The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

110 REYNOLDS’ WORKS arrangements be carried out. So that at six o’clock I shall be compelled to leave you; but to-morrow I promise to be earlier with you than to-day.” Having embraced Augusta Chesterfield, the Viscount de Chateauneuf took his departure to give instructions to a notary to prepare two deeds, one making over half his revenue, together with the chateau itself, to Stephanie, and the other assigning so much of his property as would produce five thousand a year to the woman with whom he was so profoundly infatuated. Soon after six o’clock in the evening, the Viscountess de Chateauneuf commenced her toilet for the party. One of her maids, on ascending to her mistress’s chamber to render the wonted assistance, gave her the pleasing intelligence that the viscount had just entered and was likewise gone to dress. Thus Stephanie was relieved from her fears lest he should not be punctual. A little before seven they met in the drawing-room and for the first few moments the viscount was troubled and embarrassed, as he thought that in a few days he was to deal a blow fatal to the happiness of the un- fortunate and confiding wife who now greeted him with such sweet smiles. This feeling rendered him unusually kind, and even affectionate toward her, —at least his manner had the appearance of affection; and Stephanie was radiant with happiness as she said to herself, ‘‘ Yes, he loves me, he loves me! How could I ever have doubted it? ” In a few minutes the guests began to arrive, some fifteen or sixteen in all, and amongst them the Marquis of Villebelle and Constance. The marquis had within the last few days received a much higher and far more lucrative appointment than that which he had held at the court of Madrid. He was now to be accredited as minister to the court of Naples, but he had still leave of absence for a few weeks ere setting out for his new post. Being prosperous in his worldly cir- cumstances and blessed in his love for Constance, he was supremely happy, and his fine countenance reflected the feelings of his heart. The Marchioness of Villebelle — for so we must call Constance — looked eminently beautiful; and she also was happy in her Etienne’s love, as well as in the contemplation of the honours bestowed upon him by the king, and which his own talents had won. But still the felicity of Lady Saxondale’s younger daughter was not com- CONNIE DOO KS (E(0)