The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 112: what you’re looking at

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

INTREPIDITY 91 The earl hastened from the boudoir and sped to his own apartment, murmuring to himself, ‘“‘ Now for the proofs that shall overwhelm her with confusion.’’ He opened the drawer, he tossed aside his linen, but the object of his search was not there. A chill struck to his heart, as the idea of some deep but inexplicable treachery flashed to his mind. Furious with rage, but trembling all over as nervously as if stricken with a palsy, he tore out the drawer from its place and emptied all its contents on the carpet. But the packet which he sought, that packet which contained Lady Lechmere’s note and the forged bills, had disappeared. No wonder, indeed; for it was this same packet which Gertrude had found, and the contents of which she had burned in her own chamber. Yes, and this was the meaning of that significant look which she had flung upon her mistress when entering the boudoir, that look which told Editha she was saved. Pale, trembling, and overwhelmed, the Earl of Curzon sank into an armchair and gave way to his painful reflections. To believe that all the incidents of the past night belonged only to a dream was ridiculous; but that he had been singularly, mysteriously, and effectually outwitted was evident. He had not a proof, not a single proof, of his wife’s guilt, and yet he knew her to be guilty. He had only just come from sharing her couch, and therefore to dream of law proceedings was preposterous. To create an exposure and a scandal by repudiating his wife on bare suspicion, and without being enabled to follow up such an act by the usual legal process, would be only to render himself con- temptible as a jealous husband. Such were the thoughts that passed rapidly through the earl’s mind; and perceiving that he was in every way out- witted and deprived of remedy, he suddenly made up his mind to put as good a face as possible upon the matter, — that is to say, for the present. He accordingly returned to the boudoir, where he found Editha combing out her long shining hair. As he entered the room she turned toward him, and with a look full of calm confidence, for all her recent excitement appeared to have cooled down, she said, “‘ Well, my lord, what aspect does the matter now wear? ”’ “ Editha,” he responded, assuming a jocular air, “I conniclooolks (C(O)