The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

24 THE COURT OF LONDON the bill, I was obliged to assure him that one of my sisters had promised me a large sum of money in a month or two, and that I would provide for the bill by the time it should come due. This was the pretext; but in reality I relied upon your obtaining the requisite funds, and I sincerely hope you will be enabled to do so. Tell me, Percy, is there any doubt upon that point? ”’ “My dear Editha, I shall obtain the funds somehow or another,’’ answered Malpas; ‘‘ but that is not the immediate question. I am afraid that, prompted by your affection for me, and in order to save me from arrest and degradation at the time — ”’ “What do you mean?” inquired the countess, with all the petulance of intense uneasiness. ‘T mean, dearest,’ answered the colonel, ‘‘ that — but do not be offended — that your husband did not sign those bills.” ‘“ And what makes you think so?’’ demanded Editha, actually gasping with the vain and ineffectual efforts which she made to conceal her terror. ‘‘ Because Emmerson suspects something of the kind,” returned Malpas. ‘‘ He has compared the earl’s signature with that upon the bills which I placed in his hands.”’ “O God! I am lost!” cried Editha, no longer able to keep down the effervescence of her harrowing emotions; and, covering her face with her hands, she burst into tears. ‘‘ Compose yourself, for Heaven’s sake!’ said the colonel. ‘Nothing is yet known. Mr. Emmerson is a gentleman and possesses a kind heart; everything can be repaired and remedied. Only do, I conjure you, my Editha, do tell me all the truth.” ‘“ But is it yet time to prevent this storm from bursting over my head?” she exclaimed, removing her hands from her countenance and gazing up piteously in the face of her paramour. ‘There is time, I can assure you, Editha, — plenty of time,’’ answered Malpas. ‘ Do not give way to grief, which is now unavailing, but let us look the whole affair boldly in the face. Mr. Emmerson only requires to have the pay- ment assured, and he will never breathe a word relative to the transaction. But pray tell me everything without reserve.” (COUN (-) LOOK KS (E(0)