The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 271: what you’re looking at

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

254 THE COURT OF LONDON “Ah!” exclaimed the marquis, his countenance lighting up with joy; ‘‘do you mean really to tell me that Julia Owen is at this moment with your prisoner? This is excel- lent, especially as I have brought some one with me — ”’ “Did I not assure your lordship this morning,” inter- rupted the prefect, not heeding the last words of the noble- man, ‘‘ that 1t would be for to-night? ”’ ‘Yes,’ responded Leveson; “and relying upon the accuracy of your Excellency’s information, I have brought a certain person with me whom I wish to become a specta- tress of her beloved Jocelyn in the arms of the seductive Julia.” ‘“Ah!” ejaculated the prefect; ‘‘1s it possible that you have caused Miss Louisa Stanley to come all the way from England to view her lover’s infidelity, — supposing bhas such infidelity shall really take place? ”’ “And wherefore not kill two birds with one stone? ”’ said the marquis, with a knowing look. ‘ The opportunity was too good to be lost, and I accordingly availed myself of it.” “°Tis an admirable stroke of policy!’ exclaimed Jules Martignac. ‘ Yes, an admirable stroke of policy if your lordship be indeed anxious to break off the contemplated match between Louisa Stanley and this Jocelyn. And, by the bye, since I have heard that this Louisa is so beautiful,”’ continued the vain young Frenchman, with a self-sufficient air, ‘‘ perhaps your lordship would afford me an opportunity of making myself agreeable to her; for I should really like to have an English mistress.’’ : ‘“T am sorry that I cannot gratify you in this respect,’’ returned the Marquis of Leveson, smiling; ‘“‘ but the fact is that Louisa Stanley is such a perfect angel of beauty I intend to try my own fortune with her first.”’ ‘“‘ But where is she? ”’ inquired the prefect. ‘On leaving the ambassador’s just now,’’ responded the marquis, ‘“‘ I drove around to the hotel where she is staying with me, and brought her hither in my carriage. She is now in the anteroom.”’ “ And Mary Owen, who was staying with her at Canter- bury?” said the prefect. “Ts still remaining there,’ answered Leveson, “‘ in order to take care of Louisa’s sick aunt during her absence. CONNIE OO KS (E() m