Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 111: what you’re looking at

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

94 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Need we say that a still sunnier joy than her eyes had already shown now danced in those beauteous orbs, or that still deeper blushes appeared upon Florina’s cheeks? This was indeed a moment of happiness well and amply repaying her for any past sorrows she had endured. Again did she embrace her aunt, and then returning to her seat by Mr. Gunthorpe’s side, she took his hand, and pressed it gratefully to her lips. ‘But what about my poor brother?’ she said, after a pause, and while a cloud suddenly gathered upon her brow. ‘Where is he at this moment? ’’ demanded Mr. Gunthorpe. “Oh, I recollect. Your aunt told me just now: he remains at Saxondale Castle, having been thrown from a horse about a week back. But fortunately he has received no serious hurt. Now, Florina, the conduct of your brother is far from satisfactory to those who are interested in him, but he must be left to his own course for the present.”’ ‘Ah, I have the most serious apprehensions on his ac- count!’’ exclaimed Florina. “I fear lest that wicked woman, Lady Saxondale — ”’ “ Well, but we must talk no more upon that subject now,”’ interrupted Mr. Gunthorpe. ‘‘ From all I know of your brother, he is not a man to be either persuaded or coerced into one particular course when he has set his mind on an- other. However, do not be afraid that he will be altogether lost sight of —”’ At this moment the door opened, and a domestic entered to announce that Lord Saxondale had just called. Both Lady Macdonald and Florina threw quick glances of inquiry upon Mr. Gunthorpe to ascertain from his looks what course ~he would recommend, and he at once made a sign that the young nobleman should be shown up. “ Tt will be as well,” he said, when the domestic had quitted the room, “ that this stripling should be frankly dealt with at once, and as the opportunity presents itself, let the expla- nation take place in my presence. You, Lady Macdonald, must speak, but rest assured that I shall come to your rescue, if he dares display any of his flippant impertinence.”’ Searcely had Mr. Gunthorpe finished speaking, when the door opened again, and Lord Saxondale was announced. Apprehensive, as the reader has already seen, that his affair with Emily Archer might be known in Cavendish Square, Gomicbooks. co