The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 140: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XI UNPLEASANT VISITORS A coup chill fell upon the lady, as if her flesh had suddenly come in contact with the slimy coils of a serpent, and the colour fled from her cheeks. She was struck as if with an omen of evil, for the appearance of this man, whom she only knew by the name of Jones, and which name she believed to be an assumed one, was indeed but too well calculated of itself, apart from any repugnant associations connected with him, to arouse a mortal terror in her soul. “What do you want? What do you require?’’ she de- manded, in a voice that was nearly suffocated by her emo- tions. “T just want to have a few words with your ladyship, that’s all,” said the man; and advancing toward the fire, he coolly and deliberately took a seat. ; Ernestina fell back in the chair from which she had started on his entrance; but composing herself as well as she was able, she made a sign for him to continue. “Your husband, ma’am—I mean your ladyship’s husband,” he resumed, endeavouring to give his hangdog cOuntenance an insinuating look, “ has got himself into a precious scrape, and if he don’t mind he’ll be a croaker before ten days are over.” “ But what do you want with me? ” demanded Ernestina, impatiently. “Pl explain- myself all in good time,” he continued. “ If you’re in a hurry, I’m not particularly so — and there’s the difference. Besides, you shouldn’t look so precious glum at an old acquaintance. I suppose you know it was me that got up the expedition that night when the prince and the marquis were taken to the manor; and of course you 123 CONnnIClOO© cS (SO)