The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 153: what you’re looking at

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136 REYNOLDS’ WORKS seat, said, in an anxious voice, ‘“‘ Now tell me all that has oc- curred.”’ “Tt’s short and sweet, my lord,” replied the Burker, “‘ and I’ve no doubt will give your Grace the utmost satisfaction. Yesterday I kept watch in the garden of the lady’s willa, but I had no opportunity of striking the blow. On t’other hand, I had plenty of time to admire her beauty, and I don’t mind telling your lordship that it well-nigh unsettled me alto- gether. Well, my lord, circumstances last night made me change my disguise, and now Il’ll just ask your Grace’s candid opinion which suits me best and which I look most genteelest in.’’ ‘ “A truce to this nonsense!’’ interrupted the duke, :m- patiently. “ Proceed. I am in a hurry.” “All right, my lord,’’ resumed the Burker. ‘ This arter- noon I returned to the willa, and I soon saw her ladyship walking in her garden. She had company with her, and so | was again compelled to wait. But arter awhile she came out to walk alone, and then I drove my good clasp-knite so deep into her buzzim that she dropped down with scarce a groan.”’ ‘This is true, — you are not deceiving me?” said the duke, quivering with anxious suspense. ‘“‘ How am | to know that you have done this? ”’ ‘Send and inquire, if you like, my lord,” answered the Burker, with brutal flippancy. ‘ Or Pll be bound to say you'll read all about it in te-morrow morning’s paper.” “And you are certain that the blow was surely dealt?” demanded the duke. “ Look you, my lord,” responded the Burker, drawing out his clasp-knife. ‘‘ This blade is a long one, it went right down to the handle; here’s the marks of blood upon it, and here’s my ankercher, which I wiped it on as I rushed away trom the spot.” ““ Rnough!”’ ejaculated the duke, averting his eyes from the sickening evidences of the crime which had been com- mitted at his instigation. ‘‘T hadn’t failed to observe that the Lady Indora, or what- ever her name was,” continued the assassin, ‘‘ walked about with the whole contents of a jeweller’s shop crowded on her person and dress, and I did mean to help myself to a few of them trifles. But just arter the blow was struck, I heerd footsteps coming from the direction of the willa, and as the (elo) Gomicbooks mn