The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

68 THE COURT OF LONDON “Ah! I understand,” said Venetia, who knew full well that the captain was acquainted with Mrs. Malpas. Indeed, it was from the captain’s own lips — he having lately become a tolerably frequent visitor at Carlton House she had gleaned all those particulars which we have ere now sketched, and which were so well calculated to give Venetia an insight into the character of Mrs. Malpas. We may add, it was from a knowledge of this character that Venetia had resolved upon the adoption of the course which she was now pursuing with respect to that lady. ‘Captain Tash told me,’’ continued Mrs. Malpas, “ that my husband had been guilty of some very insulting con- duct toward your ladyship, but the nature of which he did not explain.”’ “Were you not aware,’ asked Venetia, ‘“ that I once visited your house in Great Marlborough Street, on a certain night when Colonel Malpas entertained the prince regent, the Marquis of Leveson, and others? ”’ ‘“T heard something to that effect,’ responded Mrs. Malpas, “‘ but I passed that memorable day — for such indeed it was to me — with my parents; and when I re- turned home to Great Marlborough Street in the evening, I found everything in such confusion that I took but little note of the rumours which met my ears. One fact was overwhelming enough — that ruin had overtaken my hus- band — ”’ ‘“ Well,”’ interrupted Venetia, ‘“‘ we need not refer par- ticularly to the past. It is, however, necessary for me to explain that Colonel Malpas had the presumption to declare his love for me at the period of which we have been speak- ing.’”’ “I heard something to that effect,’’ said Mrs. Malpas, “and really when I look at your ladyship, I am not surprised that any gentleman should fall in love with you. I could forgive my own husband for doing so, even were I devotedly attached to him.’’ ‘““T must thank you for this compliment,” said Lady Sackville, smiling. ‘‘ But permit me to ask whether Cap- tain Tash ever informed you of the part which he played — ”’ “T heard,” interrupted Mrs. Malpas, “ that the captain inflicted severe chastisement on my husband the night of the banquet at Great Marlborough Street; and | also under- ECORMICLIOO KS (E(0) m