The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 309: what you’re looking at

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

292 THE COURT OF LONDON were the feelings which had suddenly arisen up in her soul. ‘“ Yes, madam,” responded Bergami, who all in a moment had regained his wonted presence of mind, for he saw the precipice upon which they both stood and hastened by the ceremonial courtesy of his manner to raise up again the barrier of etiquette which had been for an instant borne down by the strong gush of feeling fresh from the heart’s fountains. “Yes, madam, I have seen Mr. Lottus, and permit me at once to inform your Royal Highness that a more chivalrous, high-minded young man than he breathes not the air of this world. As for the aspersions thrown out against his character, they are nought but the vilest calumnies.”’ ‘Then the Owens have deceived me, and Mrs. Ranger has deceived me?”’ cried the princess, with mingled anger and amazement. “You have been deceived, madam, and duped in many, many ways,” responded Bergami. ‘“ But the crisis is now come, and, thanks to this much maligned but really virtuous and admirable Jocelyn Loftus, your enemies will succumb and you shall achieve a proud triumph. More than this I would rather not say at present, and it were also well if your Royal Highness would assume your usual demeanour, and not allow those around you to perceive that anything extraordinary is taking place.”’ “YT will follow your counsel, baron, in all things,” she answered. Bergami then bowed, and at once quitted the apartment without raising his eyes toward the princess. Ascending the stairs, he reached the second story and made straight for Mrs. Hubbard’s room, where he found her solacing herself with a little drop of brandy after the fatigues of ironing and starching all the morning up in the laundry. On observing the royal equerry, she sprang from her seat, curtseyed, and made a rush at the bottle to hurry it off to the cupboard which stood open behind her; but Bergami, closing the door at once, assumed a stern air, saying, “ Put yourself to no trouble, woman, on my account, but answer me the questions I am about to address you.” Mrs. Hubbard was sadly frightened at these words, ac- companied by so peremptory and even menacing a manner on the part of Bergami, and sinking back in her seat, she CEORMICLexe) “S im