The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 338: what you’re looking at

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THE LISTENERS 391 table on the present occasion. The meal was not therefore prolonged, and soon after the dessert, Mrs. Ranger sought an opportunity of taking Agatha aside in order to ascertain what had passed at the interview with Bergam1. Proceeding to another room, the old harridan and the young lady shut themselves in, and the latter repeated all that Bergami had said in her hearing. She then explained what Emma had said gelative to her hopes of success in ensnaring the royal equerry within the influence of her charms. | “And this appointment with Loftus is for twelve to- night?’ said Mrs. Ranger, who had hstened with the pro- foundest attention and interest to all that had just fallen from Agatha’s lips. “ For twelve to-night,’ responded the young lady, shud- dering visibly. “But Bergami’s manner was kind?” continued Mrs. Ranger, still speaking interrogatively. ‘No, not kind, but forbearing,’’ answered Agatha. “ Ah! I do not lke it, I do not like 1t,” said Mrs. Ranger, and she shook her head ominously. ‘‘ But does Emma really think that she will succeed in winning the equerry to her arms? ” ‘ She does, she does,” replied Agatha. ‘ She is sanguine, —so sanguine that she feels convinced Bergami will save us.”’ ‘“ But Bergami cannot save us if Jocelyn Loftus be de- termined to ruin us,’ interrupted Mrs. Ranger, emphat- ically, “‘ Ah! if Bergami had succumbed this evening, if Hmma had succeeded ere now in bringing him to her feet, if, in a word, he had already received her favours, then would it be different, and he would doubtless raise heaven and earth to save her, and in saving her must have held us harmless, also. But it is not so. He has not succumbed, and any little advantage which Emma may have gained over his feelings by playing upon his senses will be lost as sober reflection returns to him. Besides, wherefore has Ber- gami gone into the city now? Not to dine with a friend. No, it is preposterous, but to see Loftus — ”’ “Ah! then you really believe,” interrupted Agatha, “ that we are still as much encompassed by dreadful perils as ever?” - “Do I think so?” ejaculated Mrs. Ranger, ‘‘ indeed, I COMMICLO© (C(O)