The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 248: what you’re looking at

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

THE INQUEST 231 but at one moment it appeared so frightfully threatening that I was almost dispossessed of every particle of courage. For, you perceive, as Adelaide knew everything, as Edmund in his weakness and his folly had made her a confidante of all past circumstances, the discovery of that masquerade-dress set her reflecting upon other things, and so astute, so cun- ning was she — ”’ “I comprehend,’ said Lord Harold, with a shudder. ‘“ She penetrated the mystery of that deed — ”’ ‘Yes, she fathomed it, and I fell all of a sudden com- pletely into her power. Ah, there was a moment,’ continued Lady Saxondale, ‘ when I abandoned myself to despair, — until gradually in my imagination expanded the idea that . she must be removed. But I ought to observe that the dress fell into the hands of the constable of Gainsbor- ough — ”’ ‘The constable? ’’ echoed Harold, with another quick start, and flinging his affrighted glances around, as if he apprehended lest the door should burst open and the officers of justice rush in to seize upon him. ‘““ Harold, this is foolish on your part,’’ said Lady Saxon- dale. “I tell you the danger is past,’’ and then she ex- plained the particulars of her interview with the head-con- stable of Gainsborough. This led her on to describe the adventures of Chiffin in the chapel, — how he was discovered and made prisoner, and how she had effected his release. “You have passed through a trying ordeal, Harriet,’’ observed Staunton, pressing her toward him. “Yes, but my power is once again all but consolidated,”’ she answered, with a look of triumph. ‘ There is nothing now to be a source of terror save and except the one secret which that woman may reveal.” ‘ And this secret,” said Lord Harold, “ how is it of such paramount importance? You have never yet informed me, but you have just given me the assurance that hence- forth there shall be no concealment of any kind between us.” “ Ah, I had forgotten,” responded her ladyship. ‘‘ This one secret must remain my own,-— at least for the present. Do not press me, Harold, upon that point.” “TIT will not, I will not,’”’ he answered, so completely en- CONNIE DOOKS (C(©)