The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 126: what you’re looking at

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

THE MISTRESS 109 “ Augusta, I swear that you do me wrong,” ejaculated the Viscount de Chateauneuf. ‘‘ The passion I have experienced for you has become interwoven with the very fibres and principles of my entire being. But it is my aim and my duty to ensure your happiness. Oh, full well do I appreciate the immensity of the sacrifice which you have already made for me, but which has still to be consummated. Now, listen, Augusta, and you shall have proof that I love you, you shall have proof, too, that I am an honourable man.” “I know it, Jules, I know it,” she said, nestling still closer to him, and pressing her dewy red lips to his cheeks. “ What would I not do for you, adorable creature? ’”’ he said, straining her to his breast. ‘‘ Again I say, listen. It is decided. I part from my wife, and from that moment must you be as a wife to me. But no care shall you have for the future. In resigning before the whole world the husband who is absent, you shall — as I before said — be placed in a condition of independence. My revenue consists of twenty thousand a year, speaking in the money of your own native land. One-half I assign to my wife, ten thousand remain to myself. Of this sum I shall settle a clear moiety upon you. Nay, offer no objection. It 1s paltry and miserable to proffer money considerations as proofs of love, but in existing cir- cumstances it is needful, and you will regard my conduct in that light. I will proceed forthwith to a notary; I will order the deed to be drawn up. Ina few days it will be in readiness, and at the hour when I sign it, in your presence, must you renounce your husband, renounce every family tie, if need be, and become wholly and unconditionally mine. From that hour, too, shall we dwell together, wheresoever your inclination may suggest that we fix our abode, and we shall be as husband and wife. But now, Augusta, not another word on the subject, not a remonstrance. I am determined; it is a duty, and I will fulfil it.”’ The wily woman could well afford a perfect gush of en- thusiastic feeling as she strained the young viscount in her arms and covered his cheeks and his lips with kisses. “ And now I go,’ he said, “‘ at once to give the requisite instructions to a notary. I shall return to pass a few hours with you. Unfortunately I have guests this evening at the chateau, and I must be there — inasmuch as for the present it is better I should keep upon terms with my wife until all CONNIE DOOKS (E(0)