The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 229: what you’re looking at

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

212 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Mr. Hood remained a few minutes longer with his patient, asking her certain requisite questions, or, we should rather say, certain questions which he considered requisite; and then he took his leave, promising to send another draught | in the course of the forenoon, and desiring that he might be fetched if any change should take place in her condition. When the doctor had fairly quitted the room, Lady Bess gave vent to her long pent-up mirth in peals of the most joyous laughter, wherein she was joined by Kate, who remained with her, Mrs. Marshall having left the room with the doctor to escort him down-stairs. ‘“‘ And how do you really feel? ’’ inquired Kate, when the paroxysm of that convulsive merriment was over. ‘“T feel somewhat tired and stiff,’ responded Lady Bess, wiping away the tears which had rolled down her cheeks in the excess of her mirth, “‘ but in all other respects I never was better, and certainly never happier. I am not one, my dear Kate, who, after an extraordinary exhilaration of the spirits, receives a reaction leading into a proportionate despondency. I am pretty nearly always the same, some- times more elated, perhaps, but very seldom, if ever, de- pressed. And now let me give you the history of that pleasant little adventure of mine which has compelled me to perform this feat.’’ The Amazon thereupon recounted the incidents of the previous night, which are already known to the reader, and Kate laughed heartily at her friend’s ludicrous description of the discomfiture which, the two lawyers had experienced. ‘“ Now, I do not think they are positively vindictive,” added Lady Bess, “ but they are keen, sharp fellows, and have got it into their heads that, being lawyers, they must vindicate what is called the majesty of the law. So, it is highly probable that they will have instituted a hue and cry, or else a chase after me. Perhaps, even, they may make their appearance in Dover presently, in the idea that I shall endeavour to escape into France. Well, let them come. I most cordially hope they will, for it is better to have the thing examined into down here and have done with it, than have to wait till I return to London and then send for all you as witnesses. But what time is the first train down?” “About eleven o’clock for the French mails,” Kate. replied CONNIE DOOKS (E(0)