The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 204: what you’re looking at

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

THE SECOND JOURNEY 187 heights, the buildings of the city, and the surface of the lake in a flood of the purest silver, so that Loftus at once marked where the lady rose again to the surface, and springing in once more, he caught her, at the very instant she was about to sink, by her long dark hair which was floating like a mourning veil upon the water. Again, therefore, did our young hero rescue the desperate fair one from a watery erave, but as he dragged her up the bank, she struggled violently to disengage herself from his grasp and accomplish her suicidal purpose. For nearly a minute Jocelyn was placed in extreme danger by this proceeding on her part, but he succeeded in retaining the footing he had gained when having dragged the lady within his depth, and despite her resistance he once more landed her safely on the bank. ‘“{— do not thank you, sir, I do not thank you,”’ she said, in English, while gasping for breath. ‘“ You have brought me back to a life whence I am resolved to fly.”’ “ Oh, lady,’ cried Jocelyn, reproachfully, “‘is it indeed a countrywoman of mine own, a daughter of England, who speaks in such shocking terms? ” “Pardon me, sir, pardon me,” exclaimed the lady, her heart suddenly touched by the kindness of Jocelyn’s manner, although his words were reproachful. ‘‘ To you, at least, I owe nothing but gratitude in risking your life twice to save mine.” Thus speaking, she unresistingly suffered him to conduct her away from the brink of the lake, but scarcely had they proceeded twenty yards, when she sank down in a state of exhaustion, though still retaining her consciousness. Jocelyn raised the lady, and placed her against a bank. He then sat down by her side, urging her to compose her feelings and summon all her presence of mind to her aid, for he feared lest, when her physical energies should return, she might make another attempt upon her life. While thus addressing her, he had an opportunity of observing her more attentively than at first. Her bonnet and shawl, as he was presently informed, had come off when she first plunged into the lake, and her hair was now flowing, drip- ping with wet and in the wildest disorder, over her shoulders. She wore a mourning dress of excellent texture, and her appearance, despite all present disadvantages, fully indi- cated her social position to be that of a lady in good cireum- ) CORNICLOO! cS (C(O) im