The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 321: what you’re looking at

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

304 THE COURT OF LONDON feel, but you have greater fortitude than I. Come, Julia, let us leave Emma as our advocate.”’ Thus speaking, the eldest sister turned abruptly away, accompanied by Julia, and speeding along the shore, with- out once looking back, they thus retraced their steps toward the jetty. | So suddenly was this manceuvre accomplished, that Ber- gami, though naturally cool and self-possessed, was taken completely aback, and he could not utter a word; but al- most instantaneously penetrating the stratagem, he allowed it to take its course, thus appearing to fall a dupe to the pretence adopted for the purpose of leaving Emma alone in his company. . | ‘“ Now, what have you to say to me? ”’ he at length asked, turning his looks upon Kmma. “Oh, what can I say to you?” she exclaimed, joining her hands together and gazing up into his countenance with every appearance of the most impassioned appeal. ‘‘ I would beseech you, | would implore you to have mercy upon myself and my two sisters. But, ah! I feel faint — the excitement I have endured has been too much — permit me to lean upon your arm — only for a few moments, till we reach that knot of trees— There! — Thanks, thanks, Baron Bergami. I see that, after all, you do not so utterly loathe, hate, and despise me — oh, unfortunate being that I am, to be compelled to give utterance to such wordsas these! ”’ And she sank, with every appearance of exhaustion, at the foot of a group of trees, to which Bergami had hurried her as she clung to his arm, and the shade of which now con- cealed them both from the observation of any one who might be walking within eyeshot of the place. “Pray sit down by my side. Humour me thus far, grant me this little favour,’?’ murmured Emma, seeming as if she were about to faint, ‘‘ for I wish to speak to you seriously, most seriousiy, and I must rest here for a few minutes.” Bergami made no hesitation in yielding to her request, and this ready complaisance on his part emboldened the artful young woman to an extent that she flattered herself the influence of her spells was beginning to work. “Oh, if it were not for this delicious breeze which comes from the lake, I should faint,” she said, as Bergami seated EONMIELNOVO KS (E(0) m