See,
here it is, all ready, in my Lady's letter."
"I cannot," said Aurelia, with her hands behind her.
"You can read my Lady's letter," said Loveday; "that can do you no
harm."
Aurelia felt she must do that at least.
"CHILD,
"I will overlook your Transgression on the One Condition, that
you sign this Paper and send it with your so-called Wedding Ring back
to me immediately. Otherwise you must take the Consequences, and
remain where you are till after my Son's Marriage.
"URANIA BELAMOUR."
The paper was a formal renunciation of all rights or claims from the
fictitious marriage by which she had been deceived, and an absolute
pledge never to renew any contract with Sir Amyas Belamour, Knight
Baronet, who had grossly played on her.
"No, I cannot," said Aurelia, pushing it from her.
"Indeed, miss, I would not persuade you to it if it were not for your
own good; but you may be sure it is no use holding out against her
Ladyship. If you sign it now, and give it up honourable, she will
send Mr. Dove home with you, and there you'll be as if nothing had
been amiss, no one knowing nothing about it; but if you persist it
will not make the marriage a bit more true, and you will only be
kept moped up in this dismal place till his Honour is married, and
there's no saying what worse my Lady may do to you.
Pages:
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356