The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 320: what you’re looking at

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

THE EXPLANATION OF A PLOT 303 the violence. I have managed admirably, and success 1s certain.” ‘“ But what, in the name of Heaven,” cried the duke, “ is the lady doing in this country? Surely you must have learned some particulars.”’ i, “The ayah is a woman of few words, speaks only to the point, and is by no means disposed to waste her breath in unnecessary communications. I could obtain nothing more from her,’ continued Madame Angelique, “ than what was absolutely necessary for the carrying out of our aims. Listen, my lord. I ere now informed your Grace that fortune favoured me, andit wasso. Assisted by the ayah, I obtained admission to the lady, and the conversation took such a turn —no matter how—that I came away with the thorough understanding that she is to visit Oaklands for a few days —”’ ‘“ What, have you made her believe she is to be the guest of the duchess and myself? ’’ exclaimed Marchmont, evi- dently at a loss to comprehend the milliner’s proceeding. | ‘“ Quite the contrary, my lord. The lady supposes that you and the duchess will not be there at all, but that out of kindness she is to be permitted to make your country-seat her home for a few days; and in her ingenuousness,”’ added Madame Angelique, with a mocking air, ‘‘ she has been led to fancy that it is quite customary in this country for a nobleman thus to place his mansion at the disposal of a foreigner of distinction, no matter whether male or female.’’ “ Well, but what plan do you suggest?’ asked the duke, ‘“ for I cannot for the life of me —”’ ‘Listen, my lord. The lady will go alone to Oaklands, of that I am confident; and, what is more, she has provided herself with a quantity of European dresses, so that she may not have an extraordinary appearance. Of course her Grace the Duchess will remain ignorant that the lady is at Oak- lands, but what is to prevent your lordship from finding vour way there late some evening, and entering stealthily? You find the bird in your own cage, and, what is more, she has flown voluntarily thither. She must succumb, and then it will be for your Grace to convince her of the impossibility of her invoking the law to punish you. For how will the matter stand? Here is a lady, who has lived long enough in England and speaks the language well enough to comprehend CONNICOO© cS (C) im