The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 55: what you’re looking at

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

2 ahete REYNOLDS’ WORKS : ‘JT had another, which will presently appear. Listen to what I have to say. ‘“ Until the birth of a son and heir, your late uncle ex- perienced considerable uneasiness on my account, knowing that in the ordinary course of nature his death must take place many years before my own. In consequence of the stringent terms of the entail, which, had our marriage pro- duced no heir, would have given the entire property to you, the only means by which your late uncle could make a pro- vision for me was by saving as much ready money as possible, for previous to our marriage his lordship had none put by. With a view, therefore, to economy, we remained altogether at the castle, and did not visit the metropolis during the season. ‘The result of his lordship’s savings has been close upon twenty thousand pounds, and this money — But ah!” exclaimed Lady Saxondale, suddenly interrupting herself, as 1f a thought had struck her, “ 1f I tell you where this money is concealed —’’ “T understand your ladyship,’’ said Ralph, perceiving that she hesitated. ‘‘ You generously intend to give me a portion, and you would ask what guarantee there is that I will not by force and violence possess myself of the whole? Madam, think you that while receiving your ere I am capable of such black villainy? ”’ “No, I will not entertain so evil an opinion of human nature, : rejoined Lady Saxondale. ‘“ It is my purpose to sive you five thousand pounds of that money, and if you reform your mode of life, depend upon it that I will not be unmindful of you, to the extent of such means as, during the minority of my son, circumstances may place within my reach. But as a condition of what I am now doing for you, I insist upon your departure from the castle; and what I may hereafter do is likewise subject to the condition that you never come near these walls again.”’ Of course Ralph Farefield readily promised cverything | that Lady Saxondale required, but -his submissiveness, his gratitude, and his contrition —all of which he took pains to exhibit — were but a detestable hypocrisy; for in his own mind he was resolved to take immediate possession of the whole twenty thousand pounds of which her ladyship had spoken and in due time adopt fresh measures for re- moving the infant heir from his path. , CONNIE NO KS (E(0)