Louisa May Alcott

Name: Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power — Chapter 8
Author: Louisa May Alcott

Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

Summary

“Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power — Chapter 8”, published in 1866, is a work by Louisa May Alcott. It explores elements such as Jean, Coventry and Bella.

Quotes from Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (Louisa May Alcott)

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Dismissing the carriage, she seated herself to watch for the quarter-past-six train from London, for in that Sir John would come if he came at all that night. She was haunted by the fear that Edward had met and told him. The first glimpse of Sir John's frank face would betray the truth. If he knew all, there was no hope, and she would go her way alone. If he knew nothing, there was yet time for the marriage; and once his wife, she knew she was safe, because for the honor of his name he would screen and protect her.
Up rushed the train, out stepped Sir John, and Jean's heart died within her. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and under the pretense of seeking coolness in the grotto, Jean stole away to a slope whence the gate to the Hall park was visible. For two long hours she watched, and no one came. She was just turning away when a horseman dashed through the gate and came galloping toward the Hall. Heedless of everything but the uncontrollable longing to gain some tidings, she ran to meet him, feeling assured that he brought ill news. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, said with cool precision, "It is now two, the train leaves for London at half-past six; a carriage will wait for you at the side door. Allow me to advise you to go then, for the instant dinner is over I shall speak." And with a bow he went into the house, leaving Jean nearly suffocated with a throng of contending emotions.
For a few minutes she seemed paralyzed; but the native energy of the woman forbade utter despair, till the last hope was gone. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ She longed to assure herself that Sir John was gone, but no servants came or went that day, and she could devise no pretext for sending to glean intelligence. She dared not go herself, lest the unusual act should excite suspicion, for she never went till evening. Even had she determined to venture, there was no time, for Mrs. Coventry was in one of her nervous states, and no one but Miss Muir could amuse her; Lucia was ill, and Miss Muir must give orders; Bella had a studious fit, and Jean must help her. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Now I must try and rest an hour; I've worked all night and have no strength left. Call me the instant any messenger arrives."
With that Coventry went to his room, Bella followed to wait on him, and Jean roamed through house and grounds, unable to rest. The morning was far spent when the messenger arrived. Jean went to receive his tidings, with the wicked hope still lurking at her heart. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ The smile died on her lips, but her voice did not falter, and in her downcast eyes shone an inexplicable look of something like triumph. No wonder, for if this was true, the danger which menaced her was averted for a time, and the marriage might be consummated without such desperate haste. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ All the next day, Jean was in a state of the most intense anxiety, as every hour brought the crisis nearer, and every hour might bring defeat, for the subtlest human skill is often thwarted by some unforeseen accident. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ They are at work getting out the dead and wounded. We heard that Sir John was expected, and I came up to tell Mr. Coventry, thinking he would wish to go down. A train leaves in fifteen minutes; where shall I find him? I was told he was at the Hall."
"Ride on, ride on! And find him if he is there. I'll run home and look for him. Lose no time. Ride! Ride!" And turning, Jean sped back like a deer, while the man tore up the avenue to rouse the Hall.
Coventry was there, and went off at once, leaving both Hall and house in dismay. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ The steward came up on business, and a load of gentlemen called, so Sir John could not get off till night, when he wasn't fit to go, being worn out, and far from well."
"Do you think he will be ill? Did he look so?" And as Jean spoke, a thrill of fear passed over her, lest death should rob her of her prize.
"Well, you know, miss, hurry of any kind is bad for elderly gentlemen inclined to apoplexy. ”

Louisa May Alcott

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Quotes from Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (Louisa May Alcott)

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