The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 166: what you’re looking at

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

THE WIFE’S STRATAGEM 149 Lord Curzon,” she continued, ‘‘ on the other hand, cannot possibly stand up to take my husband’s life under the cir- cumstanees which have now transpired, but which are not to be made known to the world. Such is the contradictory position. But know ye what is to be done? ”’ Venetia stopped short as she asked this question. Both her husband and the Earl of Curzon gazed upon her in unfeigned surprise mingled with curiosity. The latter even forgot his rage and hate at the stratagem of which he had been made the dupe, so completely was his interest now enchained in the part which this extraordinary woman, as extraordinary as she was beautiful, was taking in these deli- cate and difficult matters. “Well, neither of you seems to be able to answer my question,’ she continued, after a pause of nearly a minute. ‘“ I will tell you, then, what is to be done. There must bea sham duel. Yes, a duel in which there shall be every ap- pearance ot hostile intent, in which the pistols shall be loaded with powder and ball, duly discharged, pointblank, as | believe the phrase is, and even fired a second time, if you will, but leaving you both unscathed and unhurt, after all.’’ “It such a proceeding can really take place,” said the Earl of Curzon, still under the influence of astonishment, ‘it will assuredly be the best manner to settle the present difficulty. A due homage will thereby be paid to the opinion of the world, the laws of honour will be openly satisfied, and privately no unfairness will have been committed between your lordship and me.”’ “ Iam perfectly agreeable,’ said Horace, “ for of course, under present circumstances, I cannot wish to let you have the chance of taking my life, and I assuredly am equally repugnant to take yours.”’ | ‘ But respecting the action for crim. con.,” said the Earl of Curzon, ‘‘ which must precede the suit for a divorce in the House of Lords? I have already consulted my solicitor upon the subject.”’ ~ Ah! your lordship has not suffered the grass to grow under your feet since your return to London,” exclaimed Venetia. ‘ But since you appeal to me relative to this new question, is there not such a thing as seeking only nominal damages? — in which case Horace will, of course, offer no opposition to the action.” GOMmiGdoo! eS) (CO)