The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 337: what you’re looking at

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

320 THE COURT OF LONDON Lady Prescott, “ at all events, I think that to-morrow, if I have another opportunity, I shall gain a victory. Indeed, I am sure of it. There is no need to fear Bergami. He will rather take our part than otherwise, and altogether I am full of hope that we shall yet come forth scatheless from the terrible ordeal of dangers through which we are passing.”’ ‘Oh, what a blessing it will be to hail peace, contentment, and tranquillity once more!’ said Agatha, with the most genuine sincerity. ‘And I echo the observation,’’ added Julia. ‘‘ Let us once get clear out of this present embarrassment, and no more conspiracies for me, no more intrigues save those of gallantry and love. And thisreminds me to tell you, Emma, of what has just taken place down at the jetty yonder.”’ She then described the scene which had occurred with the earl and with Malpas. Emma was much astonished to hear of the return of those two individuals, and when her sister had concluded her tale, she said, “‘ It was all very well to promise to write to them, in order to get rid of their im- portunity, but | hope, Julia, that you do not intend any such thing. Remember what you said this morning, — that you would never forgive Curzon — ”’ “Nor will I,” interrupted Julia, somewhat petulantly, though at the bottom of her heart there lurked the secret resolve that should existing circumstances turn out favour- ably in the long run, she would renew her amour with the handsome earl despite her two sisters’ ridicule or scorn. They now reéntered the villa, and it being past seven o’clock, they had only just time to hasten to their respective rooms and make the necessary change in their toilet for dinner. This repast in the princess’s household was usually served up at hali-past seven, but on the evening of which we are writing it was delayed somewhat, and therefore the sisters were not late, after all. The princess had been seized with indisposition, probably arising from the excitement which she had experienced during the day, and she kept her own room instead of descending to the dinner-table. Ber- eami was likewise absent, he having gone into the city with the alleged excuse of being invited to dine with a iriend, but in reality to see Jocelyn Loftus. There were consequently only the six ladies in waiting, the young lady who acted as ‘reader’ to the princess, and Mrs. Ranger at the dinner- EOmMicbooks (E() m