The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

258 THE COURT OF LONDON concealment and artifice, had not failed to detect the secret, while Lady Prescott herself fancied that the whispered discourse which was going on merely regarded the little bit of scandal that had been coupled with her name in London at the time of her resignation of her situation at court. But still, even this idea, which had previously made her blush ere she revealed her name now made her blush again as she observed those rapid whisperings which were passing amongst the group, and the piercing glances that were flung toward her. ‘““ May it please your Royal Highness,”’ she said, recover- ing her presence of mind, “‘ I did not at once reveal my name, for fear some prejudice might exist against it. But my mission will be accomplished if you permit me to hand this letter, which is addressed to yourself from your Royal Highness’s august sister-in-law and cousin the Princess Sophia.”’ “ T think you would do well, Lady Prescott,’ interrupted Agatha, “‘ to withdraw. Her Royal Highness even wonders at your audacity in appearing before her in a condition which, had you any feeling of decency, you would have been only too anxious to conceal.’’ A deadly pallor overspread the countenance of the un- happy Lady Prescott as the eldest Miss Owen thus addressed her in words proving that her secret had indeed been pene- trated. But with a desperate resolve to accomplish her mission, she drew forth a letter from her bosom, advanced toward the princess, and said, “* ‘Take it, madam, I implore you to take it. Whatever I may be, my shame, my mis- fortune, cannot alter nor prejudice the contents of this note; and you may judge of its importance by the risk of exposure which I have run in undertaking to be the bearer of it.’’ “No, her Royal Highness cannot receive anything from your hand,” said Agatha, sternly. ‘“‘ Withdraw, madam, withdraw. Every moment that you remain here is an additional insult to her Royal Highness.” | “Take care, Miss Owen,’ retorted the now enraged, almost maddened Lady Prescott, ‘ that the time does not come when your presence shall also be regarded as an insult.”’ ‘This is a sheer impertinence,”’ exclaimed Agatha, with the quickness of a hysterical excitement, and from head to I) ) GOmMmichdoo cS (E(0) im