The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 79: what you’re looking at

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

62 --s«& REYNOLDS’ WORKS known to her mysterious midnight questioner, had naturally saved herself from ulterior consequences by adopting the course which is known to the reader. Indeed, Madame An- velique was herself somewhat irritated against the duke, that he should have so seriously compromised her own establish- ment in respect to the dresses, and likewise in respect to the purpose for which Lettice Rodney had been required in the neighbourhood of Oaklands. A hastily penned note from his Grace, written immediately after the explosion of the plot, had assured Madame Angelique that she had little to dread on the part of the duchess, as he (the duke) would guarantee this much; and though Madame Angelique might thenceforth lose the custom of the duchess, she should re- ceive an ample indemnification from Marchmont’s own purse. Thus stood matters in respect to Madame Angelique and her establishment after the transaction at Oaklands; and now, having given these necessary explanations, we return to the luxuriously furnished apartment in which we find Lettice Rodney, Armantine, and Linda seated. It was noon, and they were all three in a charming dés- habillé. Lettice was reclining in a chair, reading a new novel aloud to her companions, both of whom, as the reader will recollect, understood® English to perfection. The fine form of Lettice Rodney was stretched out in a voluptuous abandonment, which, though at the moment unstudied, cave a more luxurious effect to the rich contours of her shape. Linda, the German girl, was seated upon the sofa; Ar- mantine, the French one, occupied a chair opposite to Lettice, and both were all attention to some very pathetic love pas- sage which Lettice was at the time reading to them. | Pres- ently the door opened somewhat abruptly, and Madame Angelique made her appearance. “ What do you think, my dear girls?’ she exclaimed, in considerable excitement; ‘‘ that treacherous wretch, Eveleen O’Brien, has gone back to her parents.” Lettice started in astonishment, but both Linda and Ar- mantine sighed audibly, as they inwardly wished that they possessed homes to which they dared return. “Yes, it is true,’ cried Madame Angelique, who was too much excited to observe the half-subdued evidences of compunction and regret, as well as of wistful longing, which m COMIC IOOKSa6@)