The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 169: what you’re looking at

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

152 REYNOLDS’ WORKS proposition, “I ought perhaps to inform you that I am Captain Chandos, of the British army, unattached at pres- ent.” ‘‘ The circumstances under which we have met, and your kindness, Captain Chandos,” returned Edmund, ‘“ lead me to express a hope that we shall be better acquainted. I am Lord Saxondale, and shall be most happy to return your civility by receiving you in Park Lane.” “IT have heard of your lordship,” said the captain, “‘ as of course everybody has, and am proud at thus enjoying the honour of your company. Now, my lord, catch hold of my arm, I have left the stirrup free for you, and spring up be- hind me.”’ This was immediately done, and now behold Lord Saxon- dale mounted upon this beautiful high-spirited steed, behind its rider, around whose waist he was of course compelled to throw his arm in order to sustain his balance. Captain Chandos just touched the flanks of the horse with his spurs, and the animal started off at an easy gallop. A little farther on the steed suddenly shied somewhat at a mile-stone which stood out in white and ghastly contrast against the dark hedge, and this little incident, by disturbing Lord Saxondale’s equilibrium for a moment, led him to cling all the more tightly to the captain. But he was suddenly seized with a strange feeling of astonishment when his hand encountered a remarkable fulness about the breast of the captain’s surtout coat, so that the impression naturally made all in a moment upon Edmund’s mind was that his companion must be a woman in disguise. So bewildered was he by this dis- covery that he knew not what to say or do, and as the steed was galloping along the road toward Edmonton, the young nobleman rapidly experienced the most unpleasant doubts and misgivings springing up within him. At length, when he had made up his mind to turn the matter off in a laugh and inquire “‘ who the fair unknown was that thus in male apparel played the part of Captain Chandos in her Majesty’s service,” the gallant officer himself — for we had better continue to speak of the rider in the masculine gender — suddenly reined in his steed in the most lonely part of the road and clutching Lord Saxondale by the arm which en- circled the slender waist and had been pressing against the telltale bosom, he gave him such a sudden whirl and jerk Gomichbooks (E(e)