Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/257

 entertain any hope of an escape from my power. I have two proposals to make, one of which you must choose—Death or marriage. I should suppose the alternative will not be difficult to decide on.

"Indignation restored my speech.—"Marriage," I exclaimed.—'You well know that I am your wife."

"Aye," said he, "there is the point on which we differ: That is the assertion which I deny.—You were once indeed a kind obliging girl, and chose to patch up your reputation at the expense of mine. But to have done with this foolery,' said he with a stern look, observing my agitation, 'know, that you are either to marry my servant, your old acquaintance, or this house is your grave.

"Understand me—I do not want your murder to hang upon my spirits, but I am determined to secure you from doing me further mischief. My valet shall marry you, and in justice to him, I shall indulge him with a few days to amuse his pretty wife;—after which, by his authority, you will be