The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 144: what you’re looking at

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

THE HXPHRIMENT 127 had not failed to render herself as captivating as possible. The dress, fitting tight to the bust, developed its rich con- tours, though the high corsage of a morning garb concealed them. She wore her hair in bands, and a rich, natural gloss rested upon those luxuriant masses. Her very attitude upon the sofa was studied, — a mirror opposite showing her that the position she had thus chosen was well suited to her purpose. When, therefore, she heard the vehicle stop and the gate-bell ring, she did not rise from that sofa, nor, as the sounds oi footsteps approaching the front door from the gate reached her ears, did she so far gratify her curiosity as to jump up and peep from the window to see what sort of a person her lover’s friend might be. No, she retained her half-rechning position upon the sofa, one well-shaped foot resting upon the hassock, and her face ready to be turned toward the door when it opened, so that the light from the casement might fall upon her features and display the aqui- line beauty of her profile. She was resolved to please the viscount’s friend; and as this endeavour on the part of a woman is always attended with more or less excitement, it brought up a richer carnation tint to the delicate olive of Augusta’s complexion. Another glance at the mirror was completely satisfactory, and now footsteps were ascend- ing the stairs. The door opened; the viscount entered first, jae he began with the proper formula for such occasions: “ Per- mit me to introduce — ”’ But he was suddenly cut short, for as the Marquis of Villebelle, immediately following, crossed the threshold, he exclaimed, “ Juliana! ’’ and then stopped short in utter amazement. Jules de Chateauneuf started on hearing that name, the name of the Marchioness of Villebelle’s sister, the name of one, too, who the marquis himself had during the ride assured him was unmarried. (C(O) CONNIE DOOKS