The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

70 THE COURT OF LONDON comprehension was not the quickest and the brightest in the world. “Ah! with reluctance and sorrow do I unfold the truth to the injured wife of that unprincipled man,” said Venetia, affecting a kind compassion toward her new acquaintance. ‘“ Nevertheless, the truth must be revealed, and when I tell you that Colonel Malpas seeks to compel me to submit to his will by means of threats, coercion, and terrorism — ”’ “Oh, this is shocking — this is dreadful!’ cried Mrs. Malpas. ‘“‘ What must be done? How shall we act? He must be thwarted, he must be reduced to submission, you must be protected.” ‘That is precisely what I have been thinking,’ observed Venetia. ‘ And indeed,’ she continued, after a little hesitation, ‘I had a certain plan in view — ”’ ‘Name it, name it,’ said Mrs. Malpas, “‘ and if in any way I can assist your es ik you may rely upon my good offices.’’ “ But before I explain myself,’’ continued Venetia, ‘“‘ you must answer me a question. Do you feel disposed to live again with your husband, provided the means were supplied to furnish another establishment for you, and a handsome sum of ready money supplied to enable you to commence housekeeping again? Would you, in a word, leave your father’s dwelling and return to the society of your husband under such favourable circumstances? ”’ “Yes, under such favourable circumstances,’’ answered Mrs. Malpas, echoing Venetia’s words. ‘“ Besides, if your ladyship recommends the adoption of that course, I at once agree to it,’ she added, seriously. “Then listen to my plan,’ said Venetia, inwardly re- joicing at the lady’s response. ‘‘ You must make some excuse to your parents to be enabled to return to me this evening, and pass the night beneath this roof. When the colonel makes his appearance — which he will do — to claim from me an answer to his dishonourable suit, he shall be conducted to the room where you will be already installed, and I will take care that the door shall be closed upon him on the outside. You will thus pass the night together, and you will have an opportunity of giving him a real curtain lecture — ”’ “ But such a lecture will be utterly thrown away upon 9) CORNICLIOO KS (E(0)