The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 176: what you’re looking at

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

FRESH ADVENTURES 159 out any introduction, or take notice of any letter I might send her? ” “ Well, considering that you are a lord,’’ responded the soubrette, slyly, and with a sort of mysterious confidence, “ think it very probable my mistress might dispense with the usual formalities. Indeed, if she were to come home alone presently, I am not quite sure but that you might be pardoned for your boldness in introducing yourself to her at once.” ‘Is this possible?’ exclaimed Edmund, now so elated that he forgot all the previous misadventures of the night. “ It 1s so possible,’ was the response, ‘ that I should advise you to make the attempt. Or if you are too bashful, you can just walk a little way up the road and leave me to say a few words to my mistress. Then, if I were to come down to the gate and ask you to walk in and take supper with her, for she always has supper when she comes home, and it is now ready served in the drawing-room — ”’ “If you are not trifling with me,” exclaimed Edmund, “and if you could really manage what you have just proposed it should not be merely twenty guineas that I would put into your hand to-morrow, but fifty.” “Well, my lord,” answered the soubrette, ‘‘ it all depends upon whether a certain person comes home presently with my mistress. And that, to tell you the truth, was what I alluded to just now when you told me I had something at the tip of my tongue that I did not like to speak out.” “But who is this certain person?’’ inquired Saxon- dale. “ Mr. Walter, at the opera.” “ What, one of the great authorities of the establishment? ”’ ejaculated Saxondale. ‘“‘ Oh, I know him tolerably well. I have frequently spoken to him behind the scenes, — a stout, elderly gentleman.” “The same,’’ responded the soubrette. ‘“ He’s a nice - enough man in his way, but very particular indeed; and that was why I was fearful that if he did come home presently with my mistress, he would be angry on finding me talking to any one at the gate. Oh, he is so particular,’ repeated the abigail, ‘‘ and treats my mistress just as if she were his wife, hands her in and out of her carriage with the greatest respect — ”’ CONNIE DOOKS (S(O)