The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 365: what you’re looking at

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

048 THE COURT OF LONDON into a terrific tragedy in respect to Lady Prescott and the Countess of Curzon. Bergami was horror-stricken on hear- ing of these frightiul incidents, but as there was now little leisure for comment, he proceeded without loss of time to conduct Jocelyn into the villa. Ascending the back stair- case together, they trod noiselessly, so as not to attract attention in case the sisters should have already entered or Mrs. Ranger should be upon the alert. But all was still, no one appeared, and Bergami led the way to his own cham- ber. ‘““T have come,’’ said Jocelyn, as he threw off his cloak and hat, “‘ because of the appointment which we made, but I should scarcely think that Emma will have the hardihood to perform the part which she promised you, considering everything that has occurred.’ ‘“ But methought you said in the garden ere now,’ ob- served Bergami, ‘‘ that you concealed the crowning tragedy from the sisters 1n consideration of their state of mind? ”’ “1 did so,’’ answered Loftus. ‘‘ But the spectacle of her murdered paramour — ’”’ ‘“ Murdered, did you say?’’ cried Bergami, starting with horror. “Yes, Colonel Malpas and also the Earl of Curzon were most foully murdered,’’ rejoined our hero. “‘ The marks of the fatal wounds were upon them — Ah! and must we not associate the suicide of those ladies with the dread crime of murder committed upon these two men? ”’ ‘““ Heavens! ’’ ejaculated Bergami, ‘ what horrors are growing out of these adventures wherein we are engaged! But did the spectacle of her murdered paramour produce so very powerful an impression upon Emma? ”’ “Rather of horror than of grief,’’ rejoined Loftus. “i noticed, moreover, that she was the first to resume her fortitude — ”’ “Then depend upon it she will keep her appointment with me to-night,’ interrupted Bergam1. ‘“ You speak with confidence, baron,” said Loftus, “ and I hope that it will prove as you conjecture. For if this one point be cleared up, then are our investigations complete in all their details. Agatha confessed, as I ere now told you in the garden, that she was the mother of the babe. She moreover admitted in her ravings that it was her sisters who ) 66 ECORMIELIOO KS