The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 211: what you’re looking at

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

194 THE COURT OF LONDON fluid, three or four skeleton keys, and a very diminutive crowbar, the whitened end of which showed that it had been the instrument principally used for making the opening in the wall. The articles were speedily taken charge of by Jocelyn; and the appearance thereof instantaneously con- firmed his former suspicion that an escape was to be at- tempted that night. But he had little leisure for reflection, inasmuch as everything was now haste, bustle, and im- patience with the heroic lady. Indeed, no sooner had he removed the above-mentioned articles from the opening through which she had thrust them, than in the hurried but harmonious accents of her voice she said, ‘* Now help me to pass into your chamber.” At the same time a pair of well-rounded, plump and snow- white arms were thrust through the aperture; immediately afterward came a head covered with a thick black veil, followed by a bust whose proportions were fraught with all — the first freshness of youth. In fine, our hero, taking hold of the lady’s arms, assisted her as well and as delicately as he was able to pass her entire form through the opening. When this was done and the heroine of the adventure, being raised upon her feet, stood before Jocelyn, the rapid glance which he threw upon her naturally expressed a certain amount of curiosity. He observed that she was of the middle height, with a form of youthful appearance, perfectly sym- metrical in shape and characterized by much _ ladylike elegance. But her head, as already stated, was closely enveloped in a thick black veil; and although she could no doubt see perfectly well from behind the invidious screen, yet it was not equally easy for the eyes of an observer to penetrate through to her own countenance. That she studied Jocelyn earnestly and attentively for several moments, he could judge from the steadiness with which her veiled countenance was fixed toward him; but on his side he could positively distinguish neither trait nor limneament of her countenance at all. We should add that the dark veil, two or three times folded, was not merely thrown loosely over her head, but was tied in such a way around her neck that it served as a perfect mask and was not lable to be dis- placed by any motion or gesture on her part. “You are doubtless astonished to see my countenance thus veiled? ’”’ said the lady, in the softest and most melting CONNIE OO KS G0)