The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 270: what you’re looking at

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

THE PREFECT AND HIS GUESTS 259 “if he will but avail himself of the happiness within his reach! ”’ | _ The door now again opened; but this time it was to usher in the Marquis of Leveson, who made his appearance in full evening costume, he having just quitted the mansion of the British ambassador. As soon as the wonted greetings were exchanged between himself and the prefect, and when also the nobleman had been duly presented to the assembled guests, he glanced significantly at the great police authority as if to inquire what news he had to impart relative to the affair that so particularly interested himself. “We are all friends here, my lord,’’ said the prefect; “and being all, as it were, officially connected, there are no secrets between us. My two secretaries are of course acquainted with all that transpires at the prefecture; these three gentlemen,” he continued, glancing toward the spies, “‘ hold secret offices of great trust in connection with the establishment; and that gentleman,’’ added the prefect, looking toward Jules Martignac, “ as the under-secretary of state for the Home Department enjoys of course a com- plete insight into everything that regards the police. But although, my lord, so many persons are thus acquainted with your special business in Paris and with all that regards the mission of the young English ladies in whom you are interested, yet the secret itself is as safe as if it were locked up only in your own breast; for the police establishment of this great capital sees but with the same eye, hears with but one ear, speaks with but one tongue, and thinks with but one brain. Although consisting of many persons, therefore, it is one great and indivisible whole, and impos- sible of proving faithless to itself.” “TY thank your Excellency for these explanations and assurances,’ replied Lord Leveson; ‘“‘ and I entertain not the least apprehension for the safety of my secret. Since, then, we are all acquainted with its nature,” he continued, glancing with an urbane smile around the board, “ we may discourse without reserve thereon.”’ “Most assuredly,”’ replied the prefect. ‘‘ And now, my lord, I have the pleasure to announce to you, from informa- tion which I received a few moments before your lordshin’s arrival, that the grand scheme has reached its crisis, — the point at which it will either succeed speedily or fail signally.”’ ‘Conniclooolks (CS)