The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 26: what you’re looking at

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

THE DRAMA OF A NIGHT 9 that he would not remain five minutes beyond the appointed hour.” | “And I have spoken in the same terms to Malpas,” remarked Emma. ‘“ There is consequently nothing to fear. When they find that we do not join them, they will take their departure each by his own special route, instead of lingering in the grounds.”’ “The worst of it is,” said Julia, still in a tone of deep regret, “‘ that I told Curzon so positively I would meet him to-night, no matter what weather it might be — ”’ “And I gave an equally serious promise to the colonel,”’ interrupted Emma. ‘“ But they both know full well, or at least must suppose, that we are not altogether our own mistresses, but to a considerable extent are dependent on the will, if not the caprice, of her Royal Highness. And alter all, I have no doubt that Curzon on the one hand, and Malpas on the other, only wish to renew their mingled persuasions, entreaties, and threats, to induce us to run away with them. As if I,” exclaimed Emma, laughing merrily, and thus unconsciously displaying to full advantage the two rows of brilliant teeth which adorned her mouth, ‘as if I would ever compromise myself so far as to elope with a married man, —a colonel who has sold his commis- sion, — a mere fashionable dangler, without a shilling in his pocket. No, no, Malpas is good-looking, and 1s therefore all very well as a lover in secret — And you, Julia,” added Emma, suddenly interrupting herself to fix her attention upon her sister, ‘‘ you surely would not be foolish enough to run away with Curzon, — an insolvent nobleman steeped to the very lips in debt, and who would abandon you the moment he was sated with your beauties or felt you to be a burden on his finances? ”’ “Do you—do you really think,” asked Julia, with tremulous voice and hesitating manner, “‘ that Curzon 1s so selfish, so unprincipled? ”’ “Of course, all men are,’’ rejoined Emma, decisively, as if there could be no doubt relative to the truth of her aver- ment. ‘‘ Curzon and Malpas have most probably leit Eng- land to avoid their debts and duns, or else why should they have been travelling in a humble manner — ”’ “You forget, Emma,” interrupted her sister, “ that we are not aware in what manner our lovers were travelling © ECORNICLOOKS (C(O) im