The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 224: what you’re looking at

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

THE TWO DOORS 207 abandoning myself to dreams of hope and love, ’tis for me to think either of despair or of vengeance. The unsettled state of France and Germany, in consequence of the return of Napoleon from Elba, has determined me to fix my abode for the present at Geneva. Here at least does tranquillity continue, and it does not appear probable that the peace of the little republic will be disturbed, no matter what turn events may take in the north of Hurope. I must inform you that on arriving at Geneva a fortnight ago, and on discovering those additional proofs of my noble lover’s infidelity to which I have alluded, I: was seized with so sudden and alarming an illness that 1t became necessary to summon medical aid. Doctor Maravelli was sent for, and of course he perceived my condition. To him did I make known my intention of remaining at Geneva, and I revealed to him enough of my history to enable him to understand that 1 sought seclusion for a few months while passing through the crowning ordeal of my disgrace. Accident had thus thrown me in the way of the very man who could provide me with the accommodation | required, for 1t appears that the doctor’s house is one of retirement for ladies to whom such temporary seclusion becomes a matter of convenience or necessity. His chief patronesses, or, rather, patients, are foreign ladies who come hither from different parts, and even trom distant quarters of Hurope, to conceal their shame and endure its consequences beneath his roof. Now may you understand, Mr. Loftus, wherefore you find me in such a place. You can likewise comprehend why the doctor appealed to me for my consent ere he departed from the usual routine of his household arrangements by receiving you as a lodger. Had there been other ladies dwelling here at the present time, he would not perhaps have offered thus to accommodate you, but I am at this moment the only unhappy being of my sex located under such circumstances within these gloomy walls.”’ Again Mrs. Roberts paused, and for upwards of a minute she preserved a deep silence, broken only by the sighs which convulsed her bosom. “ With regard to that incident, that dreadful incident,’’ she resumed, ‘‘ which made us acquainted this evening, and has rendered me indebted to you for my life, that most wretched lie which you so nobly rescued, oh, it was in a CORNICLOOL cS (CO)