The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

258 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ) “ But that young man, then,” said the Marquis of Eagle- dean, scarcely yet recovered trom the bewilderment into which he had been thrown, “ that young man, I say, who passes before the world as Lord Saxondale? ”’ “That young man,’ answered Madge Somers, in a solemn voice and with a corresponding expression of the counte- nance, ‘‘ is my own son!”’ Here was another subject for ineffable astonishment, and for some moments not another word was spoken; but those who were present in that room surveyed each other with a sort of solemn awe, as if they deeply felt how mysteriously and inscrutably the ways of Providence are worked out. But at length the Marquis of Eagledean, breaking that silence, began to question Madge Somers further. A faintness had, however, now come over the woman; a reaction set in from the excitement which for the last few minutes she had undergone, and she only shook her head to indicate that she was no longer able to exercise the faculty of speech. ‘She must be kept quiet,’ suggested Angela. ‘‘ I know full well how to treat her; leave her in my hands. But per- haps, dear William,’ continued the young lady, drawing our hero aside, and speaking in a whispering voice, — “‘ for after the kind and considerate assurances you have given me, I shall still call you by that name, I shall still address you as a brother. ’’ ‘Oh, Angela, infinite would be my affliction,’ responded our hero, ‘1f you were to treat me otherwise,’ and taking her hand, he pressed it with the most affectionate warmth. ‘“ Now continue, my dear sister, — for as such you must ever be regarded by me; continue, I say, the suggestions you were about to offer.” “Tt is but too evident,’ proceeded Angela, ‘‘ that this poor woman has for long years been privy to a foul wrong committed toward yourself; but she is penitent, she is anxious to make all possible amends, and it will doubtless contribute toward her mental peace, and therefore to her physical recovery, if you give her some assurance — ”’ ‘“T comprehend you, dearest Angela, and I admire more than ever the noble generosity of your heart.’’ Then ap- proaching the bed, our hero took the emaciated hand of the invalid, and said, in a solemn voice, ‘‘ Here, in the presence of her whom I love as a very dear sister, in the presence of ) CONNIE DOOKS (E(0)