The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 105: what you’re looking at

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

8g REYNOLDS’ WORKS upon the stairs, and slamming the door of the room with a certain degree of violence, and all for the purpose of making the supposed Mrs. Rayner hear that she had thus sought her own apartment. ‘There the treacherous housekeeper sat down for about a quarter of an hour, retaining in her hand an old-fashioned silver watch which she possessed, and keep- ing her eyes fixed upon the dial. If we were to follow the train of her musings we should find that she was exceed- ingly well acquainted with the habits of her master, although she had’ been so short a time in his service; but then she had entered this service for a special object, and she had failed not to wateh all his proceedings and acquire as deep an insight as possible into his habits and customs. ‘“ He will sit down in his room for a good half-hour,” she said to herself, ‘‘ to look over his books, enter the transac- tions of the day, and sum up his profits before he barricades himself in for the night. At a quarter past ten precisely I am to give admission to Barney and Bill Scott; there will then be a good quarter of an hour to do the work. Yes, and it shall be done, too, no matter this Mrs. Rayner’s presence; it shall be done at any risk.” While thus musing, Mrs. Webber continued to regard the minute hand of hef watch, and just as it marked twelve minutes past ten, she took off her shoes, opened the door very gently, and noiselessly crept down the staircase. Not a board ereaked under her footsteps, and she was careful to prevent the rustling of her dress as she passed by Lettice Rodney’s door. She carried no light in her hand, and thus, silent as a ghost, stealthy and mysterious as an evil spirit, in the deep darkness did she continue her way. She gained the ground floor, she peeped through the keyhole of the strong room, and thence she proceeded to the kitchen. Cau- tiously opening the back door, she put on her shoes again and issued into the yard. The back gate was speedily un- fastened, and two persons who were lurking in readiness there passed into the premises. These were Barnes and his delectable acolyte Bill Scott. Mrs. Webber led them into the kitchen, and there she struck a light, placing her finger upon her lips the moment the glare of the lucifer flashed upon the previous darkness. ‘“ Tiush!’’ she said, in the lowest whisper, ‘‘ we must be cautious; the lady is come.’ ‘\ CONNIE NCO KS (E(0)