The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 308: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXIXx THE APPOINTMENT WE must now return to Editha, whom we left in the break- fast parlour after that scene of altercation and strife which she had with her husband. She remained alone for upwards of half an hour, pondering upon all that had just taken place, and likewise bestowing some of her mind’s attention on the seductive qualifications of Lord Sackville. Presently her reverie was interrupted by the entrance of her faithful dependent, the handsome, courageous, and mischiev- ous-looking Gertrude, who came to inquire whether her mistress had any commands to give her relative to her toilet. “No, not at present, my dear girl,’’ answered Editha, who always treated her abigail in an affectionate manner when they were alone together. ‘I have had a frightful scene with the earl just now. All his old suspicions are revived, and new ones have sprung up. He has threatened me with divorce, exposure, and Heaven knows what; but all these heroics I care nothing for, because I am well assured that he will never take any step until he has the fullest proofs in his possession, and those proofs, Gertrude,’’ she added, with a laugh, “ he never shall obtain.” ‘And your ladyship says,’’ observed the abigail, ‘ that his lordship has conceived new suspicions? Surely your ladyship has not — ”’ ‘“ Embarked in a new amour, eh? ”’ said Editha, laughing still more merrily than before. ‘‘ But indeed I have, my dear Gertrude. No harm is done as yet, however, but I cannot say how soon there will be. ’Tis Lord Sackville, and you must admit that he is a very handsome man.’’ “Yes, I have seen him here once or twice when he was 275 Gomichboo SS (E(O)