The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 314: what you’re looking at

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

THE FABRICATION 297 it, and therefore your words have caused me little uneasiness, but much curiosity.” ‘“ The scene was too ludicrous to be serious,’’ continued - Lady Saxondale. ‘‘ What will you think when I tell you that I have had a declaration of love and an offer of mar- riage? ”’ “What! you, mother?’ exclaimed Juliana. “ From some old nobleman, I suppose? ”’ “The remark is scarcely respectful, miss,’ returned Lady Saxondale, now suddenly recovering her wonted dignity, blended with hauteur, “ for I presume you intended me to understand that only an old nobleman would be likely to seek my hand in marriage.” “ Well, tell us this adventure of yours, then,” said Juliana, not in the most respectful tone, for the reader has already seen that this young lady was by no means the pattern of a dutiful daughter. “Yes, tell us what has happened, my dear mother,” asked Constance, who was far more affectionate and docile to her parent. “It is perfectly true,’ continued Lady Saxondale, ad- dressing herself more to Constance than to Juliana, “ that I have received an offer, but I think when I tell you from whom it came, you will say that I have even less reason to be proud of the proposai than if it had been made by some old nobleman such as Juliana has referred to.”’ “ Who, then, was it?’ inquired Constance. 5 Your preceptor, Mr. Deveril,’’ responded Lady secebti dale. An ejaculation of the most unfeigned surprise burst from the lips both of Juliana and Constance. “Tt is really the case,’ continued their mother. ‘“‘ You know that you waited for him some little time this after- noon, and as he did not make his appearance, you went out. But you left a message that if he called he was to be asked to come to-morrow. Now, as I always regarded him as a very civil, well-behaved, nice young man, I did not choose to mortify him by leaving that message to be delivered by the servants, so I allowed him to be shown up when he came, and having received his apology for the lateness of his arrival, I gave your message. I don’t know if I spoke in a more affable tone than usual, but certain it is that he sat down )) CONnMIGOOOKS (C©)