The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 173: what you’re looking at

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

156 REYNOLDS’ WORKS she was about to commit, and into which she had almost been inadvertently betrayed in the somewhat excited state of her thoughts under the influence of those horrible recol- lections which had been so forcibly brought back to her mind. “What were you going to say, Lueilla?”’ inquired Adelaide. “Oh! nothing, my lady —” ‘““ Nonsense! you were about to say something. Speak candidly; there is nought to which you can give utterance in respect to the present topic that will offend me.”’ “I would rather not, my lady. I was foolish — very foolish,’’ responded Lineilli: becoming every instant more and more contused. ‘“ Now I beg that you will speak candidly,” said Adelaide. | “ Nay, lcommand you. Proceed; do not be afraid of giving me offence.”’ | “Well, my lady, since you order, but pray don’t mention to his lordship — I would not for the world make mischief — indeed, I would rather not say any more — ”’ ‘“ Lucilla, this is foolish. Proceed.” “Well, to be sure, it was before my lord was acquainted with your ladyship, and so there’s no harm done.”’ ‘ What is it?’ demanded Adelaide, impatiently. “ Do not trifle with me thus.”’ ‘““T was only going to observe, my lady, that if his lordship did really know something of Emily Archer —I suppose young noblemen will be gay now and then.”’ “To be sure! I comprehend you. Of course it has nothing to do with me. This unfortunate Emily Archer was inti- mate, you mean, with Lord Saxondale? Don’t be frightened, Lucilla; you have not offended me, and I shall not mention that I have learned anything from you. But I suppose his lordship was not here at the castle when the murder took placer. “ Oh, no, my lady; he was in London, and had not been here for some time. His lordship never liked the castle; it was too dull — ”’ ‘But where was it thought that the two women were going at the time? ’”’ inquired Adelaide. ‘Well, my lady, it was whispered that Miss Emily Archer and her maid were coming to the castle for some purpose or another.” CONNIE NOOO KS m