Free Force and Fraud by Ellen Davitt

Silverton, with the intention of seeking his friend, Saunders, his sweetheart ; though the object of both was frustrated.
    In the first place, Lindsey – who could no longer control his impatience – had gone to make inquiries respecting Flora’s health; therefore, on ascertaining this fact, Mr Silverton hastened to overtake him.
    In the second place, Saunders, hearing that Mary was engaged in arranging the sleeping apartments of some newly-arrived travellers, walked up and down the courtyard – now listening to various remarks on the all-absorbing topic, now pondering on the events of the last few days. He pondered his hastily-conceived liking for Herbert Lindsey, and his former dislike of Pierce Silverton (for such feeling he had once conceived); and the recollection of it causing him a pang of remorse. His generous disposition made him resolve to do all in his power to repair the evil he had thought.
    â€œAnd it’s waiting to see Mary you are, Mr Saunders?” asked a pretty girl, who at the moment came up with a basket of linen.
    â€œMaybe so; but I’m glad to wait in your company, my dear,” replied Harry, chucking the girl under the chin; for the sight of her laughing face, roused him out of his sombre mood.
    â€œArrah! and d’ye think I’d be bothering myself with another girl’s sweetheart?” said the rustic coquette, as she turned away.
    â€œStop a bit, Biddy; I’ve got a word to say to you about Dan,” returned Harry, endeavouring to detain his pretty companion.
    â€œBother Dan! Mother’s waiting for me outside, and she would go on if she knew I was talking about him. La! I wish Mary’d come, I’ve got a message for her.”
    â€œWhat is it, Biddy? Can’t I tell her?”
    â€œOh, yes, I dare say you can. It’s only that mother couldn’t get them stains out of the bosom of the gentleman’s shirt; but she says it’ll be all right after another washing. Here’s the parcel, you may give it to Mary; I’ve ever so many more places to go to.”
    Biddy tripped away; but she had no sooner gone than Harry’s curiosity led him to unpin the wrapper in which the linen was folded. He shook his head and sighed, muttering to himself, “I’m not the man to give Biddy’s message. I won’t help to put his head in a halter, unless I am bound to speak the truth.”
    But he was aroused from his reverie by the sight of a man posting a large placard against a wall. Harry read the heading: ‘Wilful Murder’. He saw the date of the occurrence, the name of the deceased, the official reward for the apprehension of the culprit, the official signature – and felt a conviction that, ere long, the crime would meet its just punishment.

Chapter VIII
Sailing of the Robespierre
    Meantime Herbert Lindsey, having reached the place of his late rendezvous with Flora, was about to advance towards the house when, looking round, he saw Pierce Silverton riding up, and heard him call out, “Where are you going, Lindsey?”
    â€œTo see Flora, to be sure. Saunders told me that she was better,” replied the impatient lover.
    â€œShe is better, I am glad to say, but not yet well enough to receive company.”
    â€œCompany? What nonsense! Am I not her affianced husband?”
    â€œYou were. But I hear she now reproaches herself with disobedience towards her father. On the evening before his death he repeated his refusal to sanction her marriage with you, in consequence of which a dispute ensued. Therefore, I do not think she would like to act in open violation of his command; at least immediately. Wait till tomorrow, I will then let you know when you can see her. Believe me, Lindsey, I will act towards you as if you were my own brother.”
    â€œGod bless you, Pierce, you are a true friend; but it is hard to be debarred from her presence.”
    â€œI will tell her you say so; that is, if I