The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 293: what you’re looking at

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

276 THE COURT OF LONDON In a few minutes Baron Bergami was introduced, and on announcing his name, he was welcomed with becoming courtesy by our young hero. “Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales has com- manded me to seek you, Mr. Loftus,’’ began the equerry, “ for the purpose of conierring with you.”’ ‘“TIn pursuance of the letter which I wrote, and the one which mine enclosed?” said Loftus, whose joy at the progressive success of his plans rendered him impatient to enter upon the requisite explanations. “The one which you wrote!” observed Baron Bergami, in surprise. Then instantaneously recollecting how Agatha Owen had picked up the envelope, he exclaimed, with an unwonted degree of excitement, ‘“‘ Ah! I understand. You must have written on the paper serving as the envelope of the epistle from the Princess Sophia? ”’ ‘““T did so,”’ rejoined Loftus, “‘ for I was fearful that if there were several enclosures one might so easily drop or be mis- laid.” “Then what you partially apprehended did really occur,” continued the baron, “‘ for the envelope was dropped unread, picked up by Miss Agatha Owen, and taken away by her.” “Ah! then perhaps you are unacquainted with its con- tents?’ said Jocelyn, inquiringly; and as Bergami nodded an affirmative to the question, he proceeded to state exactly what he had written in the envelope. “ Now Mr. Loftus,’ said Bergami, “ you will pardon me for telling you, at the very outset of our interview, that your character has been much blackened in the opinion of the Princess of Wales; and this evil impression which she has conceived was not improved ere now by the appearance of Lady Prescott as your messenger, Inasmuch as she 1s ina condition — ”’ | ‘“T have indeed learned from her ladyship’s lips how cruelly she was exposed,” said Jocelyn. ‘‘ It may appear indiscreet, improper, and even indecent for me to have entrusted my mission to her ladyship under the cireum- stances, but I felt assured that I myself could not obtain access to her Royal Highness, I knew not how to forward the Princess Sophia’s letter to her with the certainty that it would reach her own hands, and when you have heard all I am about to narrate, you will admit, Baron Bergami, that GoOmicbooks (E(0)