The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 309: what you’re looking at

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

276 THE COURT OF LONDON plain Mr. Sackville. But for Heaven’s sake take care, my lady, since the earl’s suspicions are aroused.”’ ‘Oh, be not afraid! I will take care,’ observed Editha. ‘* But to speak frankly, it is somewhat unfortunate that the earl should have conceived these suspicions this morning, for to tell you the truth Lord Sackville last night requested permission to write to me, and in yielding assent I charged him to be sure and send his letter by the post, — not by private hand, — and to send it so that I might receive it about one or two this afternoon. Now, if the earl should take it into his head to intercept my letters — ”’ “Oh, if that is all your ladyship apprehends,’’ exclaimed the ready-witted Gertrude, ‘‘ we will manage that, for l will myself go and watch for the postman presently at the end of the street.’ “Do so, my dear girl, for that is what I call making sure doubly sure.”’ We need not, however, dwell any longer upon this dialogue which took place between the profligate Editha and her crafty maid. Suffice it to say that a couple of hours later Gertrude issued forth and proceeded up the street to watch for the postman. In a short time she beheld him advancing from Bond Street; but just as she was hurrying toward him, what was her dismay on beholding the Earl of Curzon himself hurry past her and stop the letter-carrier. That her master had not recognized her was her first impression. At all events, even if he had, he took no notice of her; and as she was of course anxious to avoid being seen loitering about in the street, she retreated to a little distance, though still watching what took place between his lordship and the postman. And now her heart sank within her as she beheld the letter-carrier place several missives in the hands of the nobleman; and he, immediately on receiving them, turned back and retraced his steps toward the mansion. Gertrude, evidently unperceived by the earl, sped across the street, and turned a little way up a stable-yard so as to avoid him. Then, watching until he entered the house, she hastened in pursuit of the postman, who was delivering correspondence from door to door. ‘““ Have you any letters for Lady Curzon? ”’ she inquired, and with all her spirited effrontery, she was unable to subdue the blush that conscious duplicity sent up to her cheeks. Gomicbooks (e(0)