The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 333: what you’re looking at

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

316 REYNOLDS’ WORKS necessitous straits. Anxiously did she await the count’s return. In about half an hour he came back, but there was a visible trouble upon his features. She scarcely dared to question him, for she felt assured that in whatsoever answers he might have to give, reference to her past shame must be inevitably made. “You are probably surprised, Juliana,’ he said, after three or four agitated turns to and fro in the parlour, “ at what has just occurred. But no, you can scarcely be sur- prised; you must have comprehended full well — ” “Those vile Durands insisted on a bribe?’ said the countess, hurriedly. ‘Yes, and for your sake I was compelled to submit to their extortionate demands. Our funds are now reduced to a few thousand francs.” ‘“ Heavens!” ejaculated J ailae ‘“ have those detestable people plundered you to such a fearful extent? ”’ ‘They have,’’ rejoined the count, “‘ and I almost regret that I submitted to their demands. I have no faith in them. I tremble lest, notwithstanding the bribe, they should be base enough to betray what they know. Juliana,” he added, suddenly, “‘ we must leave this neighbour- hood.” ‘* Yes, yes,’ she exclaimed, “ that has been my wish for some days past, — indeed, ever since my sister and brother- in-law were here. Let us go farther into the interior of France. Let us realize, by the sale of the horses and car- rlages, as much money as we can get together — ”’ ‘But, Juliana, if we remain in France, how are we to live? ’’? inquired the count. ‘ Neither yourself nor I are accustomed to habits of frugality. We cannot all in a mo- ment settle ourselves down to economies which would amount to absolute privations.”’ ‘““T can obtain certain supplies from my mother,’ ex- claimed Juliana. ‘Not enough to enable us to live comfortably,” rejoined the count, ‘‘ and I am not one who can devote himself to any employment for the purpose of increasing our resources. No, things have come to a crisis, the die is cast, my resolution is taken.”’ To do what? ’’ demanded Juliana, as in sudden affright she anticipated the reply to her ean. ) Gomichboo cS com