The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 358: what you’re looking at

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

A NIGHT AT OAKLANDS 34 | toward a man who for many long years has drunk so deeply of the cup of bitterness — ”’ ‘““ My lord,” sobbed the old steward, “‘ I am moved as if I were a child,’’ —for his generous heart was touched by the ineffable mournfulness of the long lost one’s tone. ‘* Question me as you choose, and I will answer. But, oh, if you could only breathe a single word to make me fancy — ”’ ‘““ Purvis, | always knew that you possessed a good heart,”’ interrupted Lord Clandon, “and by everything sacred [ adjure you to suspend your judgment concerning me. When to-morrow comes, look upon this visit which I have paid to your chamber, as if it were a dream. But if the conviction rest in your mind that it was a reality, then with equal solemnity do I adjure you to keep upon your lips the seal of an inviolable silence. The time may come — it must come, and shortly too —- when that seal shall be lifted, and per- haps, Purvis, you may then rejoice that you have borne patiently and kindly with ame who has known unhappiness as dire and bitter as mine.’ ‘“ Ah, my lord,” sobbed the old atoveard: “when I look back over a number of years and think of what you were when last I saw you, — young, handsome, and elegant — ”’ “Hnough, Purvis,” again interrupted Bertram, and now his hand, seeking that of the old steward, pressed it warmly for an instant, and Purvis himself did not shudderingly withdraw that hand of his as if from the grasp of a murderer. There was a pause of a few moments, and then Bertram said, “‘ You will be surprised at the subject on which I am about to question you. But it is needful; it is of impor- tance — ”’ ‘Proceed, my lord, proceed,’’ cried the old man, who was under an influence which strangely attracted him to- ward the long lost one. “There was a lady staying beneath this roof,” continued Bertram, “ and though unseen myself, I beheld you walking with her.” “ Yes, my lord, it was an Eastern lady,” answered Purvis, “and I regret to add that it was for no honourable motive she was somehow or another led to come hither.”’ “ But she experienced no outrage at my brother’s hands? ”’ said Bertram, quickly. Lhe old steward hesitated for a few moments, and then ' comniclooo eS (C(O)