The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 356: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXV THE FIRST ORDEAL It was between four and five o’clock in the afternoon of . the same day, that Eugene Montgomery and Lady Holder- ness alighted from a carriage at the gate of Bellenden Priory. They were immediately conducted into the drawing-room, the servant informing them that the marchioness would join them in a few minutes. The moment the domestic had retired, the earl said in a low hurried voice to his beautiful cousin, “‘ I wonder what terms Laura is about to propose? ”’ ~“ You have already wondered, Eugene, a thousand times since we received her note inviting us hither,’ observed Fernanda; “ and all the wondering in the world will not help you to a solution of the mystery.” ‘Do you think it is a snare, my dear cousin? ”’ inquired the earl. “ For what purpose? ”? exclaimed Lady Holderness. “ If Laura meant to hand us over to the grasp of justice, she need not have invited us hither for the purpose; she could have more easily sent the constables to our houses.”’ ‘How coolly, how dauntlessly you take everything, Fer- nanda!’’ said the earl, contemplating her with mingled admiration and envy. “ You would have made an excellent general for an army of Amazons.” ‘“ T certainly do not meet misfortunes half-way,” observed Lady Holderness, smiling. Then, instantaneously resum- ing a serious expression of countenance, she said, “‘ For Heaven’s sake do not be pusillanimous, Eugene! You are trembling with nervous excitement, your agitation is positively visible. Take courage; we have gained the suit, and Laura is doubtless anxious to make terms. In fact, 326 CORNNIKEIOOKS mn