The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 298: what you’re looking at

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

THE EARL’S LAST ACT OF REPARATION 267 we shall obtain a view of a range of scenery far wider than the mere landscape which is seen from the railings of our own grounds. And then, too, it seems, my Eleanor, as if we were entering upon a new footing toward each other and resolving upon the adoption of a more pleasant demeanour, by thus seeking this little change of scene together. Can you bring yourself to view it in the same light? ”’ But the countess was too much a prey to her increasing wonderment and growing fears to be able to vouchsafe any reply to that question; and in a few moments she emerged upon the leads on the summit of Stamford Manor. There was a low parapet which ran along the edge, but so very low that it was dangerous for a person at all prone to giddiness to venture too near. ; ‘Ts not this a charming prospect, Eleanor? ”’ exclaimed the earl, stretching forth his arm and sweeping it slowly around as if to fix her attention upon the scenery. ‘ But the finest view may be obtained from this point — ”’ And he advanced nearer to the parapet as he spoke. ‘“ For Heaven’s sake be cautious, Francis! ’”’ cried Eleanor, shrinking back in the dismay which suddenly blanched her cheeks and rendered her voice tremulous. ‘““Is it possible, Eleanor,”’ said the earl, turning abruptly around and fixing his eyes full upon her, — yes, full upon her for the first time during this scene which we are describing, — ‘is it possible that you can entertain any apprehension for me? ”’ “Do you doubt it?” cried the countess, returning that gaze, but gazing in mingled curiosity and alarm. ‘“ Oh! if you have brought me up here to test my feelings toward you— But, no, you would not do that,” she exclaimed, her manner suddenly becoming all perplexity. Then, as it merged with equal rapidity into the most poignant alarm, she said, ‘‘ How strangely you regard me! your looks fill me with vague terrors! Oh, Francis, surely you do not intend to injure — ”’ “To injure you! ”’ ejaculated the earl, in a voice which immediately reassured her; and the ghastly, horrified, shuddering look which she had for a moment flung toward the abyss below was once more bent upon her husband. “God forbid that I should hurt a hair of your head! No, no,” he continued, with a wild excitement which had some- CONnNICLOOKS (©)