The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

32 THE COURT OF LONDON Julia, who became perfectly aghast on hearing that Mrs. Hubbard was not to be found. Conjecture became useless, almost impossible; it was utterly defied by the darkness of the mystery which enwrapped the ominous affair. Still Agatha slept on, and this was at least fortunate for the two affrighted girls, who would have been loath indeed to communicate their terrors to their invalid sister. But still their own thoughts were harrowing to a degree. What was to be done? Were they to remain quietly and tranquilly in that chamber and allow things to take their course? No, it was impossible. The disappearance of Mrs. Ranger and the laundress seemed to be indicative of a thousand unknown dangers, and in the now feverish, excited, and nervous state to which Emma and Julia had been wrought up it seemed to them as if things would grow worse unless actually looked after by themselves. “This torturing suspense can be endured no longer,’ whispered Emma. “I am resolved to go down into the garden and ascertain if I can hear anything of them, or even discover the slightest trace.”’ ‘* But the night is dark as pitch,’’ said Julia, drawing aside the window-curtain for a moment. ‘‘ You cannot go forth alone, and I dare not accompany you, because Agatha must not be left.” “No, I do not wish you to go with me. You shall remain here,’ said Emma. ‘I will steal forth alone. Perhaps Maravelli himself has made away with Mrs. Ranger and the laundress, or perhaps they have been discovered by the police, with the corpse of the child — ”’ ‘OQ horror!’’ interrupted Julia, a cold tremor passing visibly over her form. ‘‘ Conjecture may run riot amidst ten thousand dreadful things — But you must not leave me, Emma. If you did not come back, what on earth should I dow. 7 “ What on earth will you do if I remain? ’’ asked Emma. ‘Come, my dear sister, muster up all your courage; this is no season for faintness of heart. Remain you here with Agatha, while I will, at all events, descend into the garden, for I am now in one of those shocking humours that I feel I shall go mad with the agonies of suspense if I do not take some step toward the solution of this horrible mystery.” With these words Emma flung a reassuring glance upon CORNICLIOOKS (E(0) im