The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

208 REYNOLDS’ WORKS tinued in the grasp of the lion, and the huge boa-constrictor was still coiled around the branch of the tree, waiting to spring. When the evening came, the earl and countess, Lord Osmond and Isabella, were assembled as usual in the draw- ing-room to take coffee, and at about half-past eight o’clock, the earl, rising from his seat, said that he should go to the library and prepare for the next day’s work, as he was positively determined to proceed with his book on the morrow. ‘And as the heat has prevented you from going out all day,’ said Adolphus to the ladies, “‘ I offer, like a gay gallant, to escort you for a stroll in the grounds.”’ The proposal was accepted; the bell was rung for the shawls, and the earl, chuckling with inward satisfaction, ex- claimed, “‘ Well, the evening is really beautiful, and instead of shutting myself up in the library, I will take a lounge with VOU” Adolphus and Ethel were enabled, from a course of dis- simulation, to maintain the strictest guard over their looks at this most unexpected and ominous proposal, but Isabella turned pale and trembled. Fortunately, however, her coun- tenance was not at the instant toward her uncle, and he perceived not her emotion. But the countess did notice it, and hastening to assist Isabella with her shawl, she whis- pered, rapidly, ‘‘ Fear nothing. Adolphus will make every- thing right.” The earl gave his arm to the countess, while Lord Osmond escorted his cousin Isabella. ‘They descended the stairs and reached the hall, — Adolphus the while racking his brain for some pretext to speak aside to Makepeace. As fortune would have it, Makepeace himself was at the instant crossing the hall, with a chamber candle in his hand. “ With your permission, Bella,’ said Lord Osmond, *“ I will smoke a cigar in the garden. Here, Makepeace, give me a light.” The valet stopped short accordingly; Adolphus approached him, and while stooping toward the candle, he said in a low, rapid whisper, ‘‘ Hasten around and prevent young Ashton from entering by the gate this evening.” The cigar was lighted, Adolphus gave Isabella his arm again, and the party issued forth. The earl was determined CONNIE OO KS (E(0) m