom a thought of jealousy, saw clearly that her friend was deceiving herself as to the real motives of her conduct, and felt an additional pang when she contemplated the...