The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 227: what you’re looking at

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

210 THE COURT. OF; LONDON Besides,’’ added the lady, with dignity, ‘“‘ I should not think of encouraging a confidence calculated to place us on so familiar and intimate a footing. No, he has merely let slip a word or two in an unguarded moment, but enough, [ repeat, to make me aware that he is acquainted with some secret which he could reveal if he chose.’’ ‘“ But the reports relative to the princess,’ inquiringly, “ what is their nature? ”’ ‘All kinds of incredible things,’’ replied Mrs. Roberts. ‘Indeed, I would not repeat them were it not absolutely necessary that you should know all that is said concérning her, and were it not also that you would be enabled to glean these things trom other sources, for they are on the tip of every tongue, and scandal is busy enough with the princess’s name. Ina word, ’tis said that she not only intrigues openly and unblushingly with her equerry Bergami, but that she scruples not to receive other lovers inside the walls of the villa; ay, and ’tis added, too, that she has even given birth to a child.”’ ) said Jocelyn, ‘“ Heavens! is this possible? ’’ exclaimed Jocelyn, starting with mingled amazement and indignation. ‘“‘ What am I to think? Have I indeed embarked in the cause of a shame- less wanton, and thus laid myself open to become the laugh- ing-stock of the whole world, or 1s slander doing its detestable work? ”’ ‘Firmly and sincerely do I believe in the latter hypoth- esis,’ returned Mrs. Roberts. ‘* Nevertheless, the whole affair is full of mystery. That one of the young ladies bearing the name of Owen has admitted a lover ’’ — and here the lady sighed deeply — ‘“‘ within the precincts of the villa, I have every reason to believe; and that therefore such conduct is but too well calculated to bring scandal upon that dwelling, a scandal, indeed, which by misappre- hension and mistake may attach itself to the princess herseli. while it is all along only one of her dependents who is tc blame — ”’ “Good God!” ejaculated Loftus, starting from his seat as if a flash of lightning suddenly thrilled through him from head to foot, ‘‘I understand it all. ’Tis the diabolical — working-out of the conspiracy. Yes, yes, the truth stands revealed before me plain and transparent as it possibly can be. Madam,” he abruptly exclaimed, turning toward CORNICE KS m (E()