The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

THE CHAPEL 3g 3 Now, Mr. Farefield,’’ continued Lady Saxondale, ‘‘ we are about to proceed together into the vaults beneath this chapel, for there is the treasure concealed in a strong chest. But as I am thus compelled to trust myself in such a place and at such an hour, you will not think it imprudent on my part to have adopted some little precaution. Take one of those candles, and just look forth from the door. You need make no observation from your lips.’’ Ralph Farefield did as he was desired, and taking the candle, he advanced to the chapel door, opened it, and looked forth into the passage. There he beheld Mabel, her lady- ship’s confidential tirewoman, standing in the middle of the corridor. — ‘“ Leave that door open,” said Lady Saxondale. Ralph obeyed this command likewise, and retraced his steps to the spot where her ladyship was standing. Taking down her own candle from the niche, she said, “ Now come with me. But I would rather you should pro- ceed in front.” ‘“ Madam,” he answered, ‘‘ | am sorry that you entertain such a dreadful opinion relative to me.”’ ‘““ Let us not make any unnecessary comments, Lady Saxondale. ‘ Proceed.’’ “Shall we not light one of these torches?” he asked, glancing toward a couple which rested in iron rings fastened to the wall, “ for I presume we are about to descend into the eS “No, the candles will do,” interrupted Lady Saxondale. ‘ Proceed.”’ Ralph accordingly led the way into the vestiary, Lady Saxondale following close behind. By her direction he opened the low door communicating with the flight of stone steps leading into the vaults and they descended together. ’” rejoined On the fourth night after the incidents just related, and as the clock was proclaiming the hour of twelve, the inmates of the castle were suddenly alarmed by a cry that burglars had broken in. This cry emanated from Mabel, who was passing from her mistress’s chamber to her own, and who observed the figures of three or four men creeping stealthily along the corridor. In a few minutés the entire household was aroused, and the men servants, arming themselves GomiGaooks (SO)