The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 173: what you’re looking at

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

156 REYNOLDS’ WORKS what I propose to do. That Christian Ashton is a very nice lad, and so genteel too in his manners, indeed quite the gentleman — ” ‘“ He could scarcely be otherwise,’ observed Makepeace, ‘after being a month in your lordship’s employment.” “ Yes, gentility reflects itself. But about my plan, —I propose to throw him in Isabella’s way; I will invite him to dinner. I will leave Adolphus to hand down the countess. trom the drawing-room, so that young Ashton must give his arm to Miss Vincent, and then he will sit next to her at table. Perhaps I will drop him a hint that he is to pay her attention, —he is so docile and obliging, he does everything I tell him. For instance yesterday he wanted to spell shrubbery with two b’s, but I bade him put only one, and he obeyed me immediately, with such a pleasant smile too, so that I am sure he will do what I tell him in the present case. His attentions will be flattering to Isabella, for all young girls are coquettishly inclined, just as young men like me are apt to be rakish. However, as I was saying, Isabella will be pleased, Adolphus will be jealous, and he will be urged on to ask his cousin to name the day. Now, what do you think of my scheme, Makepeace? ”’ ‘ I think your lordship possesses the wisdom of Solomon,” answered the valet. “ Well, I believe that you do not exactly stand alone in that opinion. But now I will just run and ask the countess how she is to-day, for I am prouder and fonder of her than ever, aiter having so shamefully suspected her.” Ane sped the old earl to Ethel’s apartments, and the moment he made his appearance, she saw that Lord Osmond’s device, practised through the medium of Makepeace, had completely succeeded, and she was infinitely relieved by a result which she had scarcely dared hope would have been attained. Alas, we are bound to declare that Ethel was guilty! Those fine resolves which some months back she had adopted — and at first, too, with a prospect of really having strength of mind sufficient to carry them out — had gradually melted away beneath the influence of Lord Os- mond’s tender looks, of his impassioned language, and of his great personal beauty, since the young nobleman had contrived to obtain admission once more into the paternal mansion. Yes, Ethel had fallen, but we choose not to dwell CONNIE NO KS (E(0)