The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 88: what you’re looking at

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

FASHIONABLE DEPRAVITY 71 a portion of the task which I have imposed upon myself, and which is the awakening of yourself and your sisters to a sense of the enormity of that service wherein you are embarked. But I cannot think, no, I dare not entertain so vile an opinion of human nature as to suppose that you will designedly, deliberately, and systematically undertake the ruin of a princess who has already suffered so much. I beseech, I implore you, Miss Owen, to weigh the matter well, to pause, to reflect, to decide on the score of justice, honour, .-and humanity. You have not yet compromised yourself too deeply to withdraw from this atrocious service. Pardon me for using harsh terms and strong language; but my indigna- tion will not permit me to speak in a milder tone.”’ “What do you advise, what do you wish, Mr. Loftus? ”’ asked Agatha, nervously, excited and scarcely knowing bli she said. “If you would abandon the service in which you hate embarked,” exclaimed the young man, enthusiastically, ““T would love you as a sister.” ‘“ Ah! that is but, after all, a cold expression,’’ murmured Agatha, with a tone and look of reviving tenderness. ‘‘ There are perhaps terms on which I might listen to vou, there is a language you might adopt that would prove irresistible — ”’ “Oh, do not talk to me thus, Miss Owen,” exclaimed Loftus; and as he turned his eyes reproachfully upon her, he observed that her own were swimming in a soft, sensuous languor and that she was again performing the part of a siren- temptress. ‘“ I will not affect to misunderstand you, because it will only be prolonging a topic that is unfit for us both. Know, then, that I love and am betrothed to a young lady whose image is never absent from my mind, a being endowed with every virtue, and the purity of whose soul shall never be outraged or shocked by any word or deed on my part.”’ “You are the most admirable preacher I ever heard out of a pulpit, Mr. Loftus,’ said Agatha, in a voice of bitter Irony; but instantaneously recovering her wonted good- humour, she observed, “ If you fancy that I hoped to in- veigle you into a marriage with me, you are much deceived. But you spoke of loving me as a sister — ”’ “TIT meant that if you would adopt a course worthy of a high-spirited and humane woman,” interrupted Loftus. ECORNICOO© <=) (SO)