The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

30 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ness of her own innocence, she serenely awaited the next phase, whatsoever it might be, in this extraordinary drama. Not but that the whole proceeding was intensely painful for her; stil she felt certain that the issue must be in her favour, as she was very far from suspecting the dark villainy plotted by her own husband. As it was the bell of her Grace’s private sitting-room which had been rung, it had to be answered by one of her female dependents, and it was Amy Sutton who in a few moments made her appearance. The first glance which the lady’s- maid flung upon her mistress and the duke showed her that the explosion had taken place, but she was nevertheless somewhat amazed to perceive the comparatively calm and dignifed look which Lavinia wore, and which bespoke outraged innocence far more than conscious guilt. ‘Ah! it is you?” said the duke, as Amy entered the room; “ and it 1s fortunate, for you are the very person I at the moment wanted.” Now indeed the duchess gave a half-start of surprise and curiosity, and then her regards settled upon Amy’s counte- nance, to gather thence if possible what part she was about to play in the present proceedings. Pure-minded and kind- hearted as the duchess herself was, she revolted against the idea which for an instant struck her that Amy could have been treacherously and wickedly calumniating her, but when she beheld a certain confusion almost amounting to distress in the young woman’s look and manner, Lavinia was be- wildered what to think. “Amy Sutton,” said the duke, who now thought fit to speak in a more solemn and subdued tone than he had hitherto adopted, ‘‘I am well aware that it 1s unpleasant, and indeed afflicting for you — ”’ “ Amy,”’ interrupted the duchess, advancing toward her maid, and looking her fixedly in the face, ‘if you have an accusation to make against me, it requires no preface. Speak out. Do you know aught to my disparagement? Have you ever — ”’ “TI would much rather not have been called upon,’’ said the young woman, who notwithstanding her constitutional coldness and indifference was really embarrassed, confused, and distressed, ‘‘ to give utterance to a word — ”’ “Ah! then you do know what is going on,’ exclaimed the ) CONNIE OO KS (E(0) m