The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

THE COTTAGE 115 not turn up your nose so hastily. When I go into town to-morrow to procure your mechanic’s dress, I can get you clean sheets and blankets at the same time, and a new mattress, too, into the bargain.’’ “ Well, I don’t know but what it would be advisable to make preparations for a shake-down upon the floor, and you could get me some refreshments from the tavern yonder. All this will be amusing enough, and when the charming creature comes to know what I have done for her sake — ”’ “She will of course view you with an interest all the greater,’ rejoined the woman. ‘Then, be the arrangements as you suggest,”’ said Lord Saxondale. ‘* Here is the wherewith to increase the comforts of your place and procure the things that I require. It 1s also an earnest of what my liberality may be if through your assistance I succeed in the accomplishment of my aims.”’ Thus speaking, Edmund again drew forth the well-filled purse and tossed ten sovereigns upon the table. The woman did not utter a word of acknowledgment, but deliberately gathered up the coins and dropped them into her pocket. She then asked her visitor at what hour he would return on the morrow. “When do you think that you will have anything of consequence to tell me?” he asked. ‘' Mind, I am very impatient in this matter, and the sooner it is oth in train the better.”’ ‘““T have already promised that the grass aha not grow under my feet,’’ replied the woman. “‘ If you come up to- morrow Beenie after dusk, I may perhaps have tidings of a more satisfactory nature to communicate than you are likely to dream of. At all events, I will do my best.”’ | “Then I will be here after dusk,’ rejoined Saxondale, perfectly delighted at the tone of confidence in which the woman spoke and the businesslike way in which she treated the whole affair. He then took his departure, congratulating himself upon having been led by accident to that cottage where he had found so valuable an agent to assist him in his designs. On retracing his steps toward Holloway, he kept at a prudent fistance from Evergreen Villa, and taking the first cab he could find, sped homeward. CONnNIELDOOKS (FO)