The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 53: what you’re looking at

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

34 REYNOLDS’ WORKS precision which 1s characteristic of his profession, and not with the slightest idea of positively satisfying himself upon the point, —for there was not a doubt upon his mind which required clearing up at all, — bent down and for a few mo- ments scrutinized the mark. | ‘“ Yes,’’ he said, lifting his head again, “ if I were on my death-bed, I could unhesitatingly swear to it.’’ ‘‘ As a matter of course, madam, I have not another word to say,’ murmured Ralph, with sickness at the heart and dizziness in the brain; and then he stood staring with mingled vacancy and wildness upon the infant, as Lady Saxondale calmly and deliberately proceeded to tie the strings of its clothes again. When this was done Lady Saxondale gave the child to Mabel, and rising from her seat, she said, ‘‘ Mr. Farefield, if you wish to attend your late uncle’s remains to the tomb, I cannot for a single moment offer any objection.”’ ‘“ Madam! ”’ he ejaculated, starting as if from a dream. Then somewhat recovering himself, he appeared to hesitate for a few moments. ‘ Will you allow me to say one word to your ladyship in private? ”’ “Not in any other privacy than this,’ she answered, walking into the recess of the window that was remotest from the group; and as the room was very spacious, the distance was sufficient to place them beyond ear-shot, for Ralph at once followed her to that recess. ‘““ Madam,” he said, with the look and voice of an utterly broken and helpless man, ‘ I am well aware that I ought to expect no favour from your ladyship. But still I would venture to beseech that you do not altogether suffer me to go forth penniless upon the wide world. For that my uncle has mentioned my name in his will, I cannot enter- tain the slightest expectation.” ‘‘ And I am sure that he has not,’’ answered Lady Saxon- dale. ‘‘ But I do not wish to deal too severely with you, Mr. Farefield,’’ she immediately added, “‘ though, Heaven knows, I have suffered enough through your wickedness.” His looks quailed beneath the meaning glance which she bent upon him with the full power of her dark eyes, and he murmuringly said, “‘ I thank you at least for the few cheering words which preceded the latter portion of your speech. Tell me, is my presence within these walls hateful to your EORMIELNOO KS (E(0)