Publisher's Synopsis
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. 1825 edition. Excerpt: ... quis, " and endeavour to recollect yourself.' La Motte obeyed, but continued to muse in silence. He saw himself entangled in the web which his own crimes bad woven. Being in the power of the Marquis, he knew he must either consent to the commission of a deed, from the enormity of which, depraved as he was, he shrunk in horror, or sacrifice fortune, freedom, probably life itself, to the refusal. He had been led on by slow gradations from folly to vice, till he now saw before him an abyss of guilt which startled even the conscience thai so long had slumbered. The means of retreating were desperate--to proceed was equally so. When he considered the innocence, and the helplessness of Adeline, her orphan state, her former affectionate conduct, and her confidence in his protection, his heart melted with compassion for the distress he had already occasioned her, and shrunk in terror from the deed he was urged to commit. But when, on the other hand, he contemplated the destruction that threatened him from the vengeance of the Marquis, and then considered the advantages that were offered him of favour, freedom, and probably fortune, terror and temptation contributed to overcome the pleadings of humanity, and silence the voice of conscience. In this state of tumultuous uncertainty he continued for some time silent, until the voice of the Marquis roused him to a conviction of the necessity of at least appearing to acquiesce in his designs. "Do you hesitate?" said the Marquis.--: 'No, my lord, my resolution is fixed'--I will obey you. But methinks it would be better to avoid bloodshed. Strange secrets have been revealed by"-- " Aye, but how avoid it?" interrupted the Marquis, --" Poison I will not venture to procure- I have given you one sure...
