Beautiful Rienzi; or, The secret vendetta — page 178: what you’re looking at

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

BEAUTIFUL RIENZI, 173 the encroaching sea, with a high water-bar of rocks on either side; and here while I watched breathlessly from the window, I saw more than once the beautiful head of the little brown horse, whose fiery nostrils were distended, and his eyes glowing with ambition to headus. Just where the road was narrowest, Nelson drew up square in the middle of it and stood up. “Look here, old chap,” he cried, brandishing his whip, ‘this here stick’s well loaded, and whenever the nose of that beast comes near enough I[’ll dropit like a stun be- tween his eyes—so do as ye like.” Down he sat again and drove on deliberately; but though the road became wide enough to admit two abreast, Mrs. Ringwood’s man kept well to the rear for the rest of the way. The rain slowly abated, the wind moaned over the surg- ing tide and slowly veered to the west; at last the white walls of pretty Silverlea gleamed through its leafy covering, and the spent horses trotted up to the door. The shallow steps which led up from terrace to hanging garden, and every grand walk was rushing down its little stream of rain drops, like the silver tinkle of bells in a fairy revel; the flowers, fresh washed, and perfumed, raised themselves stiff and tall, with painted petals blooming joyously in the struggling sunlight. Never had Silverlea looked more lovely, more innocent and happy; it was the garden of Eden before the serpent Dlighted its glory. And now for the home we had left so sacred. A strange hush pervaded the cottage, and this listening hush struck terror to my heart. Sophie came down the stairs; and there was that in her face which seemed to be asking forgiveness for a wrong committed. ‘‘Where is Miss Isolina?” asked my mother. ‘“Indeed, ma’am and I couldn’t help it!’ said the girl with a courtesy; ‘‘ there’s a lady in the drawing-room, and Miss Isolina she would go to see her, and she’s been there an hour and more!” My mother instantly turned to the room designated, and entered. I could not follow yet; profound terror nailed me to the spot, while I listened for some outcry from that fateful room. None came; the low murmur of voices caught CORNUCG OOO S (©)