The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 41: what you’re looking at

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

24 REYNOLDS’ WORKS not how — that you are engaged in the vilest and most abominable pursuit that a human being could possibly enter upon, short of such a deed as that which has rendered this very spot so awfully memorable. But it is a pursuit which becomes doubly atrocious when adopted by a female against another of her own sex. I am no stranger to the outlines of this most execrable conspiracy. At this very moment you wear beneath that cloak a dress which is the counterpart of one belonging to the Duchess of Marchmont. On Saturday night you paid your first visit to Oaklands. I watched you, I dogged your footsteps, as | have done this night again — ”’ “Ah!” ejaculated Lettice, as Redcliffe’s words explained to her the mystery of that shape which she had seen, and which now after all proved to be a reality, though a reality devoid of the preternatural associations which at one time had seemed to belong thereto. ‘‘ For Heaven’s sake, sir, tell me who you are, and what you mean to do with me? Do not — do not give me up to justice. Do notruinme. I have been led into it—I1 have been drawn on,” and the wretched creature clasped her hands together in wild, frenzied, shivering anguish. | “To that extent do I believe you,’ answered Redcliffe, “and if you do my bidding, you shall not be handed over to the grasp of justice.’’ ‘Oh, a thousand thanks for that assurance,’ exclaimed Lettice, infinitely relieved. ‘“‘ But your bidding, sir, what is ht. | “Tell me truthfully all that you have done within the walls of yon mansion,” continued Redcliffe, “ and beware how you attempt to deceive me. Indeed, the endeavour would be vain, for I know too much not to be enabled to discern in a moment whether the things you may relate cor- respond with and fit into the details wherewith | am already acquainted.”’ “Oh, believe me, sir, I will tell you truly,’ exclaimed Lettice. ‘“‘ But you promise — ”’ ‘“T am not a man who will fly from his pledge,’ rupted Redcliffe. ‘‘ And now proceed.” Lettice Rodney, more and more relieved by Redcliffe’s assurances, at once made a full and complete confession of all that she had done, and the details of which are known to the reader. She concluded by an earnest entreaty that ) ) ) inter- CONNICLIOOKS (E) m