The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 148: what you’re looking at

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

—_ THE REVIEW “ Well, I know all about him,”’ exclaimed the earl. hot ‘“ He lodged at the parish clerk’s. But don’t you see that things are greatly altered now, and even if there was ever any danger of my niece falling in love with the youth, there cannot be under existing circumstances. Besides, the landlady her- _ self assured you that the young people scarcely ever saw each other; and now that I have purposely had Isabella brought home to the mansion that she may captivate my son’s heart, she will of course jump at so splendid an alliance. Ah, it was an admirable streke of policy on my part! But I think you will admit, Makepeace, that I am rather a shrewd and far-seeing man? ”’ “Your lordship is aware I have always expressed my astonishment that your lordship has not accepted the post of prime minister, which I am aware has been declined by your lordship on more occasions than one.” “Well, Makepeace, perhaps I had my reasons,” said the earl, complacently. ‘‘ But about the matter of which you were speaking. You see that when Lord Osmond threw himself at my feet, a couple of months back, and implored my pardon for his previous misconduct in choosing to show his airs in respect to my second marriage, I could not very well help forgiving him. Besides, when I questioned her ladyship with regard to the motive of the visit he paid her at that time, she frankly informed me it was to convey through her the assurance of his contrition. What, then, was I to do? There was no alternative but to forgive Lord Osmond, and in forgiving him, to intimate that he might return and live at home. “Then, don’t you see, other reflections arose in my mind? Of course | am not jealous. I flatter myself that Lord Osmond, though younger than me, has not much the ad- vantage in respect to good looks. In fact, between you and me, Makepeace, I don’t think his hair curls so nicely, nor with such a natural effect, as this new peruke of mine. However, without being jealous, you know, it was only proper and becoming enough that I should give the countess a female companion, — you comprehend, — not only for her own sake, and to prevent her from being thrown too much into the society of one whom I know that in her heart she does not like, but also to prevent the scandal-loving, tittle-tattling, gossiping part of the world from having any CONNIE DOOKS (C(O)