The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 359: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXIV ANOTHER SUM OF FIVE THOUSAND GUINEAS “WHat a dreadful calamity!” said Editha, at length, a visible shudder passing through her form as if she had to deplore the sudden death of some very near relation. ‘“ Dreadful indeed! ’’ echoed the maid. ‘ It seems scarcely credible, it appears like a horrible dream!’”’ Then, after a brief pause, she observed, ‘‘ But fortunately I possessed myself of Mr. Emmerson’s note,” and drawing it forth from her bosom she at once threw it into the fire. ‘“ What is to be done? ”’ asked Editha, utterly bewildered. “Shall I go off at once to Mr. Emmerson and explain every- thing? ”’ said Gertrude. “Yes, that is the only alternative,’”’ answered the countess. ‘ But will he believe the tale, or will he regard it as a base subterfuge to cover an infamous cheat on my part? Will he not fancy, in a word, that I am seeking to self-appropriate the money? ”’ ‘“T must work upon his feelings to produce the contrary impression,’ said Gertrude. ‘‘ I must speak to him of your love, your devotion toward him, and your despair at what has taken place.”’ “Be quick, then, Gertrude, depart at once,” said the countess. ‘‘ Mr. Emmerson leaves the City between four and five, and there is yet time.” The unhappy Editha hastened up-stairs to her boudoir, there to ruminate in solitude upon the calamity which had just occurred, and to rack her brain with a thousand useless conjectures as to the cause which could possibly have led her husband to seize upon that parcel. In the meantime Ger- trude sallied forth to pay Mr. Emmerson another visit in Nicholas Lane. 326 Gomicbooks (E(0)