The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 69: what you’re looking at

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

ze. THE COURT OF LONDON not for these ideas, which at times haunt me like darksome suspicions, I should have revealed to the ears of my aunt the thoughts and sensations which I have now revealed to you. I should have thrown myself into her arms and ex- plained the wild, the singular, and the mysterious impres- sions which that incident has left upon my memory. But I dare not thus touch upon the subject before my aunt, — a subject which methinks she studiously avoids; and for some weeks past a damp has fallen at times upon my spirits when I reflect that I am cherishing a secret unknown to those kind and generous relatives to whom I am so in- calculably indebted.” “The revelation you have now made gives me pain, Florence,’ said Valentine, ‘‘ because I understand full well that this secret is preying upon you. You must endeavour to banish the impression from your mind — ”’ “No, that is impossible,’ interrupted Florence, with accents of mournful firmness. ‘‘ You have a belief that your lamented father has been the victim of a crime, and you cherish the presentiment that sooner or later you will be enabled to clear up the mystery. On my part I have a belief that the incident of St. James’s Palace is in some manner interwoven with my destiny, and I cherish the presentiment that time will afford a full and complete explanation. Ah! Valentine,” she said, after a few moments’ deep reflection, and now suddenly fixing her eyes, those lovely azure eyes, upon the handsome youth who sat by her side, retaining one of her fair hands in his own, “‘ when you ere now spoke to me of your desire to unravel the mystery which occupies so large a portion of your thoughts, did I not declare that to the extent of my humble ability, weak, timid, and powerless girl that I am, I would assist you? ”’ “a ‘““Oh, dearest Florence, now I comprehend you,” ex- claimed Valentine. ‘‘ You wish that I should reciprocate the pledge, and that I should do my best to clear up this mystery which envelops the incident of the palace, if a mystery there really be? I will do so, I will do so.” The young maiden bent upon her lover a look beaming with gratitude, and they immediately turned their discourse upon topics of a more cheerful character. CORNICLIOOKS (E(0) im