The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 201: what you’re looking at

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

184 THE COURT OF LONDON gentleman. ‘“ I have had the honour of speaking to two or Given of them, as I just now stated.” ‘““Have you ever been inside the villa which her Royal Highness inhabits? ’”’ asked Jocelyn, not thinking that there was anything at all indiscreet in the question. ‘“ Yes — no,’’ returned the Genevese, suddenly correcting his first reply. ‘‘ That is to say, I was once there, but — ” And stopping suddenly short, he had recourse to his wine- glass, as if to get rid of the necessity of saying any more upon the subject. ‘“T beg your pardon,” said Jocelyn, “if I have been put- ting rude or impertinent queries to you.’’ ““ Oh, not at all, not at all, I can assure you,’’ exclaimed the professional gentleman, again becoming all urbanity and politeness. ‘We will talk upon another subject,’’ said Jocelyn, per- ceiving that the former topic was somehow or another disagreeable or embarrassing, and he accordingly began to expatiate upon the beauties of the adjacent scenery and picturesque view which was obtained of the mountains of Jura in the distance. He found his companion perfectly ready to discourse upon the charming features of his own native clime, and thus the remainder of the dinner-hour was passed away agreeably enough. On the Continent it is not the custom to linger over the wine, and accordingly, soon after the dessert was placed upon the table, coffee was served up, and the landlord then came to announce that the professional gentleman’s chaise was in readiness. That individual thereupon took his leave of Jocelyn, without any proposal that they should renew their acquaintance at Geneva; but this was by no means extraordinary, inasmuch as though people may get on very friendly terms together at foreign tables d’hote, it does not at all follow that the intimacy should continue when once they rise from table. ‘Who is that gentleman? ’’ inquired Loftus of the land- lord when his dinner-companion had taken his departure in the hired chaise, or fly, which had brought him thither in the afternoon. | ‘IT do not know, sir; I never saw-him before,” was the answer. ‘‘ He came to inquire about a house and garden which are to sell in the neighbourhood, but either they did ) >] Gomicbooks