At Her Mercy; A Novel Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 edition. Excerpt: ...You seem to have taken a fancy to this ring of mine; would you do me the favour to accept it? Oh no, Mr. De Coucy, said Evy, recollecting, for the_ first time, Mrs. Barmby s warning with reference to her companion s weakness for making proposals of matrimony. I could not think of doing that. I have heard you say yourself that the gem was two thousand years old, and of priceless value. Nay, I didn t mean that ring, Miss--Evy, not but that I would even part with that, on one condition. That is if you would consent to wear beside it--Don t be alarmed, my dear young lady, continued he, gravely, for he had taken hold of her hand, in a parental sort of way, it might be, but also, perhaps, with a less platonic intention, and she had withdrawn it rather abruptly-- I am not going to ask you to marry me, because I am afraid it would be out of the question; you needn t say so; I see it. It is the gryphon ring I wish you to accept in token of my--my ----the poor old gentleman gave a little sigh of regret which, notwithstanding her displeasure, touched Evy s tender heart-- in token of my most sincere friendship. It will be acceptable to you, I know, for I have read your secret--upon another s account at least, if not on mine. Keep it for my sake--or Jack s. If it reminds you when you look at it, of a certain hopeless adorer (which it may do from his likeness to a gryphon--not so?--well, thank you for that at all events), I shall be g-ratified; for as to Jack--happy dog--you will not need a reminder. What I have said, however, about his_being a great match is true--though nob about the duke s daughter, which I invented to resolve my...