The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

THE AVOWAL AND THE DEBATE 1o¢ has not sent to you yet? You have heard nothing from him this morning? ”’ “No. Captain Tash is with me,” said Horace. “ He will _ be my second if Curzon should indeed send me a challenge — as, of course, he is sure to do.” “But this challenge,’ said Venetia, hesitatingly, you bound to accept it? ”’ “ Good God! can you ask me sueh a question? ”’ ejaculated Horace. ‘“‘ Even if I knew betorehand that Curzon’s shot would stretch me dead upon the field, I must accept the chal- lenge. Honour demands it; and if I have now come to break all this to your ears, it is simply because I did not wish you to receive the tidings suddenly, or through some channel which might misrepresent the facts.” ‘“ Misrepresent them!” exclaimed Venetia, now much agitated. ‘“‘ They cannot possibly be made worse, — I mean, in respect to the danger which menaces you. Now, my dear Horace,’’ she continued, in a tone that was tremu- lous with the strange and conflicting emotions agitating in her breast, “‘ you know that, notwithstanding the destiny on whose waters I am launched, notwithstanding, indeed, the strange mode of life we lead, you know, I say, that I am fond of you. It was our agreement, some months ago, that all sentimental allusions and maudlin professions of love should cease between us, and, indeed, it would have been a mockery had we not resolved on such a course. Yes, a veritable mockery in the presence of the compact which allows each such unlimited license. But at a moment when your life is threatened, I may be permitted to observe that notwithstanding all that has taken place and all that is taking place, I still experience for you those feelings which will not permit me to hear with indifference of the danger which you are incurring. Indeed, I cannot bear the thought.” | ~ My dear Venetia, you will almost drive me mad,” ex- claimed Horace, ‘if you talk thus. You know full well that at the outset I loved you fondly, loved you madly, and in a few short months this affection has not been extirpated from my heart. No; and notwithstanding I have plunged into dissipations, notwithstanding I have been seduced into this intrigue, the secret of which has now so suddenly ex- ploded, yet is there still a niche within my soul where your cé are CORNICLOO eS) (C(O)