The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 150: what you’re looking at

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

THE REVIEW 133 and is exceedingly cool toward the countess. Perhaps I should be offended at this conduct on his part toward her ladyship were it not that lovers are always obliged to be cool to every lady except the object of their affection. Have not you noticed that my son is cool — almost pointedly so — in respect to her ladyship? ”’ “T have, my lord,’ answered Makepeace, who, as the reader has observed, invariably shaped his responses so as to suit the humour of his noble master. “ Well, then, all things considered, Makepeace,” continued _ the earl, ‘‘ there is no harm done in engaging this youth as my private secretary. You comprehend? Miss Vincent is sure to marry Lord Osmond, and there is not the slightest chance that she will bestow her affections on young Ashton. Besides, don’t you see, the presence of this exceedingly good-looking youth in the house will put my son on his mettle, so to speak, and will make him ply his suit all the more arduously with Isabella. Ha, ha, Makepeace, another proof of shrewdness, eh? another admirable stroke of policy on my part?” | The valet of course assented, and here the discourse ter- minated, the foolish old nobleman chuckling over the various combinations which he was thus bringing about, and flatter- ing himself that there was not in all the world such a cunning dog as he was. COnnNIELOOOKS (C(O)