Self-Control; A Novel Volume 2

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. 1811 edition. ... from his sight, he rushed like a madman out of the house. He darted forward, regardless of the snow which was falling on his uncovered head, till it suddenly occurred to him that he would not suffer her to triumph in the belief of having deceived him. " No," said he, " I will once more see that deceitful face; reproach her with her treachery; enjoy her confusion, and then spurn her from me for ever. He returned precipitately to the house; and, flying up stairs, saw Laura, the traces of melancholy reflection on her countenance, waiting for admission at her father's door. " Madam," said he, in a voice scarcely articulate, " I must speak with you for a few minutes." " Not for a moment, Sir," said Laura, laying her hand upon the lock. " Yes, by Heaven, you shall hear me!* cried Hargrave : and rudely seizing her he forced her into the painting-room, and bolted the door. " Answer me," said he fiercely, " how came that book into your possession ?" pointing to it as it still lay upon the floor. " Whence have you this infernal likeness ? Speak!" Laura looked at the drawing, then at the book, and at once understood the cause of her lover's frenzy. Sincere compassion filled her heart; yet she felt how unjust was the treatment which she received; and, with calm dignity said, " I will answer all your questions, and then you will judge whether you have deserved that I should do so." " Whom would not that face deceive i" said Hargrave, gnashing his teeth in agony. " Speak sorceress--tell me, if you dare, that this is not the portrait of De Courcy--that he is not the lover for whom I am loathed and spurned.' " That is the portrait of De Courcy," replied Laura, with the simple majesty of truth. " It is the sketch from which I finished a picture for his...