The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 209: what you’re looking at

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

192 THE COURT. OF LONDON of such hospitality as my humble dwelling can afford for this night? ”’ “J shall do so with gratitude,’ returned Jocelyn, “ and if to-morrow you can help me to suitable lodgings you will add to the obligations under which I am already placed toward you. ‘To speak plainly, I have business to transact of a somewhat delicate nature, and it accords with my pur- poses to remain in strict seclusion at Geneva for a day or two.” “Then you wish to find a quiet, retired lodging? ”’ said Maravelli. ‘“‘ In fact, a place where you will be secure against the pryings of impertinent curiosity.” “Such is exactly my desire,’ returned Jocelyn. ‘“‘ I seek for the utmost privacy.”’ “Then it is possible,’ said Maravelli, in a musing tone, ‘that I myself can accommodate you. But I must see what Madame Roberts says upon the point, as I never take one lodger to the annoyance of another, and very seldom gentlemen at all.” “An! what of me?’ exclaimed the lady whom Jocelyn had rescued from a watery grave, as she entered the room at the moment. She had changed all her apparel, but was still dressed-in half-mourning, with her hair now arranged in massive bands. She looked what may be termed interestingly handsome, for she was decidedly possessed of a very fine person and of striking features, although her cheeks were colourless and even sunken, and an expression of profound melancholy sat upon her countenance. ‘“T was just observing, madam,” said Doctor Maravelli, as with the greatest respect he placed a chair for her, “ that if you had no objection to this gentleman becoming a lodger in my house for a short time, a very short time — ” “Under any other circumstances than those which have this evening occurred,’ interrupted the lady, with a peculiar look and significant tone as she addressed herself to the doctor, ‘‘ I should decidedly have objected to any such arrangement.” “ Yes, Madame Roberts, I know it, I know it,” Maravelli hastened to observe. ‘‘ Under any other circumstances, no doubt; but as this gentleman was so providentially thrown in your way to snatch you from a watery grave, I think c ) EGomichbooks. Go