"Wilkie Collins - The Law and the Lady" - читать интересную книгу автора (Collins Wilkie)

The Law and the Lady, Chapters 1 - 25THE LAW AND THE LADY


A Novel




NOTE:
ADDRESSED TO THE READER.




IN offering this book to you, I have no Preface to write. I have only to request
that you will bear in mind certain established truths, which occasionally escape
your memory when you are reading a work of fiction. Be pleased, then, to
remember (First): That the actions of human beings are not invariably governed
by the laws of pure reason. (Secondly): That we are by no means always in the
habit of bestowing our love on the objects which are the most deserving of it,
in the opinions of our friends. (Thirdly and Lastly): That Characters which may
not have appeared, and Events which may not have taken place, within the limits
of our own individual experience, may nevertheless be perfectly natural
Characters and perfectly probable Events, for all that. Having said these few
words, I have said all that seems to be necessary at the present time, in
presenting my new Story to your notice.
W. C.
LONDON, February 1, 1875.






THE LAW AND THE LADY.
PART I.
PARADISE LOST.







CHAPTER I.
THE BRIDE'S MISTAKE.



"FOR after this manner in the old time the holy women also who trusted in God