The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 396: what you’re looking at

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

FURTHER UNRAVELMENT 379 own niece; and, what is more, I am acquainted with the real truth of his parentage.”’ ‘“ Ah, I understand it all! I comprehend it now,” ejacu- lated the miserable Ferney, literally writhing in mortal an- guish. ‘‘ But Heaven knows that when I lent myself as that lady’s instrument, I suspeeted not for what purpose it was to serve. My lord, — and you, Mr. Thompson, — you behold before you the man who perverted his scientific skill to the consummation of a fearful imposture; but I repeat — yes, solemnly I repeat, that I knew not at the time the iniquity I was assisting to consummate.”’ ‘What mean you?”’ demanded the marquis. ‘I mean, my lord,’’ responded Ferney, who felt as if some irresistible influence was now urging him to make the rev- elation, ‘‘ I mean that this right hand of mine formed upon the neck of him who now bears the title of Lord Saxon- dale a peculiar mark, a mark of which the description was most accurately given to me, — the mark of a straw- berry.”’ Having made this confession, Ferney once more sank down upon the sofa, a prey to feelings which may be better imagined than described. The marquis stood transfixed in amazement, while an ejaculation expressive of a similar sentiment burst from the lips of Thompson. ‘Yes, 1t was I who did it,’’ suddenly exclaimed Ferney, as he again sprang up from the sofa; and now there was a sort of maniac wildness in his looks and his manner. ‘‘ Oh, truly have you observed, my lord, that the finger of Heaven is visible in all this! And I feel — yes, I feel that this is in- deed the day for penitence, for atonement, and for retribution. Not another hour, not another unnecessary minute shall be wasted, ere wrong shall give place to right. Be the conse- quences to me what they may, I will do justice where justice ought to be done.’’ It was with all the vehemence of the wildest emotions, with all the impassioned excitement of feelings paimaiee worked up, that the physician had given vent to that hurri- cane of words; and while their last echoes were still vi- brating through the air, he rushed like one frenzied from the room. “Stop, Doctor Ferney — stop! I entreat, I command you!”’ cried the Marquis of Eagledean, now suddenly ren- ECORVICLOO® Ss (C(O)