The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

10 THE COURT OF LONDON before they fell in with us at Milan. In fact, it was thence that Curzon followed me in so secret and stealthy a manner, and the same may be said of the proceedings of Malpas toward yourself.”’ ‘“ Well,” exclaimed Emma, “ there is no doubt that they have hitherto been infatuated with regard to us, and if they were single men, with good fortunes, we might inveigle them into the matrimonial noose. As it is, things are quite different, they are both married, and both notoriously hampered in their finances. Very certain 1s it, then, that I do not intend to ruin myself for ever by an elopement with Malpas, and I sincerely hope that you are equally well resolved with regard to Curzon? You do not answer me, Unie ‘“T confess that I am not altogether indifferent to the earl’s handsome person and agreeable manners,’ remarked Julia. Then, with a sudden assumption of firmness and decision, she said, ‘‘ But I agree with you, sister. It wouid be the height of folly to elope with a married man who does not possess a fortune as an indemnification for the other drawbacks of his position. Very clear, however, is it that I shall now soon lose Curzon altogether,’ added Julia, with a profound sigh. “And are there no other lovers in the world to be obtained?’ demanded Emma, impatiently. “ Julia, my dear girl, without flattery let me assure you that you are handsomer than ever, and you need not fear that you will long remain without such sweet solace as you require, even though Curzon should abandon you to-morrow. for my part, [ mean to tell Malpas plainly enough that uf he annoys me with any further entreaties to elope with him, he had better depart altogether; for though I like him very well as a lover, 1am not prepared to submit to him as a dictator.” “ What can Curzon mean,’ asked Julia, ‘‘ by constantly hinting that I ought to give him my fullest confidence, that I should keep no secrets from him, that I should unbosom myselt altogether — ” ’ “Oh, Malpas talks to me in precisely the same strain,”’ interrupted Emma, petulantly, ‘“‘ as I have told you over and over again. But this is the way with all men who seek to persuade a woman into a particular course. Here, Curzon on the one hand and Malpas on the other are seeking io ECORNICLIOOKS (E(0)