The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

o2 REYNOLDS’ WORKS And there, sure enough, was a child in the arms of Mabel, and worthy Mr. Clitton was bending down and saying all kinds of affectionate and tender things to it, just as if the little innocent were pertectly capable of comprehending these ebullitions of heartfelt feeling on the part of its grand- father. The surgeon was standing by, contemplating the scene with ineffable satisfaction. Lady Saxondale advanced and took the child in her arms, pressing it to her bosom in a manner that was as much as ‘to imply no earthly power should now snatch it from her. It was only with a superhuman effort that Ralph could still master the feelings which were constituting a perfect hell within his breast, but it was still with a lingering ghastli- ness on the countenance and with pale, quivering lips that he approached the group. ‘‘ This, then,” he said, “‘is my little cousin, the lost child? ”’ ‘God in his mercy be thanked for the dear babe’s resto- ration!’ exclaimed the Reverend Mr. Clifton, in a fervid tone. “‘ Poor little innocent! He is somewhat thinner and paler than when last I saw him, but I should have known him, for all that, amongst a thousand, — ay, and a thousand miles off, too,” added the worthy gentleman. ‘* There are the same pretty eyes, and the very dimple on the chin likewise lingers, though the sweet face has lost somewhat of his chubbiness. Poor little thing! Doubtless it has not been so well cared for as when beneath this roof. But we will take care that the darling shall not be torn from us again.”’ And desisting for a moment from his enthusiastic rhap- sodies, the good old gentleman bent his eyes upon Ralph, as much as to say that he was at no loss to conjecture whose wickedness it was that had led to the temporary abstraction of the infant. ‘ Without for a single moment wishing to create any bad feeling,’ said Ralph, not choosing to notice Mr. Clifton’s significant regards, “‘ but as a matter of common justice to myself —and I am sure,” he added, suddenly turning toward the surgeon, “ this gentleman, as a disinterested person, will acquit me of any impropriety —’’ ‘““ Oh, I understand you, sir,” interrupted Lady Saxondale, with a somewhat haughty air. “ You wish to be assured that this is indeed the beloved child that was lost? I might observe that it is only those who are themselves capable CONNIE DOO KS m