The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 41: what you’re looking at

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

22 THE COURT OF LONDON woman had retired, Editha threw herself into the arms of the colonel and embraced him with the fervour of infatuated passion. _ ‘““T had some little difficulty in keeping this appointment which you gave me, my dear Percy,’’ said the countess, addressing the colonel by his Christian name. ‘‘ Would you believe that the earl was seized with quite an uxorious fit to-day, and actually wanted to accompany me to Lady Lechmere’s? But no matter — ”’ “You look somewhat flurried, dearest Editha,’’ observed Malpas, contemplating her with attention. ‘‘ Has anything occurred? ”’ ‘“ Nothing of any consequence. I will tell you presently,” interrupted the lady, as she sat down by his side upon a sofa. ‘But you must first explain why you wished to see me so very particularly this evening, as your note stated. You charged me to be sure and not disappoint you, Percy. And by the bye, when I think of it, the earl was with me when your note came.”’ ‘ But he suspects nothing? ”’ said Malpas, anxiously. “Nothing, absolutely nothing,’’ replied the countess, emphatically. ‘‘ Indeed, how can he? All our precautions are so excellently taken. But pray explain the urgent matter.’’ ‘““ You are well aware, dearest Editha,’’ said Malpas, ‘‘ that I am always longing to be with you, always unhappy unless in your society, and never happier than when clasping you in my arms. Therefore, it is not surprising that I should have been so urgent to meet you this evening, especially as some days have elapsed since last we met. But there was another inducement which prompted me to be so pressing with regard to an interview for this evening; in fact, I wished to have some serious conversation with you.”’ ‘What about? ” inquired Editha, quickly; and her large black eyes were fixed with a sort of uneasiness upon the countenance of her paramour. ‘Those bills, my dearest love,’’ answered Malpas. ‘“ Ah! ” ejaculated the countess, becoming visibly troubled. “You surely do not require any more assistance in that Shape? ”’ ‘“‘ Listen to me with patience for a few moments, Editha,” said the colonel. ‘“‘ You are aware that I obtained the CEONMIE OOO KS (-) (E(0)