The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 297: what you’re looking at

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

280 REYNOLDS’ WORKS appear preeminently disrespectful not to call, offer an apology, and ascertain whether it would be their pleasure to take their lesson on the morrow. Deciding upon this course, William Deveril bent his way | to Saxondale House, and was immediately admitted by the hall porter. He was conducted by a footman up-stairs to the apartment where the two sisters were wont to take their lesson, and he therefore supposed, as he ascended, that they were waiting for him. But on reaching that apartment, instead of perceiving Juliana and Constance there, he found himself in the presence of Lady Saxondale herself. | ‘You are late, Mr. Deveril,”’ said her ladyship, in a somewhat peculiar tone, so that the young artist’s first and most natural thought was that he had offended the haughty patrician lady by his seeming neglect. ‘“T have to offer your ladyship a thousand apologies,” he replied, in a tone and manner, which, while exceedingly courteous and respectful, had nevertheless nothing servile nor grovelling in them. ‘“ Never mind, Mr. Deveril,’’ said her ladyship, “* I am not disposed to be angry with you. My daughters waited a little while, and finding you did not come, they went to take an airing in the carriage. But sit down,’’ and she pointed to a chair near the one in which she herself was seated. * “T thank your ladyship,’’ returned Deveril, who still remained standing, “‘ but I will not intrude any longer on your ladyship. Might I ask whether the Honourable Misses Farefield designated an hour for me to come to-morrow? ” “Yes, at two o’clock, if your engagements will permit,” answered Lady Saxondale; and still there was something so peculiar in her voice and look that the young artist knew not what to think, and even felt himself troubled, but so vaguely and undefinably that he could not account for this uneasiness. ‘‘ Sit down, Mr. Deveril,’? added Lady Saxon- dale. “‘ I wish to speak to you.” He accordingly took the chair which she indicated, and she at the same moment drew her own a little closer. Then bending forward, with an air of mysterious confidence, she said, “‘ Mr. Deveril, I am desirous of having some very serious discourse with you. You will no doubt be surprised, astonished, at what vou will hear, but you must listen.” Gomichbooks