Will you bind your soul by
such an obligation?"
The child was magnetized by the thrilling eyes that gazed deep into her
own. She answered:
"Yes, mamma."
"You vow in the sight of God and all his holy angels, that, as you hope
for salvation, you will devote your life with all your faculties of mind
and body, to the discovery and punishment of Marian's murderer; and also
that you will live a maiden until you become and avenger."
"I vow."
"Swear that no afterthoughts shall tempt you to falter; that happen what
may in the changing years, you will not hesitate; that though your
interests and affections should intervene, you will not suffer them to
retard you in your purpose; that no effort, no sacrifice, no privation,
no suffering of mind or body shall be spared, if needful, to the
accomplishment of your vow."
"I swear."
"You will do it! You are certain to discover the murderer, and clear up
the mystery."
The mental excitement that had carried Edith through this scene
subsided, and left her very weak, so that when Thurston Willcoxen soon
after called to see her, she was unable to receive him.
The next morning, however, Thurston repeated his visit, and was brought
to the bedside of the invalid.
Pages:
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280