Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/218

 you suppose such methods will oblige me to become your wife? No! Sir; I will die first." "Very well, (answered he, calmly) you have had your choice—I shall pursue mine."

Presently they were informed the vessel was ready. She was lifted out of the chaise, and notwithstanding her resistance, and cries for help, she was carried on board and down to the room below.

You are now safe in my possession, (said he.) I am sorry you made force necessary; but you must be convinced 'tis now in vain to contend with me." Matilda sat stupidly, gazing at him; but the vessel beginning to move, she turned very sick: without any female on board to assist her, she was compelled to let him place her on the bed; and then requesting to be alone, he retired, and left her to her own very painful reflections.

All hope of assistance from the Marquis was now at an end; she knew not the place of her destination; she saw no probability of escaping from Mr. Weimar; yet she felt an unconquerable repugnance to become his wife—a man capable of such duplicity and cruelty; "O, no! (cried she, weeping) sooner will I plunge into a watery grave than unite myself for life to a man I must hate and despise." She continued extremely sick and ill. They had been two days at sea, when she was alarmed by an uncommon noise over her head; voices very loud, and every thing in much agitation: soon after she heard the firing of guns, and Mr. Weimar entered with an air of distraction. "I am undone, (cried he) unfortunate girl; you have been my ruin and your own, but I will prevent both." He instantly drew a large case knife, stabbed her and then himself. At the same instant a number of strange men burst into the cabin, Weimar's friend with them. The Turks, (for they were taken by a Barbary Corsair) highly enraged with the bloody scene before them, were about to dispatch Weimar, who lay on the floor,