The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 51: what you’re looking at

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

— 34 REYNOLDS’ WORKS countenance was deadly pale, and whose entire manner in- dicated the profoundest trouble of soul, notwithstanding the almost preterhuman efforts which he made to appear com- posed. ‘‘ Solemnly in your presence, Christian Ashton, and in yours also, Amy Sutton, do I recognize and proclaim her Grace’s innocence. Will this suffice? For a thousand reasons this affair must go no farther.” “Tt is for her Grace to decide,’’ said our hero. The unfortunate duchess could no longer blind her eyes to the fact that her own husband was at the bottom of a foul conspiracy of which she was to have been made the victim, but still she wished to spare him as much as possible, and she therefore unhesitatingly exclaimed, ‘‘ Oh, no, let not the matter progress farther.” ‘“ But I also must be consulted in this,’ said Amy Sutton, with that firmness which was characteristic of her. “ I am dependent on my character for my bread,’’ she continued, fixing her eyes upon the duke, “ and not for a moment must it be thought that I voluntarily or wilfully bore false evi- dence against her ladyship.”’ ‘“T know enough of the circumstances,” interposed Chris- tian, “‘ to be enabled to state that it 1s quite possible you have been grossly deceived, and that you fancied you beheld her Grace on particular occasions when it was in reality another. And now the uses to which these dresses have been put are perhaps fully understood —”’ “Oh, enough! enough!” cried poor Lavinia, her looks recoiling from the haggard, ghastly, guilt-stricken counte- nance of her husband. ‘““ Ah, I recollect,’ suddenly exclaimed Amy, as a thought struck her. ‘‘ That veil which was worn over the head of her whom your Grace pointed out,’’ and she addressed herself to’ the duke. ‘‘ My lord, it was infamous of you.” ‘For my sake, let no exposure take place,’ murmured the duchess, with appealing looks directed alike toward Amy andour hero. ‘I thank you, Mr. Ashton, for your kindness; your noble conduct never can be forgotten by me. And you, Amy, oh, I do indeed acquit you of any evil intention. But I implore and beseech that nothing of all this shall be allowed to transpire. His Grace will treat me kindly in future. I forgive him, — from the bottom of my heart I forgive him. Tell me, Hugh, that henceforth — ”’ ) CONNIE DOO KS m