The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

60 THE COURT OF LONDON placed at the mercy of Colonel Malpas, the most finished scoundrel that ever belonged to fashionable society. “Your ladyship sees that I am not to be trifled with,” he said, inwardly exulting at the confirmation which his bold averment had just received in the effect it produced upon Venetia. “The Earl of Curzon is a traitor,” she said, after a long — pause, during which it cost her more than one effort to regain her self-possession. ‘‘ But come, sir, what is it you require? And if ever,’ she added, in a tremulous tone, “ you knew how to spare the feelings of a lady, I beseech you to do so now.” ‘“ My terms are speedily named,” replied Malpas. Then, fixing his looks upon her in a manner which showed him to be inexorable, he said, “‘ Five thousand guineas in the first -place, and in the second, the same favour which you have bestowed upon the Earl of Curzon.”’ Venetia started, although she had foreseen what was coming, and, fixing her eyes upon the colonel, she was about to entreat his mercy as to the latter condition, when a sudden idea struck her. ; ‘You are resolved upon enforcing these terms? ”’ she said, in a cold voice and with a look that suddenly became settled and steady. “Tam resolved,’ he answered, thinking she had made up her mind to the worst. ‘“‘ Nothing can shake my deter- mination.”’ ‘Then must it be as you say,’ observed Venetia. ‘“* To- morrow night, at eleven o’clock, you must be at the private door opening from the palace into the park, and my maid Jessica will give you admittance.”’ “ Ah! but how do I know that the door will really open to admit me?” exclaimed Malpas. ‘‘ Once get out of a palace, and it is not so easy to get in again.”’ ‘Am I not completely in your power?” asked Venetia. ‘“ Tf I accede to the conditions you have laid down, it is to purchase your secrecy. Think you, then, that if I chose to defy you I could not as well do it at once by ordering you to quit the palace, as to-morrow night by refusing to readmit you into it? ”’ “True,” said Malpas, who saw plainly enough that Ve- netia felt herself to be really and truly in his power. “ At CORNIClIOO KS (E() m