The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 322: what you’re looking at

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

THE FABRICATION O08 the more acute, all the more intense, because she dared not give vent to the expression of her agonies in ejaculations or in tears, but was compelled to strain every nerve and exert every effort to conceal them. The colour had however entirely forsaken her cheeks, she looked unnaturally pale and cold, and the smile which she forced herself to assume at Lady Saxondale’s remarks was wan and sickly. “ But how did this extraordinary romance end?” asked Lady Macdonald, who, not dreaming that her niece had any extraordinary interest in the conversation, did not pay particular attention to her. ‘Tt terminated, my dear friend,’’ answered Lady Saxcn- dale, ‘in the only way in which such a proceeding could end. With indignation did I expel Mr. Deveril from my presence, commanding him never to approach the door of Saxondale House again. He went away, muttering threats of revenge, but terribly crestfallen. Now really, I do not wish to inflict an injury upon the poor infatuated, pre- sumptuous young man, but of course I cannot, by passing the matter over in silence, permit him to continue his visits at the houses of my friends.” ‘“‘T for one shall order the door to be shut in his face next time he comes hither,’ exclaimed Lady Macdonald, ‘‘ and I am sure that our dear Florina is as much obliged as I am to your ladyship for having thus lost no time in making us aware of the dangerous character of this young man. And so he threatened you, my dear friend, did he? ” “Yes, but that is always the last resource of vulgar minds,”’ responded Lady Saxondale. ‘“‘ You may readily suppose I cared nothing for his threats — ”’ “Certainly not,’ rejoined Lady Macdonald. ‘“‘ Persons in our sphere are beyond the reach of such malevolence. -Probably you will have a letter full of contrition in the course of the day.”’ “Ah! I forgot to observe,” exclaimed Lady Saxondale, catching at a remark which thus afforded her a hint for another well-seeming falsehood, ‘‘ that he sent one this morning, but as a matter of course I returned it unopened. And now I must say farewell, for I have got a round of visits tO pay.” ’ ~ And of course you will not forget to put all your friends CONNIE OOOKS (CO)