The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 261: what you’re looking at

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

234 REYNOLDS’ WORKS claimed. Good God! what will become of us both? What will become of us? ”’ He entered the drawing-room, and as he appeared in the presence of Ethel, she was instantaneously struck by his worn, haggard, ghastly countenance,—a countenance which bespoke a thousand crushing evils, so that all her worst apprehensions were confirmed in an instant. He did not immediately speak, but fixed his eyes upon her; they had a hollow look, and, oh, what a world of care was in their gaze! “‘T understand you but too well, Adolphus,” said the un- happy countess, looking upon him with a gaze which in its expression was awfully akin to his own. ‘‘ No sooner have circumstances emptied our cup of misery, which was filled to the brim, than it is replenished to overflowing.’”’ Then after some deep guttural sounds, as if the words stuck in her throat, she added, ‘‘ Makepeace has proclaimed every- thing, — is it not so? ”’ ‘Tt is,” he replied. ‘ The miscreant has resolved that in his death would he do that which should embitter our lives until the end.” ‘‘ And the domestics,” said the countess, ‘‘ they now know everything? ”’ ‘“‘ Everything,’’ responded Adolphus. ‘“ Just Heaven, it is frightful!”’ “ Frightful! ’’ echoed the miserable lady; and turning aside for a few moments, she covered her face with her hands, her fingers pressing tight against her throbbing brows; but no tears trickled between those fingers, — hers was now a despair too deep to find a relief in weeping. At length, as a thought suddenly struck her, she removed her hands from her face, and turning toward Adolphus, said, ‘“‘ It is now for you to do that which will materially alter our position before the world, and if not hft the branding dis- grace completely from us, at all events divest it of its deepest shade of blackness.” ‘Good Heavens! what mean you, Ethel? ’’ exclaimed the young earl, starting with sudden affright; for though he put this question, yet was he little at a loss to comprehend the significancy of her words. ‘“ Adolphus, you do understand me,’ she answered, at once fathoming all he thought and felt, “‘ and it is most un- CORNICLIOOKS (Eo)