The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 52: what you’re looking at

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

THE EXPLOSION 35 And drawing her husband aside, she concluded in a whisper her hurried prayer that his behaviour would change toward her, and in the future compensate for the best. “It will indeed be better that this should go no farther,”’ said Christian, availing himself of the opportunity thus to speak aside to Amy Sutton. “It is for the sake of the duchess that I reeommend secrecy. You stand acquitted of all wilful complicity in the odious affair. If there be ex- posure, a separation becomes inevitable between the duke and his wife, and under such circumstances it is always un- fortunate woman who suffers most.”’ “For my part,’’ responded Amy, “‘I have no wish to bring about such exposure, now that my own character is cleared.”’ Searcely had the young woman thus spoken, when March- mont, accosting Christian, said, in an abrupt manner, “Come with me.”’ “Yes, go with his Grace,’’ exclaimed the duchess, “‘ but again accept my most heartfelt gratitude,’’ and she prof- fered the youth her hand, which he respectfully took. He then followed Marchmont from the room, Amy Sutton remaining with her mistress. The duke led the way to another apartment, and the moment they entered it, he said to Christian, “ You will keep silence in respect to this transaction? ”’ “Tt was not even my intention to proclaim so much,” answered our herc, ‘if your lordship had suffered me to breathe a few words in your ear, which would have con- vinced you that everything was ‘discovered.’’ “And how was it discovered?’’ inquired the duke, quickly. ‘‘ Did you go and seek Lettice Rodney? Did Madame Angelique betray anything when you called upon her to fetch the box? ” “ My lord, it is useless thus to question me,’’ answered Christian; “‘ I am resolved to give no explanations. Suffice it for your Grace to have received unmistakable evidence that everything is completely known to me. And now —”’ “ But you must tell me,’’ cried Marchmont, vehemently. “I cannot remain in this state of doubt and uncertainty; I must know where the treachery has been.’’ “Treachery, my lord,’ and Christian’s tone expressed a ) GomilGaooks (C(O)