The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 305: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXVII BS THE PRINCESS — MRS. HUBBARD WHILE pursuing his path homeward, the baron was suddenly aroused from a reverie of a deep, absorbing, and painful character by hearing his name mentioned. He looked up, and beheld Mrs. Ranger. This lady had never been a favourite of Bergami’s. Not that he was a man who formed opinions without a motive, or who easily surrendered himself up to prejudices and antipa- thies, but he certainly had never been inclined to entertain a high opinion of Mrs. Ranger. Now that he had discovered from Jocelyn’s revelation that she was a perfect Hecate of iniquity, he recoiled with a sudden sensation of loathing as he thus found himself in her presence. But almost at the selfsame instant did the thought flash to his mind that he might to some extent make use of this woman, in respect to the purpose which he had in view relative to the Owens, and conquering his repugnance accordingly, he acknowledged her salutation. Nevertheless, Mrs. Ranger immediately saw that the baron felt a loathing at her presence, and that even this act of courtesy which he had just performed, reserved, constrained, and cold as it seemed, was a forced effort and not a spon- taneous politeness. ‘Something unpleasant has occurred, baron,” she said, accosting him in. such a manner as to show she desired to lead him into conversation. - “Yes, Mrs. Ranger,’’ responded Bergami, fixing his eyes with a look of deep meaning upon her, ‘‘ something un- pleasant has indeed occurred.”’ “ You have seen Mr. Loftus and Lady Prescott? ”’ asked Mrs. Ranger, eagerly. 288 GoOmMmicbooks m