The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 153: what you’re looking at

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

136 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘‘ Pardon me, dear Venetia,” he replied, “ if I first remind you of our compact.”’ ‘ But you told me of that yesterday, when I gave you the money you required,’”’ exclaimed his wife, wondering why he should recur to that subject. “Yes, but you must forgive me if I now specially allude to it again,’’ continued Horace, ‘‘ because the dilemma in which I am involved — ” “Come, confess the truth without circumlocution,”’ in- terrupted Venetia, with an arch look, and at the same time tapping him on the cheek with her fair hand. ‘You have got into some difficulty with a lady. Is it not so? ”’ “Yes. But have you heard already? ”’ “No, I merely judge from your manner. You remind > me of the compact, which is that you may have as many mistresses as you fancy, and I may have as many lovers as I like,’’ continued Venetia, the carnation deepening on her countenance. “Well, you have guessed rightly,” said her husband. “But the dilemma is a very serious one. There will be exposure, scandal, law-proceedings, and perhaps — indeed, most likely — “ Ah! a duel,” ejaculated Venetia, now turning very pale. “My dear Horie — But who is the lady? ’’ she suddenly demanded. “The Countess of Curzon,” responded her husband. “The Countess of Curzon!’’ echoed Venetia, with a shghtly perceptible start, for she could not help being struck, at the moment, by the coincidence that she had been criminal with Editha’s husband, and her husband had now _ been criminal with Editha. ‘You are astonished?” observed Sackville. ‘‘ Doubt- less you considered Lady Curzon to be the very pattern of virtue and propriety? ”’ ‘Let us not dwell upon details,” said Venetia, hurriedly. “Give me an outline of the adventure which has resulted in detection and exposure.” Horace did as he was desired, and his wife listened with the deepest attention. “And the earl,” she said, at the conclusion of his narra- tive, ‘‘ has declared that he will have satisfaction? But he 1) EORMIC IO KS (E(0) m