The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 157: what you’re looking at

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

140 THE COURT OF LONDON - would not compromise his honour in respect to this duel which appeared inevitable. “ Return you to Captain Tash, and remain with him until you receive a message from me,” said Venetia. ‘‘ Then, so soon as Jessica repairs to you with the intimation that I wish to see you, do you come straight hither and enter the boudoir at once, without: hesitation, and without the cere- mony of knocking at the door.” Horace was about to inquire an explanation relative to ~ this extraordinary instruction, but Venetia good-humouredly cut short all further discourse, and compelled him to quit the room. A few minutes after her husband had thus left the boudoir, Lady Sackville rang the bell, and when Jessica answered the summons, she said, ‘“‘ You have returned, then, from execut- ing the commission with Colonel Malpas? ”’ “Yes, your ladyship,’’ was the abigail’s reply. “I saw the colonel, gave him the money, and delivered your message. He says that he shall set off at once, and as the northwestern part of the Continent is now so unsettled in consequence of French affairs, he shall not attempt to pass along the Rhine, but shall take ship for the Mediterranean and by those means reach Geneva.”’ “Good! ”’ said Venetia, in a tone of approval. “ And now, my dear girl, you must at once proceed to Grosvenor Street and see the Earl of Curzon. If he be not at home, wait for his return, and when you see him, tell him that if he values my good opinion and friendship he will at once pay me a visit.’’ ‘“ But has not your ladyship heard,’’ said Jessica, stam- mering and hesitating, ‘‘of a certain circumstance? ‘The whole town is ringing with it already. I heard the waiters talking of it at the door of the hotel where Colonel Malpas is staying. I also heard of it again at a shop where I stopped to buy something I required — But now your ladyship 1s prepared to hear it — ”’ ‘“T know everything already,” said Venetia, “so don’t tarry to converse with me, but start off at once and deliver my message to Lord Curzon. Tell him that I have heard of what has taken place, and that therefore I am well aware he cannot openly visit Lord Sackville’s suite of apartments at Carlton House. Tell him, therefore, that he is to accom- ECORMICLICO KS (E(0)