The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 279: what you’re looking at

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

252 REYNOLDS’ WORKS The young earl at once followed her. It was with a light step, and her hand scarcely touching the rail, that she thus advanced till she gained the middle of the bridge. There she stopped short, and looking over the rail, contemplated the foaming water which was flashing brightly in the sun- beams. ‘‘ Perhaps it was here, Adolphus,” she at length said, turning toward her companion, “ here, upon this very spot, that the catastrophe took place? ”’ ‘“ Yes, the legend says,’’ he answered, ‘‘ that 1t was in the middle of the bridge, according to the tale which the shepherd subsequently told.’ ‘‘ And here, then, they fell over,’ said Ethel, ‘‘the girl’s arms tightly clasped around the neck of him who was the ruin of her happiness? ”’ ‘“‘ Yes, here,’ rejoined the young earl, turning around at the same time, as the countess had done, to contemplate the water from the side which was unprotected by the hand- rail. ‘‘ Forgive me, Adolphus! ”’ suddenly exclaimed Ethel. At the same instant her arms were thrown about his neck; tightly were they clasped, a wild and fearful cry thrilled forth from his lips, one desperate struggle to disengage himself, but all in vain. Over they fell, down, down they went. The entire ravine, the grove, and all the adjacent district echoed with the terrific cries of the young lord, but not another sound than the words, “‘ Forgive me, Adolphus! ” which she had uttered, came from the lips of Ethel. There was a terrific splash, and away their bodies were borne, the arms of the countess still tight around his neck, her hands clasped, as if those arms and hands of hers constituted an Iron vice. ECORNICLIOOKS m