The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 311: what you’re looking at

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

278 THE COURT OF LONDON “Well, of course, if the earl intercepted the letters, it was for the purpose of opening them,” said Editha, in a musing tone; “ and if, having resealed them, he has allowed them to reach my hands, it is that through their means I may be drawn into some snare which will place me entirely in his power. We shall see. And now for the reading of the letters. We will take Emmerson’s first, as it may be upon business, whereas I know that Sackville’s is about love.”’ The Countess of Curzon accordingly proceeded to break open the money-broker’s letter, the contents of which ran as follows: ‘“ NicHOLAS LANE, December 11, 1814. “TI write to you, my dear Editha, because it is absolutely necessary that I should see you, in consequence of a certain communication I have received from that scoundrel Malpas, who, having tried all kinds of subterfuges to get out of the King’s Bench, has now with characteristic villainy hit upon a scheme which he has imparted to me and which is more or less alarming. For Heaven’s sake, then, give me an appoint- ment at your earliest convenience, not only for the reason just mentioned, but also that I may enjoy the ineffable bliss of clasping you, my sweet Editha, once more in my arms. I anxiously await your response. Oh, delay it not. I live only for you, my dear Editha. By the bye, how get you on with the earl?. Are all his suspicions completely lulled? I hope so. But you shall reassure me on this point when we meet. Pray, therefore, give me an early appoint- ment, either at Lady L——’s or at Mrs. G ’S. ‘‘ Yours ever sincerely and affectionately, “THOMAS EMMERSON.” ‘“ Heavens!’ ejaculated Editha, pale and trembling with alarm, “‘ if the earl has really perused this letter, if he has actually opened it — ”’ ‘There can be no doubt of it, my lady,’ interrupted Ger- trude, “‘ and therefore let us consider it granted that he has opened it. But as a proof of your intimacy with Mr. Emmerson, it is fortunately in your ladyship’s hands and not in your husband’s.”’ “True!” observed Editha; then tossing the letter into the fire, she said, ‘“‘ Thus perish the proof. And now for Sackville’s communication.” Gomicbooks (ele) m