The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

3) THE COURT OF LONDON and make some excuse for not introducing him into my own chamber to-night? ”’ ‘And why should I not feel an equal anxiety to do the same toward. Malpas?” asked Emma. Then, without waiting for a reply, she said, somewhat impatiently, “‘ No, my dear Julia, we must do nothing that can possibly injure the even tenor and the safe progress of matters elsewhere. It is sufficient that Mrs. Ranger has this moment introduced the doctor into the house, without our running out and in to chat with our lovers. Only fancy what troubles might ensue if any disturbance were created or any exposure took place, through thoughtlessness or carelessness on our part.”’ “ But I do not mean — I do not propose for an instant,” exclaimed Julia, ‘“‘ that we should bring in Curzon or Malpas to-night. What I meant was, that as we have each given our lovers an appointment, and as they will be sure to keep it, it will be better that we should just hasten to them, if only for a moment, so as to prevent them from lounging about in the gardens, not only at the risk of being discovered, but also at that of encountering each other.”’ ‘| again protest against such a proceeding on our parts,” said Emma. ‘‘ Agatha is now in the pains of labour, and Mrs. Ranger has just stealthily introduced the doctor to- her apartment. Presently there will be more goings-out. Why should we increase the number of these movements backward and forward, and thus run a risk of creating an alarm? Suppose that such alarm be created, the princess herself might come forth from her own chamber to ascertain what was the matter, and then Mrs. Hubbard would see at once that it is not her Royal Highness who is this night becoming a mother and for whom the doctor has been so secretly smuggled into the villa. Nay, more, it might be discovered that Agatha was thus giving birth to a child — ”’ ‘Yes, yes,’ said Julia, nervously, ‘“‘ I perceive full well that too much precaution on our part cannot be exercised.” ‘“ Now you are speaking reasonably,’ exclaimed Emma. ‘“ Besides, have you not told Curzon that whenever you fail to be punctual at the place of meeting, he is to conclude that something has transpired to prevent you from keep- ing the appointment? ”’ ‘Oh, yes, I have invariably given him that warning,” rephed Julia. ‘‘ Indeed, I have always begged and implored ECORNIEClIOOKS (E(0)