: Valerie by Marryat Frederick Wright Nooth W Engraver Downing D Illustrator - Fiction

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I was well enough to sign my name to the marriage register, and he put the pen in my hand. I could not see where to sign, my eyes were swimming with tears. The clergyman guided my hand to the place, and I wrote Adele Chabot. The knowledge what the effect of this signature might possibly have upon my husband quite overcame me, and I sank my head down upon my hands upon the table.

"`I will send for a glass of water, sir,' said the clergyman leaving the vestry to call the verger, or clerk, `the lady is fainting.'

"After he went out, I heard the Colonel and his friend speaking in low tones apart. Probably they thought that I was not in a condition to pay attention to them,--but I had too much at stake.

"`Yes,' replied the Colonel, `she has signed, as you say, but she hardly knows what she is about. Depend upon it, it is as I told you.'

"I did not hear the Major's reply, but I did what the Colonel said.

"`It's all the better; the marriage will not be legal, and I can bring the parents to my own terms.'

"`Do you think that I love you the less for showing so much feeling, my dearest?' he replied, `no, no, it only makes you still more dear to me, as it convinces me what a sacrifice you have made for my sake.'

"Now, Valerie, could there be a prettier speech, or one so apparently sincere, from a newly-married man to his bride, and yet recollect what he said to his friend not a quarter of an hour before, about having my parents in his power by the marriage not being legal? I really am inclined to believe that we have two souls, a good and an evil one, continually striving for the mastery; one for this world, and the other for the next, and that the evil one will permit the good one to have its influence, provided that at the same time it has its own or an equal share in the direction of us. For instance, I believe the colonel was sincere in what he said, and really does love me, supposing me to be Caroline Stanhope, with the mundane advantages to be gained by the marriage, and that these better feelings of humanity are allowed to be exercised, and not interfered with by the adverse party, who is satisfied with its own Mammon share. But the struggle is to come when the evil spirit finds itself defrauded of its portion, and then attempts to destroy the influence of the good. He does love me now, and would have continued to love me, if disappointment will not tear up his still slightly-rooted affections. Now comes my task to cherish and protect it, till it has taken firm root, and all that woman can do shall be done. I felt that all that I required was time.

"`About twenty miles from London,' replied my husband, `after which, that is to-morrow, you shall decide upon our future plans.'

"`I care not where,' replied I, `with you place is indifferent, only do not refuse me the first favour that I request of you.'

"`Depend upon it I will not,' replied he.

"`It is this, dearest, take me where you will, but let it be three months before we return or come near London. You must feel my reason for making this request.'

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