The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 363: what you’re looking at

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

346 REYNOLDS’ WORKS then proceeded to tell me that uf the proposition he was about to make suited my views, it would be necessary for him to reveal his name, and also that of a young lady of whom he would have to speak; but ere he mentioned these names he would have to exact from me the most solemn, sacred, and binding oath that I would never reveal them in connection with the transaction he was about to submit to my considera- tion. My case was too desperate to allow me to offer any objection to whatever terms of secrecy he might stipulate, and I bade him proceed. ‘He then addressed me as follows: ‘ There is an English lady for whom I am anxious to find a husband, who must be a foreigner, and not only of a good family, but possessed of a title of nobility. It is not under any circumstances of dishonour in respect to the lady herself that the necessity for at once marrying her thus exists. She is pure and spotless, so far as it is possible for any one to judge of the character of a woman or become a guarantee for her chastity. There- fore it is to cover no fault that this speedy matrimonial alliance is sought for. What the circumstances are which render it necessary cannot be explained. She is exceedingly handsome, but her beauty will matter little to him who becomes her husband, inasmuch as the moment after the ceremony they will be separated and will see each other no more. You now understand me. If you think fit to bestow your name — for it will be nought beyond the mere bestowal of a name — upon the lady in question, you shall receive the sum of five thousand pounds, speaking in English money, the moment after the ceremony has taken place. Such is my proposition. ‘Take twelve, or even twenty-four hours to consider it, if you like, but at the expiration of that inter- val your answer must be given.”’ The Marquis of Villebelle paused, and Constance, who had listened with a deep and absorbing interest, now gave vent to an ejaculation of astonishment. ‘“ You may well be surprised, sweet girl,’ said the marquis, ‘“‘ for I myself was astounded by the strangeness of the Eng- lishman’s proposition. And yet I was scarcely displeased at it. Five thousand pounds, a hundred and twenty-five thousand franes, to a man who was homeless, penniless, friendless, and starving! The temptation was too great, and, after all, what was the service to be rendered in order CONNIE NO KS (E(0)