Fatherless Fanny; or, A young lady's first entrance into life. being the memoirs of a little mendicant and her benefactors
Clara Reeve
Paperback
(RareBooksClub.com, June 26, 2012)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 edition. Excerpt: ...the manner of her punishment I will not tell you, for suspense and doubt aggravate affliction of every kind: know this only, she shall wed another. The drug had begun its operation indeed, and a torpor not to be resisted was creeping over my whole frame, yet when Lord Somertown pronounced the last fatal words--' she shall wed another,' my expiring senses were awakened, and the fury that transported my soul inspired one last effort of strength: I flew and seized the collar of my insulting foe, but whilst I held him struggling in my grasp, he contrived to stamp with his foot, and several of his creatures came to his assistance. I was easily secured, for the shortlived energy had already subsided, and my stiffening limbs, and stupified senses overpowered me more than the united strength of the bravoes. "From this moment I remembered nothing more, until I found myself confined in a narrow inconvenient recess, which appeared intended for a bed; but the cruel way in which my hands and feet were manacled, prevented me from stretching myself upon it, so as to obtain any rest. Impenetrable darkness enveloped me, but the constant splashing of water close to my head, convinced me that I was upon the sea, in some vessel, des tined by my persecutor to convey me far from that happy land, where unjust imprisonment is forbidden by the laws. "At first I was at a loss to account for my wretched situation, but by degrees my recollection returned, and the dreadful truth flashed on my awakening senses. It is surprising to me at this moment that „phrenzy did not seal my wretchedness, for I remembered the dreadful words, 'she shall wed another;' and in the agony they excited, I attempted to tear off the manacles that confined me; the effort I made was...