The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 195: what you’re looking at

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

17S o>) REYNOLDS’ WORKS In justice to myself, — though reluctant indeed to say a word against the dead, — I must observe that Miss Archer was very violent. Availing herself of her knowledge of my son’s engagement with Lady Florina, she threatened an exposure; and she herself, in a very peremptory manner, made an appointment to call upon me again at the castle between nine and ten o’clock in the evening of the ensuing day, to know my decision. I confess that I was angry, and I de- clared that if she came in a public manner, — as, for instance, in any vehicle to excite attention, — I would not see her. She became more humble, and of her own accord volunteered her readiness to come on foot, of course being accompanied by her maid. To this I had no objection, but little did I foresee what a terrific peril the two fated women were des- tined to encounter, and how dread was to be the ca- tastrophe.’’ ‘| thank your ladyship for these explanations,’’ said the constable, making a low bow. ‘Of course,’’ continued her ladyship, ‘“ when the inquest was held, I saw no necessity for going forward, or sending to communicate all these facts. Consider, sir, a mother’s feelings.”’ ‘“T can understand them fully,’’ exclaimed the constable, “and it was most natural that your ladyship should study to save your son from what might have been a little ex- posure, and, at all events, would have had the effect of breaking off a marriage which your ladyship at the time was -anxious he should contract. And now, my lady, I have but one more word to say.” ‘“T can anticipate what it is,’ exclaimed Lady Saxon- dale. ‘‘ You would ask me relative to the dress, and with the same frankness I have hitherto shown, will I reply. The dress was mine, but therewith was connected a certain infamous piece of scandal regarding me. You will not ask me to repeat it. Suffice it to say, it was false, but Miss Archer had been led to believe it was true. By certain means —no matter what—she obtained possession of that dress, and she purposed to use it as a means of extortion in respect to my purse. When she called upon me, I re- proached her bitterly for having adopted such vile, base means, and assured her that when she again sought my presence, if she restored me not that very costly costume CONNIE DOO KS (E(0)