[The Midnight Queen by May Agnes Fleming]@TWC D-Link bookThe Midnight Queen CHAPTER VII 6/16
The alarm has now reached the boats on the river, and many eyes within them were turned in the direction whence she had gone down. Soon she reappeared on the dark surface--something whiter than snow, whiter than death; shining like silver, shone the glittering dress and marble face of the bride.
A small batteau lay close to where Ormiston stood; in two seconds he had sprang in, shoved it off, and was rowing vigorously toward that snow wreath in the inky river.
But he was forestalled, two hands white and jeweled as her own, reached over the edge of a gilded barge, and, with the help of the boatmen, lifted her in.
Before she could be properly established on the cushioned seats, the batteau was alongside, and Ormiston turned a very white and excited face toward the Earl of Rochester. "I know that lady, my lord! She is a friend of mine, and you must give her to me!" "Is it you, Ormiston? Why what brings you here alone on the river, at this hour ?" "I have come for her," said Ormiston, pressing over to lift the lady. "May I beg you to assist me, my lord, in transferring her to my boat ?" "You must wait till I see her first," said Rochester, partly raising her head, and holding a lamp close to her face, "as I have picked her out, I think I deserve it.
Heavens! what an extraordinary likeness!" The earl had glanced at the lady, then at his page, again at the lady, and lastly at Ormiston, his handsome countenance full of the most unmitigated wonder.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|