The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 218: what you’re looking at

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

>. THE TWO DOORS 201 peeped in, but not liking the appearance, did not cross the threshold.”’ “For my own part,’ observed Jocelyn, ‘“‘ I cannot help wondering that you find courage enough to lve in this eloomy abode.”’ “Courage, indeed!” said Mrs. Roberts, bitterly, ‘ had you not a pretty specimen of my cowardice this evening? ”’ “Pardon me for making an observation so indiscreet, so improper, I would not for the world aggravate your sorrow. ”’ interrupted Jocelyn. ‘* Believe me, madam, LG 1s: No, beyond doubt, already too great for you to endure. -not for worlds would I enhance it,’ he added, with that generous vehemence which showed that the assurance came gushing up from the recesses of his heart. “T believe you, I believe you, Mr. Loftus,’ said the lady, extending her hand toward him. ‘Then, with a peculiar smile suddenly appearing upon her countenance, she said, “TIT suppose that I am to call you Mr. Loftus? ” ‘Yes, if you please,” was the quick response. may have to give me.”’ Phat other name, I believe that I have renounced it for ever — But no matter, | await in anxiety any explanations you ‘Mr. Loftus,’ resumed the lady, motioning him to take a seat, and placing herself in-a chair at a little distance from ~ the one which he took, “‘in the first place, I must speak about myself. After what has occurred this evening you have a right to know something about me. Nay, do not interrupt me; I know full well what you would say. You would tell me that the service you have rendered -me forms not in your estimation any claim upon my confidence. But I think otherwise. At all events, I feel as if Heaven itself threw you in my way. I cannot fancy that it was a mere accident, one of the common incidents of life, which thus brought us together. I therefore feel a desire, so to speak, a craving, a longing, to tell you somewhat of my own history. - It seems to me as if it would be a solace and a consolation thus to unburden myself partially to you. Nor will there be anything indiscreet or improper in this, for although you are sO young a man, and I am not so very much farther ad- vanced in years,’ she observed, with a melancholy smile, “ yet do circumstances cause us to stand in the light of friends, so that the confidence which I may impart and you receive ~ (CO) im (C JOO <=) (CO)