The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 162: what you’re looking at

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

THE WIFE’S STRATAGEM 145 ) ‘“Such was indeed the case,’’ rejoined the earl, ‘‘ and it was in order that I might carry out my project at once that I did not instantaneously present myself at Carlton House on my return. In fact, I only arrived yesterday evening, at about seven o’clock, and going, in the first instance, to see a friend of mine, or, rather, a young man who is interested in my affairs, I sent him to Grosvenor Street with a letter saying that I should not be at home until this evening. Ah! my dear Venetia, pardon me if I say I know your sex so well that I felt assured my wife would at once communicate with her paramour, even supposing that she had not an appointment with him for the night.” “ Oh, what a calculation on your part!’ exclaimed Venetia, in a tone of mock rebuke. ‘‘ What an opinion you must indeed have of our sex! But pray go on. I am interested in these proceedings which you are relating.”’ “ Well,” continued the earl, ‘at about eleven I went home. If I had found Editha, I should of course have told her that I had been enabled, after all, to return more speedily than I at first anticipated; but she was not at home, and I understood that she had gone to Lady Lechmere’s. Ah! then I knew at once that I was on the right track. I accord- inely proceeded thither. But public rumour has doubtless told you all the rest that occurred? ”’ “Yes,” replied Venetia. ‘‘ And now, do you not think that you have been very foolish? How can you possibly find fault with your wife? ”’ “Ah! my dear Venetia,’’ exclaimed the earl, ‘‘if you force me into explanations, I must give them. My dis- position 1s a curious one, and rakish, profligate, dissipated though I may be, J could not endure the thought that my wite should follow in the same path. It may be unjust, it may be preposterous — ”’ ‘Well, we will not comment any more upon this part of the affair,’ interrupted Venetia. ‘‘ But tell me, are you going to challenge Horace to a duel? ”’ ‘ I must,” answered the Earl of Curzon. ‘ But I promise you, my dear Venetia, that I will Tire very wide of the mark. Not that I suppose you care overmuch for your husband — ” ‘You talk of purposely missing your aim,” said Venetia, hastily, “ but by that very attempt you may hit him, for CORNICLOO cS (CO) im