The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 103: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

86 REYNOLDS’ WORKS the house after her meeting with Barney the Burker. She was totally unaware that any one had been admitted during her temporary absence, and she was therefore smitten with astonishment on finding her master seated with a lady. As a matter of course she at once concluded that this must be Mrs. Rayner, and quickly recovering her self-possession, she assumed an air of placid benignity, as if pleased that the long-expected one should have come at last. | “This is Mrs. Rayner,’ said the old miser to his house- keeper, “‘ and thus by her presence are all apprehensions for her safety set at rest. Have the goodness to conduct Mrs. Rayner to the chamber prepared for her reception. Good night, Louisa.”’ “Good night, my dear sir,’’? answered Lettice, and she then followed Mrs. Webber from the room. A few minutes afterward the housekeeper returned to the parlour, to make the usual inquiry as to whether her master needed anything more ere she retired for the night, and the response being in the negative, she withdrew. CONNIE YOO KS m