The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 122: what you’re looking at

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

THE BANQUET 105 ready to burst through the drapery thag outlined its swelling contours; while the glowing cheeks, flashing eyes, dilating nostrils, and lips apart, threw the spell of an almost Olympian majesty upon her transcending charms. Every one present, save Sackville, started from his seat as the beauteous lady and her formidable-looking companion made their appearance; while Horace himself rose gently and leisurely, his features now illumined with the radiance of approaching triumph. As for Colonel Malpas, guilt and cowardice were as legibly depicted upon his ashy cheeks and in his affrighted looks as ever the words themselves were printed on the page of a volume. “Your Royal Highness, my lords, gentlemen,’ said Venetia, in a tone which, though firm, was filled with all the flutelike harmony of her soul-seeking voice, ‘ you have listened to the tale of accusation: now do me the Justice to hear the defence.”’ “Most assuredly!” exclaimed the prince regent. “ My lord,’ he added, turning toward Leveson, ‘ whatever dis- appointment you may have experienced relative to this lady, justice must be done her. You are the chairman of the meeting, and I know you will do your duty.” ‘“ Beyond all doubt,” said the marquis, who was so dazzled and overpowered by the enchanting loveliness and Juno- like majesty of Venetia’s appearance that he forgot all the resentment excited by the scene which had occurred at his own house, he no longer remembered the incidents of the treacherous chair, but he felt suddenly inclined to do any- thing or everything on behalf of that woman of superhuman charms. ‘“ Let us all be seated,’’ he exclaimed. ‘‘ Horace, hand your wife a chair, and Captain Fash — ”’ But the gallant officer had already dropped into a seat and was stretching forth his hand to grasp the nearest decanter, before the marquis had time to utter another syllable. ‘The captain likewise drew toward him three or four dishes of cakes and fruits; and as he began to eat and drink with as much coolness and absence of restraint as if the house were his own, he said, ‘‘ Go on, my lord; I can always hear best when profitably employed.” Malpas made a last effort to assume an air of confidence; and by way of conciliating the formidable captain, whom he knew to be his enemy, but whose presence on this occasion a CONNIE OOoOlks (C(O)