The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 313: what you’re looking at

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

296 THE COURT OF LONDON and she looks up to me quite as a father. She has got a sister somewhere in London; but she has evidently mistaken the address of this sister’s residence. However, I will tel! you all about this another time; suffice it to say that Louisa is a charming creature, and I have obtained such influence over — ”’ The whispered dialogue between the prince and the marquis, and the animated discussion on the part of Sack- ville, Curzon, and Huntingdon, were both alike interrupted at this particular moment by the circumstance of Venetia suddenly upsetting her wine-glass by a too abrupt move- ment which she made; and as the wine was spilt upon the rich satin dress that she wore, she started from her seat, evidently much confused and chagrined at an accident which had drawn all eyes upon her. Then faltering forth a few words of apology, she hurried from the room. Hastening to her own chamber, she threw herself upon the sofa and fell into a profound reverie. Painful it no doubt was, for her troubled spirit seemed to look through the eyes that were bent down fixedly, beaming not with a voluptuous languor now. Painful, too, that reverie was, because the colour had fled from her cheeks and an unrelieved pallor sat upon her countenance. Presently she pressed her hand forcibly to her heart, as if to still its throbbings; and that superb bosom which was wont to swell so warmly and glow- ingly with amorous emotions now appeared to palpitate beneath the empire of other and far different thoughts. But suddenly starting from the sofa, she assumed a look of forced composure, — that look which an energetic woman puts on when, in the presence of dangers, difficulties, or annoyances suddenly starting up before her, she resolves to adopt a decisive course. Ringing the bell to summon her faithful attendant Jessica, Venetia hastened to put off the soiled dress and array herself in another robe. ‘Then, ere she quitted the chamber, she said to Jessica, “ You must hasten up to Stratton Street at once, and tell Miss Bathurst that it is probable inquiries may be made for a certain person and that she must be upon her guard accordingly. Whisper this much in Miss Bathurst’s ear; or if Miss Bathurst should not happen to be at home, tell it to Mrs. Arbuthnot, and the meaning of the message will be thoroughly understood.” Having given these instructions, Lady Sackville descended Gomichbooks (E(0) m