The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 125: what you’re looking at

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

LORD AND LADY HOLDERNESS 103 between the noble couple, and those remarks were of a cold and ceremonial nature. It was, however, evident, as the repast drew toward its termination, that Lady Holderness was becoming impatient of the restraint imposed by the presence of the domestics, and that she longed for the mo- ment to arrive when their departure from the room would enable her to give utterance to the thoughts that were upper- most in her mind. At length the wished-for instant came; and as soon as the dessert was placed upon the table, in the manner already described, Fernanda looked significantly at her husband, observing, ‘‘ It is now necessary that we should discuss our plans and settle the course which we intend to pursue.” “ So soon, ere the honeymoon be past?” ejaculated his lordship, evidently anxious to obtain a reprieve in respect to a subject which he viewed with terror and dismay. “You have already demanded a postponement of this conference more than once, and I have acceded to your solicitation,’ said Fernanda. ‘“ But five days have now elapsed since we were united to each other, and that period,” she observed, her bright scarlet lips curling with a momen- tary irony, “‘ is quite sufficient for the honeymoon of a pair who wedded under such unusual auspices and for purpose of so purely a worldly nature.” ‘“ But, my dear Fernanda,’ exclaimed Lord Holderness, “the peerage which I coveted, and to which you were to help me, is gained — yes, gained without your assistance; and therefore I think the least you can do is to allow me to enjoy my honours in tranquillity. For you have profited by my good fortune in a manner most unexpected by your- self at the moment when you became my wife.”’ “Tf you continue to talk much longer in a style which argues a cowardly, grovelling, indolent disposition,” ex- claimed Fernanda, her eyes flashing fire and a deep pink hue suddenly rushing to her cheeks, ‘‘ you will provoke me to upbraid you with no measured invective. But I propose that we argue the point calmly and deliberately.”’ P] “What point, my love?’ demanded his lordship, in as ~ meek, mild, and conciliatory a tone as he could possibly adopt in order to lull the gathering storm. “The point whether you are to fulfil the objects for which We joined our hands and fortunes,’”’ responded Fernanda, (C(O) ALG 6)(0)©)