The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 311: what you’re looking at

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

294 REYNOLDS’ WORKS the volume, as if to prevent Christina from seeing what particular part of the huge file she had been reading. “T heard footsteps descending the stairs,’ answered Christina; ‘ they did not reascend; I was alarmed. I went up to your room. Not finding you there, I thought you were ill, and with this apprehension I came to see if I could be of any service to you.” While the maiden was thus speaking, Sagoonah’s luminous dark eyes were riveted upon her, as if to read into the very depths of her soul, and thus glean whether she were truly ex- plaining her motives. But it was impossible to doubt Christina’s sincerity; her looks were artlessness itself, and Sagoonah was satisfied. “You must do me a favour, Miss Ashton,” she said, ‘and that is, not to mention to the princess that you found me reading one of these great books. Her Highness would be very angry with me, and I am sure you would not wish to draw down her displeasure upon my head.’’ ‘“ T certainly should be sorry to do anything of the kind,” answered the maiden, “‘ but I think you must be in error to suppose that your good-hearted mistress would be of- fended —”’ ‘She would,’ Sagoonah emphatically responded, as she thus interrupted our heroine. “Then if you are conscious of an indiscretion,”’ said Chris- ‘tina, in a tone of gentle remonstrance, ‘‘ wherefore did you commit it? ”’ “Do not ask me, Miss Ashton!” rejoined the Hindu woman, and again there was a sinister flashing in her burning, haunting eyes. ‘‘ Promise me the favour which I have requested, and you know not with what deep gratitude I shall regard you.”’ “Rest assured, Sagoonah,” replied our heroine, “ I shall not travel out of my way to do you an injury. But my pledge is given with the understanding that you do not repeat that which, according to your own words, you know to be an indiscretion.” ‘“T will not repeat it,’ answered Sagoonah, “ and I thank you, Miss Ashton, for your kindness.”’ They then issued together from the boudoir, and cautiously ascending the stairs, separated to their respective chambers. But Christina could not help thinking it strange that the CONNIELNCO KS (E(0) m