The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 354: what you’re looking at

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

THE BANDITTI’S TOWER ood excited on Juliana’s behalf, —her dazzling beauty, too, having produced no trifling effect upon him, — “if I can be of any assistance to you, command my services. In a few days I myself shall be free, and I vow before Heaven to devote my liberty to the duty of effecting yours.”’ Juliana warmly expressed her acknowledgments for this assurance, and a weight was lifted from her mind, for she felt convinced, by Mr. Forester’s looks, words, and manner, that he was acquainted with nothing prejudicial to her character. ‘This indeed was the fact, for immediately after the duel, Forester had gone abroad, and had remained many months on the Continent ere returning to England. When he did revisit the British metropolis, the scandal attaching itself in divers ways to the name of Saxondale was past and eone, or at least was lost sight of in the contemplation of fresh incidents occurring in the fashionable world. ‘Then, too, his stay in London had been very short, and though he saw Deveril, yet our hero had in the meantime learned that Lady Saxondale was his mother, and he would not therefore breathe a syllable against her. Mr. Forester returned to the Continent, where he had since been residing or travelling. He therefore knew absolutely nothing prejudicial to the character of Juliana, however poor his opinion might be of her mother in consequence of the revelations made to him by Deveril at the time of the duel. “You have promised to befriend me,” said Juliana, “and Heaven knows how much I stand in need of such friendship! ‘To whom am I indebted for this generous offer? ”’ “My name is Forester,’ was the English gentleman’s response, “* and being entirely my own master, I can have no difficulty in fulfilling the pledge I have given you. My time is my own, and my pecuniary means are ample.’’ That name of Forester at once struck Juliana as not being altogether unknown to her, though she never remem- bered to have seen this gentleman before. Suddenly she recollected the name in connection with the duel between Deveril and Staunton; but still, as it was by no means an uncommon one, it did not follow that this should be the identical individual who acted as second on that occasion. “I see,’ he observed, with a partial smile, “‘ that my name has struck you somewhat. But it is no reason that I should refuse to devote my services to the daughter, because CONNIECDOOKS (EO)