The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

THE AVOWAL OF LOVE 51 compassion for that being who regarded me in such a manner. My aunt hurried me away to the Princess Sophia’s apart- ments. We soon afterward entered the carriage and drove into Hyde Park, on which occasion it was that the accident occurred to yourself. From that day forth my aunt has never once alluded to the scene at St. James’s Palace, nor have I mentioned it in her hearing. But I have neverthe- less thought of it, yes, and thought of it often. It steals into my waking reflections by day, and mingles with my dreams by night. It appears to have interwoven itself with the threads of my destiny. Frequently do I reason with myself on the folly of thus attaching importance to an incident which was explained at the time, namely, my resemblance to a deceased friend of the prince having so deeply moved him. But vainly do I thus reason. A mysterious voice seems to whisper in the profundities of my soul that there is an importance attached to that incident, and that its solution is otherwise than was represented. This idea has erown upon me, it has settled itself in my mind, — it has become a conviction against which no self-reasoning on my part can wrestle. Doubtless you will blame me, you will consider me to be very foolish.”’ ‘““ Not so, Florence,” observed Valentine, who had listened with the deepest interest to the strange but artless narrative which the young maiden had delivered with such frankness and candour. ‘“ The incident to which you have alluded has evidently made a strong impression on your mind. Indeed, it has acquired the power of a spell or a superstition over you, and therefore your feelings are entitled to the utmost respect, especially on the part of one who aspires to the possession of your hand. But think you not that if the occurrence had really possessed any important signifi- cancy, beyond what it appeared to have, think you not, I ask, that your aunt, who is all goodness and all kindness, would have cleared up the mystery to you? ”’ ‘““ Alas!’’ said Florence, shaking her head mournfully, and with the tears starting forth on her long lashes, “ there are moments when I have experienced ungenerous and rebellious thoughts against my excellent aunt, that is to say, I have fancied that her silence relative to the incident at the palace has been a studied one, and that she has some special motive for avoiding all allusion thereto. If it were Gomicdooks (C(O) im