The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 162: what you’re looking at

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

THE PURSUER AND THE FUGITIVES 145 somely furnished, and well-lighted dining-room, at a board served with a succulent repast, and the choicest wines sparkling upon the table, he felt as blithe and happy as a schoolboy on his first day at home for the holidays. Nor was Adelaide herself sorry to be once more in that palatial residence, with troops of servants at her command, equipages ready at her bidding, and the treatment she experienced being that of a lady of title. , On the second day after their return, — and at about eleven in the forenoon, —as Edmund and Adelaide were deliberating together how they should while away the time till dinner, a post-chaise rolled up to the gate of the castle. In a few minutes one of the domestics, who had received special instructions to be on the lookout, hurried up to the room where Edmund and his wife were seated. The man rushed in somewhat unceremoniously, to announce that Lady Saxondale had just arrived. ‘| will not see her,’ exclaimed Edmund, starting to his feet from the sofa on which he was lounging by Adelaide’s side. “Ts her ladyship alone? ”’ inquired his wife, and on re- ceiving an answer in the affirmative, she said, in a hurried whisper to her husband, ‘‘ Yes, let us see her. Perhaps she comes to propose some terms? At all events if she a alone, she is harmless.”’ ‘’ Well, then, we will see her,” cried Edmund, aloud, and the domestia hastened away. In a few minutes the door was thrown open, and Lady Saxondale made her appearance. She looked somewhat pale and haggard from excitement of mind and body, but yet not so much altered nor worn as most other women under such circumstances would have been, for she was of great physical capacity of endurance, as well as being endowed with strong mental power. She entered with a composed but severe look, and Adelaide, who was deeply skilled in reading the human heart through the medium of the coun- tenance, at once saw that she had some sternly settled pur- pose in view. Edmund was not enabled thus deeply to fathom the state of his mother’s mind, and he surveyed her with an air of mingled mockery and supercilious contempt. Slowly and deliberately she put off her bonnet and shawl, and took a seat. More than a minute thus elapsed from the GomiGcaooks (S(O)