The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 213: what you’re looking at

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

196 THE COURT OF LONDON which was engaging us ere BOW, I mean relative to your knowledge of my name.’ ‘“T not only know the name of Jocelyn Loftus,” said Mrs. Roberts, with a peculiar look, “‘ but also that which is really your own.”’ ‘Ah!’ ejaculated our hero, “‘ then how is it that I am thus known to you? ”’ | ‘Hush! we may not speak upon these matters now or here,” interrupted the lady. ‘“‘ The doctor may return at any moment, or he may overhear us from some adjacent room, for this is a strange, rambling house, old-fashioned and tortuous in its arrangements as a feudal castle, and there is no knowing from what neighbouring apartment our host may listen to anything that is taking place in this.” “Then do you not think that he has really gone out? ” inquired Jocelyn. “TI dare say he’has,” replied the lady, “ but it is quite possible he may return sooner than we expect. He says that he does not understand English, but prudence forbids us from relying on that averment.”’ “Then will you, madam,’’ asked Jocelyn, “‘ give me an early opportunity of conversing with you alone, and in some ~ place where we shall be free from interruption? v ‘“ Yes, for I also wish to converse with you, and the sooner the better, ” said Mrs. Roberts. ‘“ I am acquainted with your object, I know your design, and uf I can possibly for- ward it — But here am I doing precisely what I counselled you not to do, that is, talking on private matters.” “And yet what suspense shall I remain in until oppor- tunity serves for the promised explanations! ”’ said Jocelyn. ““When can you favour me? ”’ “ To-night, if vou will,” observed Mrs. Roberts, after a few moments’ reflection. ‘‘ We will meet when the house is quiet.”? Then, as if instantaneously understanding what an equivocal construction might be put upon this proposal, she hastened to observe, “I have no doubt you will be located in one of the rooms opening from the long passage on the first floor. At the end of that passage there is a drawing-room, looking on the garden at the back of the house. 1 ae be there within half an hour from the time that the household retires to rest.’’ | Jocelyn, who at once comprehended the delicacy which ) EORMIE OOO KS