Having received satisfactory answers to all questions the magistrate laid the deed open before Alice, for her signature. General Garnet dipped a pen in ink and handed it to her. Alice received it, smilingly, and in a clear, unfaltering hand, wrote her name at the bottom of that deed, that conferred upon her husband immense wealth and left herself penniless.
The lawyer affixed his signature, as witness. Judge Wylie, with a deep groan, wrote his name. The squire performed his part, and the business was complete.
Alice looked up into General Garnet’s face, with an expression that said—“Now have you proved me sufficiently? Now will you confide in me? Will you love me?”
General Garnet stooped down and whispered to her:
“Retire immediately to your chamber, Alice!”
“But—Elsie—tell me of her?”
“Retire to your chamber, instantly, Mrs. Garnet!—and await me there! I must offer these gentlemen something to drink, and dismiss them; immediately after which, I will come to you, and tell you all that I have done, and all that I intend to do!” said General Garnet, in a tone of authority and impatience, that would brook no opposition or delay.
And Alice, courtesying slightly to the party, withdrew.
CHAPTER XXV.
LIFE’S STORM AND SOUL’S SHELTER.
Go, when the hunter’s hand hath wrung