The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 389: what you’re looking at

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

d12 REYNOLDS’ WORKS thought to which we have just alluded occurred to the physician. It was a most disagreeable, a most painful topic for him to touch upon; it revived so many afflicting associa- tions. But still he felt himself bound, in common courtesy, to say a word upon the subject, and he summoned up all his fortitude for the purpose. ‘“ My lord,’’ he said, ‘‘ I have not forgotten that a long, long time ago you honoured me with a eall, and brought me a phial the contents of which you requested me to analyze. On three or four occasions after that, your lord- ship called again, to inquire whether I had made the analysis, and I feel ashamed when I reflect that I continuously an- swered I had not as yet found time. Your lordship suddenly ceased from calling altogether, and during the lengthy interval which has passed since then, I have often feared you might have felt offended with me. When, there- fore, I received the letter inviting me to Edenbridge, I was gratified by the thought that your lordship was not angry —”’ “No, Doctor Ferney,’’ interrupted the Marquis of Eagle- dean, ‘‘ I had ceased to think of the matter,” — though the real truth was that after the discovery of William Deveril’s parentage, his lordship had taken no further step to pene- trate any deeper into Lady Saxondale’s guilt. “I can assure you I have not been offended, and as the interest attached to that phial has passed away, you need not suffer it to remain for another moment in your thoughts. And now farewell.’’ ‘“ Farewell, my lord,’ answered Doctor Ferney. “ Can I tell the driver whither he is to convey you? ”’ “To Saxondale House, in Park Lane,” responded the marquis. The mention of that name, so closely following upon the discourse relative to the phial of poison, struck the physician as something not merely accidental, but superstitiously portentous. It gave a most poignant keenness to all the memories which had just been excited in his brain; the effect produced upon him was that of a sudden shock. He started, turned deadly pale, and then stood gazing in a species of ghastly consternation upon the Marquis of Eagle- dean. ‘“ Heavens! are you ill, Doctor Ferney?’’ exclaimed the ECORNICLOOL KS, (E) m