The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 120: what you’re looking at

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

THE BANQUET 103 “T will now proceed to my proofs,’’ resumed Malpas, who alone mistook Sackville’s ominous looks and guarded silence for the evidences of a crushed and broken spirit. “ You are aware that my day for the love-campaign was a Wednesday. On the previous day I chanced to call upon Lady Wenlock at Kew; and in the course of conversation her ladyship mentioned that the most celebrated beauty of the day, Miss Venetia Trelawney (as her name then was, previously to her marriage), was to be at the horticultural féte announced by her ladyship for the ensuing evening. Having already received an invitation, I resolved to be there. On the Wednesday morning I met Mr. Sackville by accident, and told him I should be at the féte, in order to avail myself thereof to procure an introduction to Miss Trelawney. Mr. Sackville must remember the circum- stance.”’ ‘“ Perfectly,’ said Horace, in a cold but untrembling voice. “I did repair to that festival,’ continued the colonel, ‘‘and I obtained the wished-for introduction to Miss Tre- lawney, as she then was. I need not enter into particulars. Suffice it to say that we walked together in a secluded avenue, allowing the ladies who accompanied her — Mrs. and Miss Arbuthnot, I believe — to proceed a considerable distance ahead. My suit, which I pleaded passionately, was success- ful, and Miss Trelawney gave me an appointment for the ensuing Friday evening, at a place which I named.”’ “Friday evening!” ejaculated the Marquis of Leveson, exchanging a rapid but meaning glance with the Prince of Wales. “Yes, the Friday evening,’’. returned Malpas; ‘“ and consequently before Mr. Sackville’s marriage with the lady, which marriage took place on the ensuing Wednesday. One more word will suffice: Miss Trelawney met me on the Friday evening alluded to at the house of Mrs. Gale in Soho Square.”’ “ At what o’clock? ” inquired the Marquis of Leveson. “ At nine o’clock,’’ responded Malpas. “ And how long did she remain with you at Mrs. Gale’s? ”’ asked Lord Leveson, with another rapid, but now astonished look, at the prince regent. ‘‘ Let us have all the circum- stances stated in detail and accurately recorded,’ he observed, making notes in his pocketbook. COnnIEcDoolks (S(O)