The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 288: what you’re looking at

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

MOTHER AND SON 271 expression, though the dark eyes of her ladyship were in- stantaneously bent keenly and piercingly. upon him, in order to ascertain, if possible, whether he came with an in- tent of resolute hostility, or whether his visit might be otherwise construed. He could not immediately speak; he knew not how to commence the explanations he had to give. At one moment he felt inclined to fling himself into the arms of Lady Saxondale, claiming her as his parent, but the next instant the harrowing reflection swept through his brain that it was possible she might repudiate him, she might disown him, she might refuse to acknowledge that claim which he had to assert. On her side, she was equally at a loss how to address him, not knowing what his object might be, or to what extent she was once more in his power. Thus did they stand for nearly a minute, gazing upon each other in silence, a silence that was painful enough for William Deveril, and full of suspense for Lady Saxondale. At length Wiliam Deveril felt so completely overpowered by the emotions which were working so strongly within, though their outward expression was comparatively so slight, that he was compelled to take a seat. Indeed, it was with an air of utter mental and physical exhaustion that he sank down upon a chair. Then Lady Saxondale perceived that he was under the influence of feelings which could not be altogether of a vindictive or hostile character, and she took courage, for wherever she saw an opportunity of playing upon the sensibilities of individuals, she knew that a strong weapon was in her own hand, and that her powers of con- summate dissimulation and hypocrisy would enable her to de- rive immense advantages from the weakness of those with whom she had to deal. She did not break the silence which prevailed, but she also took aseat, and appeared to be patiently awaiting whatsoever explanation was about to be given; while in reality she was suffering her visitor to abandon him- self more and more to the influence of the sentiments which had possession of him. | ‘“T know not how to address you,” he at length said, in a voice which was tremulous and half-suffocated with his emo- tions. ‘“ Bear with me a few minutes. Think not my con- duct intentionally rude, however strange it may appear.” “Take your own time, Mr. Deveril,’”’ said Lady Saxondale, forcing herself to assume even a degree of affability. ‘‘I CONnNIEDOOKS (C(O)