The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

16 REYNOLDS’ WORKS name can I do?” he asked, with the air of one who was bewildered and distracted. ‘“‘ It is true that for some time past her Grace and myself have not been on the very best terms together, and I dare say that I have been looked upon as a cruel and hard-hearted husband who ill-treated his wife. But uf the world only knew the infirmities of her temper — However, I need not trouble you with such explanations. You ask me what I will do, and you have counselled me to take no precipitate step — ”’ “And this advice, my lord, I respectfully but earnestly venture to repeat,’’ said Amy Sutton. “It shall be followed, — rest assured that it shall be followed,’’ responded the duke. ‘I will create no disturb- ance; whatever is to be done shall be performed in a suitable and becoming manner. A divorce,—this is the only course.”’ ‘ And yet, my lord,’”’ said Amy, “ there is still the possi- bility of some mistake, for remember that I have not seen her Grace issue from Mr. Stanhope’s chamber.” ‘True,’ ejaculated the duke, as if now struck by the fact for the first time. “I will do nothing rashly. I will think over it. Do you return to your own room. I need not enjoin you to keep the dreadful affair secret until secrecy becomes no longer possible. You are prudent and discreet. Ah! you advised me kindly, and kindness under such circumstances must be rewarded. ‘Take this purse, and remember, Amy, not a look nor a syllable to your mistress to-morrow to show that she is suspected. And now good night.”’ ‘“ Accept my thanks, my lord,” said the lady’s-maid, as ‘she clutched the purse and her ear caught the chink of gold. ‘Good night.’’ She stole softly back to her own chamber, and a few minutes afterward the Duke of Marchmont, in an equally stealthy manner, went down the private staircase, and rejoined Lettice, who had found her way to the little room to which she was first introduced, and where a light had been left burning. “Everything goes well,’ said Marchmont, with a look of triumph, as he poured her out another glass of cham- pagne. ‘On Monday night you must repeat the periorm- ance. I will manage to run down to you between eight CONNIE DOOKS