The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 113: what you’re looking at

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

92 THE COURT OF LONDON must confess that I am completely out-manceuvred. I don’t know how, but I think it is tolerably clear that your maid Gertrude is a young woman of no ordinary ability and tact, for which qualities you doubtless value her so much.”’ ‘“ But is it also for the same reason that your lordship seeks to deprive me of her by making her your mistress? ” and as Editha gave this bitter retort, her beautiful lips curled with relentless irony. “ Well, I think that the less said upon all these things for the present the better,’’ returned the Earl of Curzon, affect- ing to laugh; and with these words he was about to quit the room, when Editha caught him by the arm. ‘‘ What! is there anything more to say? ’”’ he demanded. ‘“ Yes,’’ she replied, with firmness of voice and decision of look, ‘‘ as a nobleman, as a gentleman, and as a husband, you have to apologize for having dared to accuse me without proof.” ‘Oh, yes, I remember that I pledged myself to some such apology as this; and therefore,’ he continued, with an air of mock gravity, “I beg to tender my earnest excuses to your ladyship for having ventured to suspect your purity and fidelity; and I may add that I am now entirely convinced that you are as immaculate as a wife can be — ”’ ‘“ Enough! ”’ exclaimed Editha, colouring with indigna- tion, as her husband’s tone grew more and more bantering. “You have made the apology, and that is sufficient.” The earl affected to laugh gaily, and quitted the boudoir. CORAIELOOC 6S (E(0)