The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 235: what you’re looking at

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

218 REYNOLDS’ WORKS the result, and entertaining a very sincere friendship for Lady Bess, she said to her, ‘‘ Now, my dear Elizabeth, if you really are at all uncertain about the possible ending of this adventure, do for Heaven’s sake let me get you out of the house unperceived.”’ “My dear girl,’’ exclaimed Lady Bess, taking Kate’s hand and clasping it warmly, ‘‘ do I look like a person who entertains any alarm on the subject? Quite the contrary. I am rejoiced that what I wanted to occur has so speedily taken place. And now tell me, how do your garments seem to fit me?” ‘Perfectly well,’’ replied Kate, altogether cheered and encouraged by the tone of confidence in which Lady Bess had spoken. The Amazonian lady surveyed herself in a full-length mirror when Kate had fastened her dress, and the reflection of the image which she beheld on the polished surface of that glass was one whereof she might well be proud. Lady Bess now appeared as a most splendid woman. Her com- manding height was relieved by the fine developments of her form, the closely fitting dress setting off the rich, feminine contours to the utmost advantage. It was true that so far as her features were concerned, they now appeared largely chiseled and therefore somewhat coarse; but 1t was impos- sible to gaze upon those splendid dark eyes, the richness of those moist and luscious lips, the teeth faultlessly even and without the faintest blemish, and the nose of periect straightness, without being compelled to admit that i the sweetness of beauty were not there, yet that the counte- nance was one of a strikingly handsome appearance. Inasmuch as to suit her male apparel Lady Bess had been accustomed to wear her hair somewhat short, — that is to say, long for a man, but short for a woman, — she had now made the most of it by arranging it in bands; and in its extraordinary luxuriance it seemed that if let loose it would flow down in the richest redundancy upon her shoulders. — Shining in its rich natural glossiness, that magnificent raven hair was parted above the high and open forehead which seemed capable of enthroning the noblest thoughts. From her waist down to her feet the flowing skirt of her dress afforded indications of the sweeping length of those limbs which the drapery now concealed, but as she turned CONNIE NO KS (E(0)