The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 400: what you’re looking at

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

THE DENOUEMENT 38d she was now weeping and sobbing; the sounds of her grief were waited to the ear of her husband, and Sir Freder- ick, turning upon her a look of such kindness and com- passion as never before he had displayed, said, “ Weep not, Anastatia. Your brother is not worthy of these tears.” } Viscount Rushbrook, having a presentiment that some- thing was about to be done for him, thought it better to preserve the humblest demeanour; and indeed he was completely overwhelmed with shame and confusion, not- withstanding his recent endeavour to carry off the affair with an insolent self-sufficient flippancy. ‘“T know that I have behaved bad, Sir Frederick,’ he said, “ but look at my position. An appearance to keep up, and nothing to maintain it with, or at least only such a beggarly income that any small tradesman is_ better off than I. Come, you have said enough in the shape of reproach. I am glad it is all right between you and Anas- tatia —”’ ‘‘ Lord Rushbrook, listen to me,” interrupted the merchant, ‘‘ for this scene shall now be brought to an end. It is totally impossible that you can ever again set foot within these walls, nor will I permit you —if it be possible for me to prevent it—to remain in the British metropolis, where your proceedings are so incessantly calculated to damage every one who is connected with you. I have a propo- _ sition to make: accept or refuse it as you will. If you choose to go upon the Continent, I will make you an allow- ance of one thousand pounds a year, but it shall be paid in monthly portions, and only to yourself personally, — not by written order nor cheque, —so that there may be a guarantee that you remain altogether in Paris, or where- soever else you may choose to fix your abode. But if, on the other hand, you refuse this proposition, I warn you, Lord Rushbrook, that you will receive no further pecuniary _ assistance from me, and whatsoever difficulty you may plunge yourself into, you must bear the consequences ol. Decide this moment, and if you accept my terms, you will leave the British metropolis to-morrow.” We need hardly inform the reader that Viscount Rush- brook was only too glad to accept an offer which promised him so liberal a permanent addition to the limited allowance CORMMICLOOO SS (C(O) 5}