The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 92: what you’re looking at

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FASHIONABLE DEPRAVITY 79 what has happened, demand her immediate counsel, and say that we shall remain in Paris for her instructions. I will in the meantime go myself and arrange with the pro- prietor of the hotel for a courier to become the bearer of the letter, as we cannot wait the delays of the ordinary post.”’ “ But Jocelyn must not know that we are despatching a courier to London,”’ observed Agatha. ‘‘ At least, it would be better that he should not.” - ‘‘ Leave the affair in my hands, and lose not a moment in penning your letter,’’ said the old Hecate of iniquity. ‘In half an hour it must be ready.” | She then left the apartment. “And so Jocelyn was proof against your witcheries? ” exclaimed Emma and Julia, the instant the door closed behind Mrs. Ranger. ‘““ His heart is of stone to us,” was the emphatic response; ‘“‘ but he loves another. For my part, I have done with him, —at least I think so, — and yet he is so agreeable as a companion that I should be sorry to lose him altogether from us.”’ “Well, my turn is now come to lay siege to him,’ Emma, her looks glowing with the animation of hope. Agatha now began to write the letter to her mother; and in about twenty minutes it was concluded. Mrs. Ranger soon afterward made her appearance, followed by a French courier, ready booted and spurred; the despatch was delivered to him, and he instantaneously took his departure. At six o’clock the dinner was served up, and Jocelyn made his appearance. Mrs. Ranger and the girls were less cheerful than hitherto; but there was no alteration in the iriendly tone of their manner toward himself. Indeed, a glass of champagne presently restored them all to something near their wonted liveliness; and after dinner Jocelyn escorted them to the theatre. They returned to the hotel at about eleven o’clock, and sought their chambers. The following day — this was Wednesday, and the same on which Venetia and Sackville were married in London — was passed in visiting the various exhibitions and public buildings that remained to be seen. Not a word was spoken relative to the all-important matter then pending; but Jocelyn remarked that -Agatha did not seem so anxious 7 cried cS (C(O) CONNICOO©