The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 175: what you’re looking at

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

158 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘“ Robbed! I thought you had lost your money at cards? ” “To be sure, I said so. But cannot a person be robbed at cards as well as on the highway? ”’ “Certainly. However, I have your lordship’s promise for a proof of your kindness, and as I consider your word to be your bond, I am just as ready to listen to what your lordship has to say as if I had the gift in my pocket.” “From something that has escaped my lips,” resumed Edmund, “ you have seen that I know a little about your mistress. J have seen her at the opera, and to see is to ad- mire. But there is still another step which is to be explained by stating that to admire is to burn to possess. Now, in plain terms, is there anything to hope? ”’ ‘Tt all depends, my lord,” replied the soubrette. ‘“ Depends upon what? ”’ inquired Saxondale. “Terms, offers, settlements, and so forth,’ was the answer. “Then, is your mistress mercenary? ”’ “Not exactly mercenary, but she loves money, just as a great many other ladies do, as a means of procuring pleasure, to live in good style, keep her carriage and servants, and so forth, all of which she could not do with her salary at the opera.”’ ‘And yet she is handsomely paid, according to report,”’ remarked Edmund. “Not so well as people think, perhaps,” rejoined the soubrette. “‘ But you asked me if there were any hope. It is for you to get acquainted with my mistress, and see what she says. You do not seem too bashful, my lord, in making known your wishes, and certainly she will not be too bashful in giving you an answer. Of course I shall say everything I can in your favour, and you know that a Jady’s-maid in these cases possesses great influence with her mistress.”’ ‘Undoubtedly. You are her lady’s-maid then? I thought so the very first moment I saw you. One can always tell a lady’s-maid.”’ ‘“ Yes, we have a certain air,”’ remarked the young woman, tossing her head conceitedly. ‘‘ But why, my lord, do you not come and eall to-morrow, or else write a very tender and affectionate billet? ”’ ‘Good heavens! ’’ exclaimed Saxondale, “is it possible that your mistress would either receive me as a visitor with- Gomicbooks (E(0)