The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

124 — REYNOLDS’ WORKS that one experiences in respect to so strong a passion. Monsieur Meurice was rejoiced to hear that I am so blessed in your love; he is no strait-laced, sanctimonious indi- vidual who would take the wife’s part and chide the faithless husband. In short, he entered into all my feelings, for he likewise has loved passionately and fondly, and he could appreciate the gushing enthusiasm with which I spoke. Now, dearest Augusta, the favour I ask at your hands is that you will permit me to introduce my friend to you presently.”’ es “T cannot,” she answered, “ have the slightest objection after the arrangements which were solemnly entered into between us yesterday. Had not those arrangements been made, I should chide you, Jules, for the proposal to present any one who might hereafter meet me with my husband and make me blush at the recognition. But inasmuch as it is agreed that I am to renounce my husband — ” “Yes, for my sake,’”’ quickly responded the enamoured viscount. “ In a few days all will be settled, and there can consequently be no harm in your receiving this bosom friend of mine.”’ ‘* Assuredly not,’ rejoined Mrs. Chesterfield. ‘“ Any friend of yours, Jules, will ever be most welcome to me.”’ ‘And you will apparel yourself, dearest,’’ whispered the viscount, tenderly and coaxinely, ‘in your most becoming dress, for though you are lovely and adorable in any garb, » yet would I have you set off your splendid charms to the utmost advantage, that you may in every way shine so as to justify my taste in the eyes of my friend.”’ ‘“‘ Fear not, Jules,’”? answered Augusta. ‘‘ My appearance will be worthy of your love.” ‘““T must now leave you, therefore,’ added the viscount, | ‘for I have promised to fetch Monsieur Meurice at midday. He is staying at a hotel in Paris, and by one o’clock, at latest, we shall be with you.” ° Jules de Chateauneuf embraced his mistress tenderly, and issued forth from the villa. In order to keep his amour hitherto as secret as possible, he had never used his own carriage, nor been attended on horseback by any one of his grooms, on the occasion of his visits to the villa, and therefore he was now compelled to take a public vehicle to proceed to Paris, which, however, was only about a couple or three CONNIE IOOKS (E(0)