The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 188: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAMBLE 171 for nought? Was all the catalogue of her crimes to become useless for the want of one more crime to crown everything with success? It was while the thought of this new but last deed of turpitude was expanding and acquiring consistency in her mind that Satan appeared greedily on the watch to help her onward to its consummation. There was a bridge across the river, at a spot where she halted for a few moments the better to commune with her thoughts, and as the arch had a much wider span than was requisite for the actual bed of the stream, — the earth having accumulated on either bank, — a portion of each of those banks was left dry be- neath the bridge. We say that Lady Saxondale halted at this spot for a few moments, and while she stood there gazing upon the castle which was about a quarter of a mile distant, the countenance of a man was stealthily thrust forth from under the bridge. The eyes which thus peered out recognized Lady Saxondale’s form in a moment, though the face was unseen, her back being turned coped the individual. Then an ejaculation of satisfaction, uttered in a course tone, reached the ears of Lady Saxondale; and as she glanced around with a sudden start, she perceived a man emerge from the dry part of the bank beneath the bridge. She, too, gave vent to an ejaculation, as she at once recognized Chiffin the Cannibal. “Well, my lady,’ said the fellow, “‘ this is indeed an un- expected pleasure, though, to tell you the truth, your lady- ship is just the very identical person I was wanting to see; and in a fit of desperation I meant to make my way into the castle this blessed night that is coming, for I learned that you were staying there.’’ ‘“ And what would you with me? ”’ demanded Lady Saxon- - dale, sweeping her rapid looks around, to assure herself that she was not observed while thus discoursing with that dreadiul-looking man. ‘‘ Money, doubtless, always money. For no other purpose could you seek me.”’ “ Now pray, your ladyship,”’ said Chiffin, with a grim smile, “ don’t set me down as so uncommon selfish. In the first place, it’s a blessing to enjoy the acquaintance of a noble lady like you; and in the second place, how should I know but what you might have some little business in hand that I could give a help to? ”’ CONNIE DOOKS (E(0)