The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 189: what you’re looking at

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

166 REYNOLDS’ WORKS to humble yourself, if necessary, in the presence of that Eastern lady. When addressing her, speak as the wife of him with whom she is thus at war, — nay, if needful, go down upon your knees and beg that for your own sake that hostility may cease.”’ ‘“‘Good heavens! ”’ ejaculated Lavinia, a blighting, with- ering suspicion now darting in unto her mind, and while becoming deadly pale, she glanced toward the newspaper. The duke, averting his countenance, affected not to have caught that ejaculation from his wife’s lips, nor to perceive the agitation which had smitten her, and he said, “You have promised, you know, to obey me blindfold. You have already won my gratitude, and if you value my love, that likewise will become yours.”’ The duchess was about to implore her husband in im- passioned terms to set at rest the horrible suspicion which had just flashed in unto her mind, when she said to herself, “No, it is impossible. He is incapable of such a deed. Besides, it happened to the servant, and nought can re- gard her which may have passed between her mistress and him.”’ Then the duchess felt glad in her own mind that she had kept back the words that she was about to utter, for she fancied that they would have been outrageously in- sulting to her husband. Besides, when she now again looked at him and saw that he had a calm demeanour, she naturally supposed that he himself could not have for an instant conjectured that such a suspicion had entered her mind. ‘“And when am I to go?” she asked. ‘ When shall I pay this visit to the Lady Indora? ”’ “Without delay, Lavinia,’”’ responded the duke. “ Let the carriage be ordered, and proceed thither at once. Per- haps it would be as well if you were to prepare a note beforehand, containing some such words as these: ‘ The Duchess of Marchmont earnestly requests an immediate interview with the Lady Indora.’ This will ensure you admission, whereas if you merely sent in your card, it might be refused. Will you do all this, Lavinia, and will you likewise promise me that whatever you -may hear, whatever the Lady Indora may tell you —”’ “Yes, yes,” interrupted the duchess, hurriedly, ‘ I faith- CORNICLIOOKS (E(0)