Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

66 REYNOLDS’ WORKS “ IGnd, Elizabeth!’ ejaculated Mr. Gunthorpe. “ But — I must subdue these emotions for the present,” he murmured to himself; then, after a brief interval of reflection, he said, ‘There are many, many more questions that I should wish to ask you, but I am fearful of appearing too obtrusive at present. Many mysteries are evidently surrounding you both.” ‘And which, if I mistake not, Mr. Gunthorpe,” said Lady Bess, accosting the old gentleman and looking earnestly in his countenance, “ methinks that you could clear up if you would. Yes, | am convinced of 1t.”’ At this moment the door of the parlour opened, and the invalid appeared upon the threshold. ‘ Adolphus! ’’ ejaculated Mr. Gunthorpe the instant he caught sight of the young nobleman’s countenance. ‘“ What! you know him?” said Lady Bess, with increased surprise. ‘* What is the meaning of all this? Who are you, Mr. Gunthorpe? Pray speak—tell us—keep us not in suspense — ”’ “T knew Adolphus when he was a boy,” said the old gentleman, his voice again becoming tremulous and his looks expressive of deep inward emotion, as he seized the invalid’s hand and pressed it warmly. Adolphus had been naturally surprised at so fervid a greeting from a stranger, but the moment he learned,’ by Lady Bess’s words, that the old gentleman was Mr. Gun- thorpe, of whom Henrietta had often spoken, he expressed the most enthusiastic delight at making his acquaintance. Mr. Gunthorpe gazed upon him long and earnestly, and then said, in a solemn voice, ‘‘ Yes, assuredly you are the true and rightful Lord Everton.’ ‘There cannot be a doubt of 1t,’”? observed Lady Bess; ‘““we have proofs the most positive. Well did Adolphus recognize the portrait of his mother.” “The portrait of Lady Everton?” said Mr. Gunthorpe. ‘““ Have you it here? If so, permit me to see it.” “Tt is here,’’ said Elizabeth, unlocking a writing-desk and producing the picture which she had torn from the book at Lord Petersfield’s house. Mr. Gunthorpe took it from her hand, and hastened to the window, where he contemplated that portrait for some minutes. His back was turned toward Adolphus, Elizabeth, Gomicbooks. co