The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 273: what you’re looking at

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

246 REYNOLDS’ WORKS unusual amount of walking exercise which she had lately taken, or through an altered state of the mind, or from all these causes united, we cannot say, but certain it is that her appearance was considerably improved during the week that she had already passed at Bloomfield. Still the traces of recent care were perceptible upon her cheeks; her form too was more slender than it was wont to be in the volup- tuous symmetry of its proportions. Nevertheless there was still the soft lustre in her large clear blue eyes, still the pearly whiteness of the teeth shining between the parting roses of the lips, still the bright glory of the rich auburn hair. And as Adolphus thus drew her toward him, he felt some- thing like a feeling of tenderness returning, until slowly into his mind came back the recollection of the bitterness of all those altercations which had taken place between them, and in the presence of these recollections the softer feelings gradually disappeared, as twilight recedes when the shades of night come on. But not by his countenance did he exhibit the change that was thus taking place in his mind. There was a smile upon his features, while bitterness was arising in his heart; for, as the reader comprehends, it was his interest, and therefore his purpose, to play a deep game, to assume every- thing that was conciliatory to simulate affection, and to veil every thought that might shock or give offence. And Ethel herself had now one arm thrown over his shoulder, and as he was seated, and she was standing by him, or, rather, half- reclining in his arms, she looked down into his countenance. There was a smile upon her features likewise; her eyes ap- peared fraught with a reviving tenderness, and Adolphus said within himself, ‘“‘ Yes, truly she loves me well again.”’ “We will go forth to walk,” said the countess. “ The weather is beautiful, the air is delicious, and there is that wild part of the estate, you know, my dear Adolphus, which we have not yet visited since we were down here, but which is sO picturesque.”’ ‘You mean the Maiden’s Bridge? ” said the young earl. “Yes,” exclaimed Ethel; and instantaneously disenga- ging herself from his arms, she hurried toward the door, adding, “‘ I will put on my bonnet and scarf in a moment, and be with you.” In a few minutes they were walking forth together, the CORNICLIOOKS (E(0)