The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 198: what you’re looking at

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

—s LADY BESS Isl proceedings at a single glance, and then, with that offhand air of easy negligence and graceful listlessness which generally characterized her, the female highwayman took a seat at the table. “T hope I am not intruding,” she said. ‘“ That old scoundrel Solomon told me you were up here closeted together, and as I have got a little business to transact with him I thought there would be no harm in joining ou.” | “‘ Ah! I suppose it doesn’t suit your gentility,’ growled , Chiffin, “‘ to stand lurking about down at the bar, or to go and sit amongst my pals in the tap-room.”’ “Is it not strange, Chifhn,” cried Lady Bess, laughing good-naturedly, and thus displaying the two splendid rows of teeth that graced her rich mouth, “ that you always have something complimentary to say to me? And yet I invari- ably treat you with as much civility as possible.”’ ‘“ Perhaps, you think, more than I deserve,’’ remarked Chiffin, somewhat softened by Lady Bess’s open-hearted frankness. | “Under circumstances it certainly is,’ she responded, “for you scarcely ever say a civil word to me.” ‘“‘ | don’t know how itis, but I can’t say that I dislike you,” resumed Chiffin, “‘ and yet I don’t altogether feel myself at home in your presence. You are too fine and grand for me. Besides, you and I never act together.’’ “Our avocations are so different,’’ exclaimed Lady Bess, with another merry laugh. ‘‘ But what if I were going to propose something of a grand and startling nature, in which you can assist? Now, Madge, you see the Cannibal’s eyes glisten, and he is actually excited with the hint I have thrown out.” “It’s because in his heart he feels honoured by this confidence you are going to show him,” observed Madge, who keenly and skilfully read the real feeling which had inspired the Cannibal at the moment. “ Honour be hanged!” said Chiffin, surlily. Then im- mediately adopting a more conciliatory tone, he hastened to observe, ‘‘ But come, Lady Bess, if there’s anything you ean really put in my way, I sha’n’t refuse to accept it, and it might make us better friends.”’ ~ Very good, I will explain myself presently,’’ replied the COnnNIEDOOKS (CO)