The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 215: what you’re looking at

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

198 REYNOLDS’ WORKS wife. Do not let her perceive there is any new secret between us. You must give me an opportunity —”’ ‘“T know how,” quickly interrupted Edmund, who was most seriously frightened. ‘“‘ When I go up to dress for dinner, I will steal out of my toilet-room and come to your chamber.” “T will be there,’ answered Lady Saxondale. ‘ And now compose yourself; be as usual toward Adelaide. You know not how much depends upon your behaviour in this respect.” Having thus spoken, Lady Saxondale hurried from the room, and flitted back to her own chamber. There she re- mained about ten minutes, until the bell rang for luncheon, when she proceeded to the apartment where it was served. Edmund and Adelaide were already there, and a glance showed her that the former was maintaining his wonted demeanour toward his wife, so that her ladyship felt assured she had succeeded in thoroughly frightening the young nobleman into silence. When the repast was over, Lady Saxondale retired altogether to her own chamber, and remained there, occupied with her thoughts, until about half-past six o’clock, when the door opened, and Edmund made his appearance. ‘“ Now, mother, for Heaven’s sake what is it?” he ex- claimed, his looks showing how strong was the impression which her words had made upon him in the middle of the day. “You must be calm, Edmund, you must summon all your courage and all your self-possession to your aid. In- deed, you never in all your life required the exercise of the strongest power of self-control so much as you do at pres- ent.” ‘Go on, mother. I will do as you tell me. See, I am composed. Now what is it ?”’ “Did you ever hear, Edmund, of a certain Count de St. Gerard? ’’ and as Lady Saxondale thus spoke, she fixed her large, dark eyes penetratingly upon the young man’s mean and ignoble countenance, to ascertain the impression which the mention of that name would create. ‘St. Gerard? Yes, to be sure,’ he answered, a strong feeling of jealousy at once springing up within him. ‘‘ And you have read, or you have heard,” continued her Gomicoooks (E(0)