The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

54 REYNOLDS’ WORKS minister, every feature of his countenance being expressive of the inward exultation that filled his heart. ‘‘ Doubtless you reflected that the period of delay is drawing to a close, and that to-morrow, or the day after to-morrow, at latest, the order for your lover’s pardon should be. transmitted to the captain-general of Catalonia? ”’ “Such has been my reflection,’ rejoined Kate, ‘‘ and to ensure the transmission of that pardon have-I returned to fulfil your prophecy.” “Then listen,’’ said the minister, as he now approached Kate; and taking her hand, he bent toward her, so that his breath, hot with the fever of desire, played upon her cheek. ‘“ This night, as the clocks proclaim the hour of ten, must you be with me. No one need mark your arrival, no one shall be nigh to observe your approach. I will give you the key of that door at the entrance — In short, every- thing shall be managed with a becoming delicacy.”’ ‘“T expect as much at your hands, sir,’’ answered Kate. ‘For Heaven knows that if the shame and dishonour which I am this night to encounter became whispered abroad in the world, it would drive me to despair and to self-destruc- tion.”’ ‘“ Fear nothing,’’ quickly answered the minister, who was almost maddened by that close survey of Kate’s countenance, — a survey which showed him that she was still in all the freshness of her charms, that no artificial colour lent the hue of the rose to her cheeks; while at the same time he could drink in the breath that was pure and balmy as the gentle breeze of a spring morning. ‘“ Fear nothing,” he repeated. “You have but to hint at any other arrangements, and they shall be adopted. All that I require is the faithful keeping of the appointment. I care not for the circumstances under which it may be kept, so long as you will be mine.” “Can you not understand,’ asked Kate, averting her blushing countenance, ‘‘ that henceforth I can never look you in the face again? Already am I overcome with shame and confusion.” “And wherefore, beloved one? ”’ asked the minister, and he endeavoured to imprint a kiss upon one of those glowing cheeks; but she quickly repulsed him, starting up from her seat at the same time. “No, no,” she cried, ‘‘ not now, not now! Have I not (E(0) CONNIE DOOKS