The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 130: what you’re looking at

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

THE EARL’S VENGEANCE 113 table and putting out the lights. We can, however, converse just as comfortably in the dark. But why do you tremble? ”’ and he covered the cheeks and lips of the lady’s-maid with kisses. For the moment Gertrude was completely bewildered. Could it be possible that the earl had failed, in the rapid glance he threw upon her, to observe that it was not his wife, but her maid; and was it purely through accident that he had upset the table? Such were the questions which Gertrude rapidly asked herself. But how could she answer them? Indeed she knew not what to think. “My dear Editha,’’ continued the nobleman, indulging in certain little amorous licenses and tender dalliances which Gertrude dared not resist, ‘‘ it strikes me that you are cruel and unkind after my long absence from you. What! not a word — not a kiss. Come, if you will not speak, at all events press your lips to mine.”’ | And as he thus spoke he strained Gertrude to his breast in. such a manner that, as their lips met, the abigail could not withdraw herself from the warm and exciting contact even if she were inclined. “There! now I know by these kisses,’’ continued the earl, after several long and fervid caresses which he bestowed, and which Gertrude gave back again, —‘“‘ now I know that you are not indifferent to my return. It is, however, an unexpected pleasure that I should find you thus amiable as to recelve my caresses with so much fervour and give them back with kindred warmth. Let us say nothing of the past. I will not inquire what you have been doing during my absence, and you must not seek to know of me what I have been doing on the Continent. Therefore let no dis- agreeable thoughts mar our present enjoyment.” And still, as he spoke, he held Gertrude in his embrace, bestowing upon her such caresses as gave unmistakable proof of his ultimate intentions. Gertrude, although so thoroughly experienced in the ways of the world, — so full of duplicity, and with such a genius for intricue, — had, nevertheless, retained her chastity; but her passions were strong, and they were now gradually being excited by this contact, in the dark, with a man, who, though she liked him not, possessed a handsome exterior. Moreover, on a former occasion, we have seen Gertrude willing to abandon cS (C(O) im CORNICLOOL