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.

THE DISSECTING - ROOM 341 In the confusion and dismay which prevailed inside the dining-room, where Mavolta and the doctor were administer- ing restoratives to Emma and Julia, and where Agatha was giving vent to her hysterical revealings, the door, as already stated; had been left open. The ‘eldent sister’s confessions were at this moment absorbing the entire atten- tion of Jocelyn Loftus, and he observed not that the door was thus open, neither did he hear the sounds of footsteps nor the rustling of garments as Lady Prescott and tie Countess of Curzon were staggering past that open door, scarcely knowing whither they went, but both alike a Soak to feelings which defied description. The door of the sombre-looking little parlour, of which we have frequently spoken, was also standing ajar, and a light glimmered from within. Mechanically did the two ladies enter there, for they felt that their limbs were failing them and that they must sink with the exhaustion of terror and dismay unless they reached some place where they could sit down. Lady Prescott threw herself into an armchair, an example which was instantaneously followed by the Countess of Curzon. Then with hollow eyes did they gaze upon each other, as if to ask what was to be done, for they both felt. profoundly and terribly conscious of danger, although they knew not how to define it or whence it was to come. “ The lake has given up its dead,’’ whispered Lady Pres- cott, in accents low and hollow. “Is not this ominous of something dreadful? ”’ “Yes, my God! dreadiul, dreadful!” returned Editha, wringing her hands. ‘‘ Oh, that the work of the last few hours could be undone! ”’ ‘“ Know you,” asked Lady Prescott, under the influence of a tremendous consternation, ‘‘ what is the punishment in Geneva — for — for —”’ “For the crime of murder? ”’ added Lady Curzon, me- chanically. “ Yes, the guillotine,” answered Lady Prescott, with wild, staring eyes. ~“ QO horror!’’ rejoined the wretched Editha, shuddering with an ice-chill from head to foot. “ Ah!” ejaculated Lady Prescott, as her eye fell upon the bottle which stood on the table. COMMICLOO <S) (C(O)