The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 24: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER II THE DRAMA OF A NIGHT— ACT THE SKCOND We must now peep into the bedchamber belonging to Miss Emma Owen, and there, at about the same time the preceding incidents were taking place, we shall find that young lady and her sister Julia in close and earnest con- ference together. They were seated together upon a sofa, and the wax candles, which stood upon the elegant toilet-table, shed their light upon the animated countenances of the two sisters and were reflected in their sparkling eyes. Having laid aside the handsome dresses which constituted the evening costume fitted for the dining-table and drawing-room of their royal mistress, they had put on loose wrappers, the negligence of which and the soft abandonment of the whole form which they seemed to indicate invested these lovely but dissolute girls with an air of voluptuous languor. Nevertheless their features, as we have just observed, were animated with the glow of excitement and with a certain agitation of the feelings. “This is truly provoking, Emma,”’ said the sentimental Julia. ‘‘ What is to be done? ”’ ‘““My dear girl, I have already told you,” returned her sister with a laugh, “ that we must deprive ourselves of the company of our lovers for this night. When we made each our respective appointments, we did not foresee that Agatha would so soon— But, no matter, you know, Julia, what we have to do, and Mrs. Ranger may come any moment to fetch us. Therefore we must be here in readiness to attend her summons without a single instant’s delay.” “IT am aware of all that,” said Julia, pouting. ‘ But surely I can be spared just for one moment, to meet Curzon | ECORNICLOOOKS (C(O)