The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 391: what you’re looking at

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

374 REYNOLDS’ WORKS freedom. Indeed, the question itself may savour of im- pertinence, but I can assure you it is through no illegitimate curlosity I ask if you were ever at any period of your life connected with theatricals? ”’ ‘“ Most assuredly I was, my lord,’’ answered Thompson. ‘You were?’’ ejaculated the marquis, starting as if gal- vanized. ‘“‘ But one word more,” he added, with a feverish excitement which astonished those who beheld it. ‘‘ Were you ever yourself the manager of a company of performers? ”’ ‘IT was, my lord,”’ rejoined Thompson. “You were? Question begets question,’’ exclaimed Lord Kagledean. ‘‘ Excuse me, but were you acquainted with a family named Deveril? ”’ “I knew them well, my lord,’’ was the response, given with increasing astonishment on the part of Thompson, and in which Hawkshaw and Ferney both naturally shared. ‘“ A man and his wife, with a boy and girl,’”’ continued the marquis, with rapid and excited utterance, — “‘ the girl named Angela, the boy Wiliam — ”’ | “To be sure! the very same!’’ ejaculated Thompson. “ But the boy was not really their son— I have been questioned about this before, by a woman named Madge Somers, who was murdered, I think I heard — ”’ ‘“ Hnough, enough, Mr. Thompson!”’ cried the marquis. ‘* Another time — to-morrow — or presently — I will come and have some conversation with you.” “Dear me, my lord,’ said Thompson, more and more surprised at all that was taking place, “‘ I hope there’s noth- ing amiss. As for the boy I am speaking of, — he must be a young man now, — he had the mark of a strawberry on his shoulder — ”’ ‘“ What?” ejaculated Ferney, once more becoming deadly pale, and once more, too, staggering back as if seized with a sudden indisposition. ‘‘ Good heavens! is everything about to transpire?’ and these words, quite involuntarily spoken, were uttered with an indescribable anguish and terror. “1 see,”’ said the marquis, at once convinced that Ferney himself had something important which he could communi- cate, and that there was likewise something more serious and significant than sudden indisposition when he turned so ghastly pale at the mention of the name of Saxondale, “ I see that I must have some immediate conversation with CONNIE DOO KS (E(0)