The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 150: what you’re looking at

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

~——ae P ‘ a B 4 = 2 se 4 THE COTTAGE AGAIN 133 this room where I am to sleep. But, by the bye, let us take up the garb in which I am to appear to-morrow.”’ “ Your lordship would embellish even the most wretched )) rags,’ said the woman, knowing how to flatter him, ‘ and therefore you cannot possibly look otherwise then well, even in this rough suit.’’ Thus speaking, she took the bundle in one hand and the candle in the other, and led the way up the rickety lacder- like staircase to the story above. ‘There she introduced Lord Saxondale into a room, the wretched appearance of which contrasted strangely with the splendidly furnished ~ehamber to which he was accustomed at home. Still was It evident that all attempts had been made to render it as habitable as possible. A quantity of hay, having a very fragrant odour, had been thickly spread upon the floor, and on this the mattress was placed. It was quite new, as were also the sheets and blankets. Nevertheless Lord Saxondale made a somewhat wry face as he inspected these accommo- _ dations; and he was about to remark that although they would do for one night, yet he could not put up with them for a longer period, when if struck him that he had better not risk the chance of offending a woman who not only seemed to enter heart and soul into his projects, but who had likewise done the best she could to make him comfortable. pressing, therefore, any display of ill-humour, he allowed his features to brighten up, and even laughed as he exclaimed, “ Only think of the descendants of a family dating its origin back to the time of the ‘Tudors, plunging headlong into such an adventure as this.”’ Sup- “ The little hardships which you thus endure, my lord,” replied the woman, “‘ should be considered as adding to the romance ot the whole adventure.”’ ~ True!” cried Saxondale. ‘ That is at least a consolation. And now open the parcel and put out my rough garments in readiness for me to assume in the morning.”’ . The woman accordingly placed the mechanic’s garb upon a chair near the humble bed, and leaving the candle on the washing-stand, bade her guest ‘‘ good night.” As soon as she had left the room, Saxondale disapparelled himself and lay down to rest. Being much wearied, he did not find the bed altogether so uncomfortable as he had an- ticipated, and while in the midst of imagination’s revels (EO) im (C 0)(6)(0) Ss (EO)