The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 254: what you’re looking at

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

THE INQUEST - 237 another that I knowed of in Wapping. There I stayed till about a couple of hours back, when I thought to myself I would just go and call at Saxondale House, and see whether her ladyship was at home; for uso I knew she wouldn’t leave an old friend in trouble and danger. So I tramped all the way from Wapping to Park Lane; but just as I was going to knock at the door, I twigged a couple of constables standing talking close by a lamp-post, and I therefore thought I had better move on a bit. Then your lordship soon after overtook me; and so, as the tale-writers say, I’ve brought down my history and adventures to the present moment. ’’ ‘It therefore appears,’ observed Lord Harold, “ that your finances are in no very flourishing condition? ”’ ‘“As low as they well can be,’ answered Chiffin. ‘‘ A many times I have wanted to get clear out of the country, and take my gentihty and good looks to America, but some- how or another things have always turned up to keep me in England, and prevent me from affording the Yankees the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with such a celebrated character as I am. This time, however, if I can only get the wherewith, — and which your lordship seems to promise, —'it won’t be very long before I take my departure.’’ “Then listen,’ said Lord Harold Staunton, ‘‘ and I will explain the object which I have in view. That woman of whom I spoke, Madge Somers, still lies an invalid at Mr. Deveril’s house. It suits my purpose — no matter why — that she should be removed thence — ultimately to be made away with,’ added the young nobleman, lowering his voice almost to a whisper. “Well, my lord, nothing is easier than this,’’ answered Chiffn. ‘“ But why not have her made away with on the spot? ”’ ‘“ No, such a deed as that would create too tremendous a sensation,’’ rejoined Harold; “‘ whereas, if she be simply borne away in the first instance, those from whose care she is taken will remain in the dark as to her fate, and a letter may be written to them a day or two afterward, to assure them that the woman is comfortable and in good quarters, but that there are circumstances which render it necessary she should thus be retained in a seclusion which it will be useless for them to make any endeavour to penetrate.” ) CONNIE DOOKS (EO)