The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 92: what you’re looking at

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

THE KEY UNDER THE MAT 79 “Not in the least, sir,’ responded Tash. ‘‘ He keeps it very close to himself, and I am not the man to pry into a friend’s secrets. Daggers and bayonets! no, not I, for the world.”’ | “ You are no doubt an-excellent fellow,” said the prince, laughing. ‘‘ Come, fill the tumblers. This punch is super- fine.”’ The captain did as he was desired, and, having replenished the two glasses, he at once emptied’ his own, saying, “ Well, I do think that this is an excellent brew. So here goes another just to drink the health of Sackville’s fair one, whoever she may be. And by the bye,’’ continued the captain, again replenishing his glass, “ I must drink success to the amour, hoping that if there be a husband in the case he 1s not a jealous one.”’ “Ah! talking of women and gallantry,” said the prince, “who was that lady that visited Lady Sackville this after- noon, and whom you bowed to as she passed through the hall to go out? You were coming in at the moment if you remember, and I was passing out of the council-chamber — ”’ ~“T recollect it,’ exclaimed Tash. ‘“ It was Mrs. Malpas.” “ What — that scoundrel colonel’s wife? ”’ said the prince. “The very same,’ responded the captain. ‘I knew her before she was Mrs. Malpas. In fact, between your Royal Highness, myself, and the post, I made love to her — ”’ ‘“ But what on earth can she have to do with Lady Sack- ville? ’”’ exclaimed the prince. “Perhaps come to ask forgiveness for her husband, or something of the kind,” said Tash. ‘“‘ She is such a soft, spoony, sentimental creature — ” “But she has a marvellous fine figure, though,” said the prince, “‘ and such a dainty foot and ankle. Upon my word, as she tripped through the hall, it quite made me feel in a state of excitement to observe those beautifully rounded ankles. Her bust, too, struck me as being very fine.”’ “There is no doubt, sir, she is a devilish nice woman,” observed Tash. “So here’s her health,” and he again filled and emptied his glass, just as if it were a water-drinking instead of a punch-imbibing process. “ Her teeth, too, seemed to be very good,’ continued the prince. “TI noticed her particularly as she turned with a half-smile to acknowledge your bow.”’ .) ) CORNICLOOKS (CO) mM