The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

46 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘“Ah! my English friend, the marchioness, that sweet, amiable creature! ’’ said the minister’s wife, a smile appear- ing at once upon her lips, as if she heard with unfeigned pleasure the name of one whose acquaintance she valued. ‘Pray be seated, for whosoever comes with a letter of in- troduction from either the Marquis or the Marchioness of Villebelle must be truly welcome here.’’ Kate presented the letter, and in so doing she sighed audibly, through fear that the present proceeding would prove useless, as all the incidents of her interview with the minister swept vividly through her memory. The lady’s ear caught that sigh, and fixing her large dark eyes intently upon Miss Marshall, she said, in a low, murmuring voice, but still speaking in the English language, ‘‘ And you, too, are unhappy.” Kate hastily averted her head to conceal her tears, and the minister’s wife, thinking that the letter would no doubt afford her some insight into the cause of that sorrow which her visitress but too evidently experienced, addressed herself to its perusal without saying another word. ‘““ Miss Marshall,” said the Spanish lady, when she had read the letter, “‘it is impossible for any one to appear before me more strongly recommended than yourself. To the extent of my limited power, you may command my services. Not merely on the ground of this recommen- dation will they be cheerfully afforded, but likewise because you belong to a nation for whom I entertain an esteem amounting to an affection. I was educated for some years in England, and received the kindest treatment from every one with whom I came in contact. Delay not therefore to sive me such explanations as may enable me to tell you at once to what extent you may reckon on my influence.” Kate Marshall’s tale was soon told, but in speaking of the interview which had so recently passed between herself and the lady’s husband, she did not of course allude to the infamous proposal he had made her, but merely stated that his Excellency had declined to grant her request. ‘“Profoundly grieved am I, Miss Marshall, to enhance your affliction,’ said the lady, speaking in a voice indicative of the most compassionate sympathy, “for it would be wrong on my part to encourage a hope the realization of which I cannot foresee, — much less promise. You cannot CONNIE DOO KS (E(0)