The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 296: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXV A STRANGE SCENE WE have seen that William Deveril had called at Lady Macdonald’s mansion precisely at midday to give a drawing- lesson to Lady Florina, but we have also seen that it was a lesson in love that was mutually taken, and that two hours had slipped away almost unnoticed by the lovers. It was therefore two o’clock when Mr. Deveril issued from that mansion, and at this hour he ought, in pursuance of his engagement, to attend at Saxondale House to give lessons to the Honourable Misses Juliana and Constance Farefield. But how could he possibly think of these two ladies when the lovely and beloved Florina filled his heart with her image? Mechanically, however, he proceeded toward Park Lane; but as he made his way through the streets he had no eyes for the ever-flowing tide of that human ocean which pours its unceasing floods through the great thoroughfares of the metropolis, nor had he any ears for those multitudinous sounds which indicate the bustle, the activity, and the vital energies of the modern Babylon. All his powers of vision as well as all his faculties of thought were concentrated inwardly, absorbed in the delicious contemplation of Florina’s image which was impressed upon his heart. In this mood did he reach the vicinage of Saxondale House, but instead of presenting himself there, he entered Hyde Park and roved about for some time, abandoning himself to those delicious reflections which naturally sprang from the scene described in the preceding chapter. At length he recollected his engagement at Saxondale House. He looked at his watch; it was half-past three o’clock. What should he do? It was doubtless too late to give the Honourable Misses Farefield their lesson, but would it not 2/9 | GOmicdoo Ss (S(O)