The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 177: what you’re looking at

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160 THE. COURT OF LONDON last evening. I assured him that if he had really indulged in any .love-affair or amorous intrigue unknown to me, I would freely and cordially forgive him; and I besought him to tell me the truth for the sake of Mr. Malvern, who was inconsolable on account of his father’s still unexplained and unaccountable disappearance. But Mr. Dysart assured me that he had no reason to suspect any female of treachery toward him. I then showed him the anonymous letter which had given the information leading to his arrest, but he did not recognize the handwriting. His manner corrob- orated his words. J have therefore done all I could for you in the affair, Mr. Sampson, and in one sense I am sorry that the result is not more favourable to Mr. Malvern’s hopes of discovering a clue to his father’s fate; while, on the other hand, I rejoice that my husband has proved guilt- less of any unworthy treatment calculated to evoke a female’s vengeance.”’ “T_T thank your ladyship for the trouble you have taken in the matter,’ said the officer. ‘‘ Would you have the kindness to give me back the anonymous letter? It may serve on some future occasion — ”’ ‘“T have locked it up in my writing-desk, Mr. Sampson,” observed the lady, with the most perfect seli-possession, although, as the reader will recollect, she had consigned the document to the flames; “‘ but the desk is up-stairs in the drawing-room, and I will fetch you the note,” she added, rising from her seat. “T could not think of giving your ladyship so much trouble,’’ exclaimed Sampson. ‘‘ Perhaps you will have the eoodness to remit the letter to me by post at your ladyship’s" convenience? ”’ “Most assuredly, Mr. Sampson,” said Ernestina. Then, so soon as Larry had taken his leave, she murmured to her- self, ‘“ Ah! even the cunning Bow Street officer is made a dupe by me!” | Lounging in an armchair drawn near the fire in the dining-room, Ernestina sat meditating upon her various schemes and plots until past eleven o’clock; then, so soon as the domestics had retired for the night, she proceeded to assist Mr. Daniel Coffin in taking his departure from the mansion. Entering her uncle’s dressing-room, she opened the door by means of the secret spring, and the Hangman (E(0) m CONNIE NOOO KS