Hawkstone (Volume 2); A Tale of and for England in 184-

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1848. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... arid forwards, clasping at the same time to her breast what appeared to be an infant wrapped up in her mother's shawl. Go home, go home, said th policeman; what are you doing here? And the poor thing opened her eyes, and catching eight of him, sprang up and fell down at his knees. Do n't strike me again--do n't strike me again--do not murder me, George, she cried; and then she lowered her voice to a whisper, -- I wo n't tell--indeed I wo n't! What's the matter? said the rough policeman; what's the meaning of this, woman 1--who's going to murder you? I wo n't tell, indeed, she continued, it's all safe DEGREES only do n't strike me! and she clasped his knees, convulsively. Any thing but that. Anything but what? Get up, my good woman, said the policeman, get up! And he raised her up, made her relinquish her hold, and placed her on the step of the door. As the light from the lamp fell on the face of the policeman, she passed her thin wan hands over her eyes, and throwing back her hair from her young and beautiful face, she gazed wildly, as if to ascertain where she was. But all seemed to be a dream. Do n't be frightened, said the kind-hearted, but blunt man, I 'm not going to do you any harm. I wo n't murder you. She looked on him wistfully, and then, after a pause, she said, Why not? I never did any thing for you.--I never gave up all for you. Hah ! she cried, as she seemed to catch sight of and recognize his policeman's dress. And closing her lips firmly, as if resolved not to speak, she once more clasped her bundle to her breast, and seemed rocking her baby to sleep. What in the world is the matter with her? said a second policeman, who had now come up. I suspect she 's out of her senses, said the other. Look at her clothes, all t...