The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 193: what you’re looking at

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176 REYNOLDS’ WORKS back partially, for she thought to herself that the message was too civil, and that proposal of returning again on the morrow, 1f more convenient, was too unlike a hostile pro- ceeding for the head constable to have any such intention. She therefore at once bade the footman introduce the official, and during the few minutes that elapsed ere the door again opened, Lady Saxondale said to herself, “‘ It is doubt- less relative to this discovery of yesterday, but how can that dress be in any way associated with me? What clue can have been obtained? Edmund and Adelaide can have done nothing; no, I am sure not. And then, too, the courtesy which marks the man’s approach — no I have nothing to fear, ’” Nevertheless, as Lady Saxondale possessed a guilty con- science, she was far from being entirely free from misgivings as the constable entered the room, and her large, dark eyes bent upon him the penetrating look of eagles’ glances as he bowed obsequiously in her presence. Her courage rose, for she saw that the man was himself somewhat awkward and embarrassed, and the thought flashed to her that it was probably altogether upon quite a different business he had come. ‘““T hope,” he said, “‘ that your ladyship will pardon this intrusion, perhaps a most unwarrantable one; but in con- sequence of something that has transpired, I feel 1t my duty to solicit a little information at your ladyship’s hands.”’ ‘Upon what subject? ’”’ she inquired, with such an out- ward display of calmness that not for a single moment could he fancy her to be inwardly ruffled. “It is relative to that unfortunate occurrence, that dread- ful deed, which was perpetrated so mysteriously a few months back, and as there is not as yet the slightest clue — ”’ These last words were productive of an infinite relief to Lady Saxondale, and, resuming her own seat, she motioned the constable to take a chair. ‘“T suppose you allude to the assassination of the two women on the bank of the river? ”’ she observed. “It is so, my lady. That dress which your ladyship saw yesterday has been placed in my hands. I am afraid that the subject may be a delicate one.”’ ‘In what respect?’”’ asked Lady Saxondale, somewhat hastily. (E(@) m CONNIE NO KS