The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 172: what you’re looking at

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

AT LASCELLES’ MANSION 155 “Yes, and what would the countess have thought of me? ”’ exclaimed the old nobleman. ‘“ You see, Makepeace, what extraordinary command I have over my temper. There is not another man in England that could have so restrained himself. But I am exceedingly cool and collected in emer- gencies. J remember once when I was first in the commission of the peace — it was down in the country that the thing happened — I was called upon to stop a prize-fight that was taking place. I proceeded to the spot, and saw two great, hulking fellows — each at least six feet high, and with fists that could fell an ox — fighting in the midst of aring. Well, Makepeace, I did not rush in to part them, I let them go on fichting — ”’ “Which proves, my lord,’ responded the valet, ‘‘ that your lordship does indeed possess an extraordinary degree of coolness.”’ ‘““ And never did I display it more completely than just now. Of course, Makepeace, you will not mention to a soul that such a thing ever entered into my head? Ah! and Adolphus and Isabella have got on so well together that they are regular lovers, eh? Capital capital,” and the old earl, chuckling at the idea, rubbed his hands gleefully, for though his suspicion was fully removed, yet somehow or another he was very anxious that Lord Osmond should wed with all pos- sible despatch and bear his bride away to anotherhome. ‘“ I tell you what, Makepeace, it is quite evident that my son and niece are immensely attached to each other, so we must marry them off as soon as possible. But young people are so difident; they take months and months before they dare speak of settling the wedding-day. I know it was the case with me when [ fell in love with my present countess. I was exceedingly diffident, and then, too, you know, I had that long attack of the gout which chained me to my room for three months. But about this young couple — I will do something to make Adolphus hurry matters on apace. Ah! the idea strikes me, and you will confess, Makepeace, when you hear it, that it is an admirable stroke of policy.” “ T have no doubt of it, my lord,” said the valet; “‘ every- thing your lordship does is impressed with a high intelli- gence.” “ Well, I think that you are about right there, Makepeace,” said the old earl, complacently. ‘‘ And now I will tell you CONNIE OOOKS (CO)