The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 205: what you’re looking at

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

188 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Angelique, assuming her blandest smile and her most coax- ingly affable demeanour. ‘‘ The truth is, I go my rounds amongst ladies of fashion and wealth — and beauty,” she added, glancing with admiring significancy at Indora’s splendid countenance; ‘“‘I display pieces of the newest and most exquisite materials — ”’ “T am obliged to you for including me amongst the number,’’ interrupted the princess, “ but I require nothing of the sort at present, nor indeed at all.” Indora made a movement as if to indicate that the woman might withdraw, but Madame Angelique was _ to be so easily disposed of ‘Pray bear with me for a few minutes, gracious lady,” she said, ‘‘ and I will show you so rare and choice a material © that I am convinced your ladyship will be ravished with it. I work for some of the highest ladies in the land: for instance, the Marchioness of Trevelyan, the Countess of Mordaunt, the Countess of Lascelles, the Duchess of Marchmont — ” ‘Ah, you work for the Duchess of Marchmont?”’ said Indora. “Yes, my lady,’ responded Madame Angelique, in- wardly delighted to think that she should thus have suc- ceeded in enlisting the interest of the princess. “I have been with the duchess this very day.’ It was, however, a monstrous falsehood which she uttered, inasmuch as Lavinia » had not employed her since the discovery relative to the duplicate dresses, but if she had said she had seen the duke that day, it would have been perfectly correct. “Are the Duke and Duchess of Marchmont in London now?” inquired the princess. “They are at their mansion in Belgrave Square,” re- joined Madame Angelique. ‘““T have heard of their splendid seat of Oaklands,” resumed Indora, “ and should like much to see it.” ‘“ Dear me, how extraordinary,’ ejaculated Madame An- geelique, with well-feigned astonishment. “I can easily become the means of gratifying your ladyship’s curiosity, and shall be proud and happy to do so’ ‘Indeed! How?” exclaimed the princess, with visible interest depicted on her magnificent countenance. ‘His Grace the Duke of Marchmont is accustomed to treat me quite in a familiar manner,’’ responded the wily Gomichbooks (E(0)