The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

Oo REYNOLDS’ WORKS gered by the presence of his secretary, and by the bold denial which had issued from his lips. He was seized with perplexity and bewilderment, but quickly recovering his self-possession, he cast a rapid mental glance over whatsoever circumstances he thought there might be that could have induced the young man to proclaim himself the champion of Lavinia’s innocence. What was there but the affair of the box? and how could Christian possibly know what that box had contained? ? ‘“ Begone, sir,’ cried the duke, fire flashing from his eyes. ‘’ How dare you intrude upon our privacy? ” ‘“ Because I have a duty to perform,’ responded our young hero, as he advanced into the room, and Marechmont was now struck by the fact that he carried a large parcel tied up in brown paper. The reader may conceive the increased amazement of Amy Sutton at the new turn which the matter. appeared to be taking, and he may likewise imagine the mingled hope and suspense which Lavinia felt from the same cause. Christian’s ) mien and bearing were quite different from what they were - wont to be. The natural gentleness of his looks had altered into a decisiveness which was almost stern; the retiring nature of the mild and unobtrusive youth had given place to the manly firmness of one who had a special part to per- form and who was resolved to accomplish it. The duke grew more and more apprehensive; a thousand vague fears racked him; the basis upon which his whole iniquitous pro- ceeding was founded seemed to be crumbling away, while he was still utterly at a loss to conceive from what particular point the disruption was arising. ‘“ T repeat,’ said Christian, quailing not for a single instant in the presence of his ducal employer, “‘ the words I ere now uttered, that the accusation against the duchess is false, — yes, false as the heart of him who invented it.’’ “Oh, yes, it is false,’ cried Lavinia; ‘‘ Heaven knows — itis false. But accuse not my husband, Mr. Ashton. He him- self must have been cruelly deceived by circumstances.”’ ‘‘ T wish I was enabled to confirm your Grace’s assurance,”’ responded our young hero, “‘ but it is not in my power to do so. My lord, everything is known, and shall be boldly pro- claimed if you provoke such an exposure. Suffer me to whisper one word in your ear.”’ | ECORNIELOOKS (E(@) m