The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 272: what you’re looking at

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

THE VILLA 250 “Yes, that it was!’ cried Spider Bull, “‘ and what’s more, me and that man which bolted just now have been upon the watch for I don’t know how many weeks to do the job. But you, sir,’ turning to William Deveril, ‘ was always in the way.” ‘Ah, while I bethink me,” observed our hero, ‘‘ was not that gardener of mine privy to what was going on? ”’ ‘““ He was, sir,’’ rejoined Spider Bill. At this moment the door opened, and Angela made her appearance, with a singularly excited expression of counte- nance. She beckoned William Deveril to follow her, and the Marquis of Eagledean, thinking that something of impor- tance had occurred, accompanied his young friend from the room, but not before he had made a sign to Count Christoval, Lord Everton, and Frank to keep a strict guard over the prisoners. The marquis and William Deveril accompanied Angela into the breakfast-parlour, whither she led them, and where a light was now burning. They both noticed that she still continued to manifest a considerable degree of excitement; there was a visible tremor throughout her charming form, and she flung quick as well as singular glances upon Deveril, — glances in which a certain degree of timidity and bashful- ness was blended with that excitement which was inspiring her. | ‘What has happened, Angela? ’’ inquired the marquis, quickly. ‘“ Hasten to tell us, dear sister,’ in acute suspense. “ Sister! ’’ and she echoed the word in a strange and in- voluntary manner. Then, with considerable rapidity of utterance, she went on to say, “ The woman has recovered the faculty of speech. Doubtless the shock which she has sustained produced a strong revulsion in her entire being — But no matter what may be the cause, the effect is as I tell you, and it is indeed of stupendous importance to you, Will- iam. It however seems to me like a dream. I am afraid my thoughts are bewildered — perhaps I heard not aright, and yet she spoke plainly; I made her repeat the words. But come you both, and hear them with your own ears, and from her own lips, that you may judge for yourselves.” Having thus spoken, Angela issued quickly from the room, ’ exclaimed Deveril, also CONNIE DOOKS (EO)