The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 324: what you’re looking at

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

THE MEETING 307 as still more singular than even his constrained air had previously done. “There is something strange about OM Etienne,’’ she exclaimed, unable to control her feelings, “‘ and something strange Bbotit you likewise, Constance.’ “Constance,” the marquis hastened to observe, “‘ is afflicted at the idea of parting from vou so soon.’’ Juliana gazed very hard at her sister to see if the looks of the latter corroborated this assertion, and the marchioness murmured, ‘‘ Yes, dearest Juliana, believe me, oh, believe me, it well-nigh breaks my heart to separate from you thus.”’ “My husband,” Juliana went on to observe, “‘ regrets that excessive fatigue should have so absolutely prostrated him as to prevent him doing the honours of the breakfast-table.”’ But as she thus delivered herself of the excuse with which she had been charged, it struck her that the very apology itself was insufficient to account for the absence of the count from his proper place when hospitality was to be shown to those who had become connected with him by marriage, for she now thought that he might have borne up at least another hour against his sense of weariness, however excessive it might be. ‘Now, dearest Constance,’’ said the marquis, ‘“‘ hasten and get ready to depart. ‘The carriage is doubtless repaired by this time, and we must pursue our journey toward Paris without delay.’’ “ But, ah,’’ ejaculated Juliana, as a sudden recollection struck her, “‘ you are without funds — you were plundered of them. Doubtless the count has ample resources with him. I will procure you a supply.” Constance hurried from the room, but ere the door closed behind her, Juliana’s ear caught a half-smothered convulsing sob, while the marquis, expressing his thanks for the pro- posal she had just made, went on to observe, “ It is not necessary to avail ourselves of your kindness, for at the first large town which we reach any banker there will cash my draft upon Paris.’’ ‘ Now, tell me, Etienne,’’ said Juliana, looking earnestly in her brother-in-law’s countenance, “is there anything weighing upon my sister’s mind, and weighing upon yours also? But ah, methinks I understand,” she ejaculated, with CORVICLOO® Ss (E)