BestLightNovel.com

The Hunchback Part 23

The Hunchback - BestLightNovel.com

You’re reading novel The Hunchback Part 23 online at BestLightNovel.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit BestLightNovel.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy

I ne'er saw lips at all till now, dear cousin!

_Helen_. Cousin, I'm well,--you need not hold me now.

Do you not hear? I tell you I am well!

I need your arm no longer--take 't away!

So tight it locks me, 'tis with pain I breathe!



Let me go, cousin! Wherefore do you hold Your face so close to mine? What do you mean?

_Mod_. You've questioned me, and now I'll question you.

_Helen_. What would you learn?

_Mod_. The use of lips.

_Helen_. To speak.

_Mod_. Naught else?

_Helen_. How bold my modest cousin grows!

Why, other use know you?

_Mod_. I do!

_Helen_. Indeed!

You're wondrous wise? And pray what is it?

_Mod_. This! [Attempts to kiss her.]

_Helen_. Soft! my hand thanks you, cousin--for my lips I keep them for a husband!--Nay, stand off!

I'll not be held in manacles again!

Why do you follow me?

_Mod_. I love you, cousin!

_Helen_. O cousin, say you so! That's pa.s.sing strange!

Falls out most crossly--is a dire mishap-- A thing to sigh for, weep for, languish for, And die for!

_Mod_. Die for!

_Helen_, Yes, with laughter, cousin, For, cousin, I love you!

_Mod_. And you'll be mine?

_Helen_. I will.

_Mod_. Your hand upon it.

_Helen_. Hand and heart.

Hie to thy dressing-room, and I'll to mine-- Attire thee for the altar--so will I.

Whoe'er may claim me, thou'rt the man shall have me.

Away! Despatch! But hark you, ere you go, Ne'er brag of reading Ovid's Art of Love!

_Mod_. And cousin! stop--one little word with you!

[She returns, he s.n.a.t.c.hes a kiss--They go out severally.]

SCENE II.--Julia's Chamber.

[Enter JULIA.]

_Julia_. No word from him, and evening now set in!

He cannot play me false! His messenger Is dogged--or letter intercepted. I'm Beset with spies!--No rescue!--No escape!-- The hour at hand that brings my bridegroom home!

No relative to aid me! friend to counsel me.

[A knock at the door.]

Come in.

[Enter two Female Attendants.]

Your will?

_First Attendant_. Your toilet waits, my lady; 'Tis time you dress.

_Julia_. 'Tis time I die! [A peal of bells.] What's that?

_First Attendant_. Your wedding bells, my lady.

_Julia_. Merrily They ring my knell!

[Second Attendant presents an open case.]

And pray you what are these?

_Second Attendant_. Your wedding jewels.

_Julia_. Set them by.

_Second Attendant_. Indeed.

Was ne'er a braver set! A necklace, brooch, And earrings all of brilliants, with a hoop To guard your wedding ring.

_Julia_. 'Twould need a guard That lacks a heart to keep it!

_Second Attendant_. Here's a heart Suspended from the necklace--one huge diamond Imbedded in a host of smaller ones!

Oh! how it sparkles!

_Julia_. Show it me! Bright heart, Thy l.u.s.tre, should I wear thee, will be false,-- For thou the emblem art of love and truth,-- From her that wears thee unto him that gives thee.

Back to thy case! Better thou ne'er shouldst leave it-- Better thy gems a thousand fathoms deep In their native mine again, than grace my neck, And lend thy fair face to palm off a lie!

_First Attendant_. Will't please you dress?

Please click Like and leave more comments to support and keep us alive.

RECENTLY UPDATED MANGA

The Hunchback Part 23 summary

You're reading The Hunchback. This manga has been translated by Updating. Author(s): James Sheridan Knowles. Already has 515 views.

It's great if you read and follow any novel on our website. We promise you that we'll bring you the latest, hottest novel everyday and FREE.

BestLightNovel.com is a most smartest website for reading manga online, it can automatic resize images to fit your pc screen, even on your mobile. Experience now by using your smartphone and access to BestLightNovel.com