In a few months their union took place, and Maria
lifted her head as Lady Icenway, and left with her husband and child
for his home as aforesaid, where she was quite unknown.
A justification, or a condemnation, of her step (according as you
view it) was seen when, not long after, she received a note from her
former husband Anderling. It was a hasty and tender epistle, and
perhaps it was fortunate that it arrived during the temporary
absence of Lord Icenway. His worthless wife, said Anderling, had
just died in Quebec; he had gone there to ascertain particulars, and
had seen the unfortunate woman buried. He now was hastening to
England to repair the wrong he had done his Maria. He asked her to
meet him at Southampton, his port of arrival; which she need be in
no fear of doing, as he had changed his name, and was almost
absolutely unknown in Europe. He would remarry her immediately, and
live with her in any part of the Continent, as they had originally
intended, where, for the great love he still bore her, he would
devote himself to her service for the rest of his days.
Lady Icenway, self-possessed as it was her nature to be, was yet
much disturbed at this news, and set off to meet him, unattended, as
soon as she heard that the ship was in sight. As soon as they stood
face to face she found that she still possessed all her old
influence over him, though his power to fascinate her had quite
departed.
Pages:
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178