The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 162: what you’re looking at

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

THE TWO ACCIDENTS 145 of rank who is advertising for a companion, who must possess certain qualifications, all of which are minutely specified.” ‘‘ And wherefore, my dear Christina,’’ inquired Zoe, a strange expression for a moment flitting over her counte- nance, ‘why does that advertisement interest you so much? ”’ | ‘‘ Because — because, my dear friend, my kind bene- factress, my own sweet Zoe,’ was Christina’s tremulously given response, “ the advertisement appears to suit me.” Lady Octavian Meredith did:not immediately make any answer; she, however, gazed earnestly upon Christina’s countenance, as if seeking to read into the very depths of her soul, but the amiable lady’s regards were notwithstanding fraught with an ineffable sweetness and a tenderness that was at the same time full of affection, surprise, and suspense. ‘And you will leave me, Christina?’ she at length said, but in a voice so low that it was only audible through its tremulous clearness. ‘““ Yes, dearest Zoe,’’ answered Christina, ‘‘ I shall seek this situation,’? and then she averted her countenance to conceal the tears that were trickling down it. She said not another word; she volunteered not another syllable of explanation. What more indeed could she say? To enter into particulars was impossible, and she would much rather lie under the imputation of deep ingratitude — - . painful though such an imputation were — than be guilty of the far blacker and perhaps more hidden ingratitude of re- maining beneath that roof to stand in the way of Zoe’s claims to all her husband’s devoted love. There was a long silence, during which Christina dared not turn her eyes again upon Lady Octavian Meredith, for she naturally feared that this silence on her friend’s part denoted astonishment and displeasure. At length feeling her position was awkward in the extreme, she slowly and timidly reverted her eyes upon Zoe, and then to her mingled amazement and relief, she perceived that Lady Octavian, having just wiped the tears from her cheeks, was surveying her with an expression of tenderness ineffably sweet, in- describably angelic. Christina threw herself upon her friend’s bosom; they embraced with true sisterly warmth; they mingled their tears together. For some minutes did they thus remain clasped in each other’s arms, and not a syllable CONNIE OOOkKS (SO)