The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 335: what you’re looking at

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

318 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Juliana said, as if with the effort of a resolution, “ Stop, Frank, I wish to speak to you.” | ‘Yes, miss,’ murmured the youth, and with eyes now bent down, and trembling all over, he remained standing close by the luxurious seat where Miss Farefield’s magnifi- cent form was supported by floceulent cushions. ‘“ Frank,’ she said, “ why do you tremble so? ~Why do you look confused — hali-frightened? Surely you can guess what Il am going to say to you? But I myself am now so confused, and vet this 1s foolish. Frank,’’ she exclaimed, suddenly raising herself from her indolently lounging posture, and bending upon the almost stupefied youth the entire power of her glorious dark eyes, “‘ I love you — I love you.”’ “Heavens, miss, what do you mean? What — what — ”’ and the amazed and bewildered Francis stood blushing and trembling, covered with confusion, in the presence of that superb young woman of high patrician birth who had just with the effort of a strong resolution thrown at him the avowal of her love. “What do I mean, dear boy? ’’ she answered, with glow- ing cheeks and with a delicious languor floating in the depths of her eyes. ‘I mean that I can conceal this secret no longer — that I love you— Oh, I love you, with an affection so sincere, a passion so strong, that if you were the son of a duke instead of what you are, it could not be more powerful! Tell me then, Francis, can you love me in return? Do you love me already? Yes, yes, I see that you do — I know it —I read it in your eyes—O Heaven! it is a paradise to love and be beloved,’’ and as she thus spoke the impassioned young lady snatched the youth’s disengaged hand and pressed it with a warmth — nay, almost a frenzied violence — which testified unmistakably to the ardour of her feelings. “Oh, miss, what would her ladyship say if she knew this? ’’ exclaimed Francis, more confused than ever. ‘She need not know it, my dear boy,’’ returned Juliana. ‘“ But tell me, tell me, do you love me? Do you like me? ”’ ‘“ Yes, I love you,” he answered, timidly, while his cheeks were crimson. ‘Oh, and I love you also, full well do I love you,”’ and the impassioned young lady threw her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly, ‘ Now do not go away yet, but CONNIE OO KS (E(0)