The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 267: what you’re looking at

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

250 REYNOLDS’ WORKS say nothing more than that the earl maintained a strict silence with regard to recent events. One morning — about ten days after Christian’s abrupt dismissal from the house— Lord Osmond paid him a second visit at his lodgings. We have already said that our héro had more than once bethought himself of seeking the young nobleman’s good offices toward obtaining an inter- view with Isabella, but he hesitated, — fearful that he might be taking too great a liberty and trusting too far to the favourable feeling of the earl’s son. But now, when Lord Osmond entered his little sitting-room, Christian’s countenance suddenly lighted up with mingled hope and Joy. ‘Still in the same place, and still without employment, my young friend?” said Adolphus, shaking Christian warmly by the hand. ““T cannot tear myself away from this neighbourhood,” replied the youth, his cheeks glowing with blushes, “ and now the truth is frankly told.” “ You entertain some hope? ’”’ said Lord Osmond. “ Per- haps you wish to see Isabella — But of course you do. It is natural enough.”’ “Oh, for one parting interview! ’’ exclaimed Christian, enthusiastically, “‘ and you know not, my lord, how deep would be my gratitude.” “Well, we must manage it by some means or another,’’ responded Adolphus. ‘‘ Have you the courage to enter the grounds stealthily this evening, or to-morrow evening, on receipt of a note or message from me? ”’ Christian hesitated for a moment; the natural rectitude of his principles recoiled from the idea of thus violating the sanctity of premises whence he had been so pointedly dismissed. But a second thought told him that there was no more harm in entering the earl’s grounds against his consent than in seeking an interview with his niece like- wise in opposition to his will. Love therefore triumphed over all scruples, and he exclaimed, ‘* Tell me how I can see Miss Vincent, if only for a few minutes, and I will risk everything. But think you, my lord, that she herself will be agreeable —’”’ ‘She loves you, Christian, and that assurance ought to be a sufficient answer. Hold yourself in readiness for a com- munication from me, and trust to my ingenuity to manage the matter. And now one word more ere I take my de- CONNIE DOO KS (E(0) m