The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 262: what you’re looking at

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

THE THREE SISTERS 245 “Oh, never mind Mary,” interrupted Agatha, somewhat petulantly. ‘She is something more- than sentimental, _ she is a maudlin, sickening spoony with her rigid ideas of virtue. But we have been talking of Jocelyn Loftus. How . is it that not once, during the present conversation, the names of Curzon and Malpas have been mentioned? ’’ she asked, her beautiful countenance soitening into an arch smile. What!” ejaculated Emma, “ after the scandalous trick they endeavoured to play us, plotting to carry us off to Lausanne by means of such dreadful villains as that Kobolt and his gang, whom, as we have since heard, rumour declares to be nothing less than resurrection-men. Ah! if I were old Mrs. Ranger, I should never fancy myself again after having been in contact with those ruffians. I should always suspect my very clothes smelled of dead bodies. And old Mrs. Hub- bard, too.”’ “IT really cannot help laughing,” said Agatha, ‘‘ when I think of those two antiquated heroines of the abduction scene.” “ How astounded Malpas must have been!” said Emma. © served him right, too. I am very glad of it.” “ Poor Curzon!’’ murmured the sentimental Julia, “ I really think the punishment was too severe, seeing that he meant to carry me off through love.” “IT dare say if you were to meet him again, Julia,’ Agatha, “‘ you would forgive him.”’ “ She might,’ exclaimed Emma, “‘ but I declare I would never forgive Malpas.” “ Nor would I forgive Curzon,” retorted Julia, raising her head proudly. ‘* You both seem to think I am weak-mindea and foolish. I tell you that I am as strong in purpose as either of you, and therefore, onee for all, let me beg that I may be believed when I declare that whenever I meet Curzon again I will tell him frankly and candidly that every- thing is at an end between us. As for you, Emma,”’ she con- tinued, flinging a somewhat angry but also arch look upon her sister, “‘it is very easy of you to talk so slightingly of Malpas, since you have already formed a new attachment. Ah! don’t think that I am blind to the amorous looks which you have lately flung upon the good-looking equerry.”’ “What! Baron Bergami?”’ ejaculated Agatha. Then, ’ said COMMICLAOO <S) co) aA) |