The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

228 REYNOLDS’ WORKS together in that room, they did not so much as approach the coffin; Edmund could not even bring himself to throw a single glance at it. But when they came forth again, it . was with their kerchiefs to their eyes, as if they were both deeply moved. The funeral took place with considerable pomp, all the domestics following as mourners, and Edmund at their head. The ceremony was over, and Lady Saxondale thought that now the tomb had closed above the one object who was so great a barrier to her complete domination, she had effectu- ally ensured her triumph. But yet she felt and she knew that her power was not consolidated. Madge Somers had not yet been disposed of. Lord Harold Staunton had _ hitherto found no opportunity of carrying out her instructions. This circumstance caused her much uneasiness, for that woman was possessed of a secret which, if once told, would bring utter ruin down upon the head of this patrician lady who had already consummated so many crimes in order to attain her ends. She must go to London to see Lord Harold again, — to devise with him some plan to be immediately executed, if that which he had already suggested should prove im- possible. She was uneasy, as we have said, but only uneasy. She was not dispirited, much less did she despair. The blow so recently struck had inspired her with renewed confidence in herself and her resources. By that blow she had gained two grand ends at once: she had removed Adelaide from her path, and she had got Edmund completely into her power. One more achievement to get Madge Somers out of the way, and she would be entirely safe. The day after the funeral she and Edmund set out for London.. The young nobleman was far from sorry to leave a spot which was associated with the black crime that he had been induced to commit, and during the journey he recovered as much of his wonted cheerfulness as he dared put on under existing circumstances. His mother continued to preserve her kindness of manner toward him, yet at the same time acting as the supreme authority in all things, and with just a sufficient display of her will as to prove that she meant to be dominant. Edmund rebelled not. It was not that he exactly said to himself he was in his mother’s power, because, after all, crime could not betray crime CONNIE NO KS (E(0) oe ae Oe ee