The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 318: what you’re looking at

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

VENETIA AND HER ADMIRERS 301 Alas! alas! that such dreadful depravity should have prevailed where there was so much beauty, such intelligence and such naturally godlike qualities on either side! Venetia now left her husband to continue the manufacture of the punch, while she hastened up to her own boudoir; and sitting down to her writing-desk, she penned the follow- ing note, which she intended for the Earl of Curzon: ~“T promised that I would slip a few lines into your hand, and I keep my word. The reason why I thus commit myself to paper is to furnish you with a proof of my sincerity, so that in return you may hesitate not to render me the great and important service which I require at your hands. Come — to me to-morrow morning at eleven o’clock. I will receive you in my boudoir, where we may converse for half an hour without restraint. | ‘“ VENETIA.”’ Having penned this note in her beautiful fluent hand, Lady Sackville took another piece of paper .and wrote thereon the following words, intended for Sir Douglas Huntingdon: ~“*T promised that I would slip a note into your hand this evening, and | keep my word. Yes, I love thee; and I accept thy love in return. The reason why I write these lines is because I can make upon paper that appointment which I should never have dared to breathe with my lips. The punch will be strong; you can affect to be overcome by it, and Sackville will offer you a chamber for the night in our suite of apartments. I shall be alone in my boudoir, the door of which faces the marble statue of Diana in the gallery. ‘“ VENETIA.”’ Having concluded this second billet, Venetia proceeded to fold each up into the smallest possible compass; and thrust- ing one into the right bosom of her dress and the other into the left, she returned to the saloon. There she found the card-playing going on and the punch already served around. At that moment, too, the Earl of Curzon was rising from the card-tables to make room for Horace, who accordingly - sat down to take a hand in the game; and Venetia now therefore found a speedy opportunity of thrusting one of COnniEooolks (SO)