The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

64 THE COURT OF LONDON love you? Do I not incur constant risks in order that I may lavish upon you the proofs of my affection? ”’ ‘Yes, yes,’ murmured Emmerson, his head losing itself in the ebriety of his feelings. ‘‘ But will you always love me thus? ”’ “Do you doubt it?” she asked, her looks assuming an expression of mournful reproach. “ But did you not love your husband when you first married him? Then did you not love Colonel Malpas? ”’ asked Emmerson, softly. “Oh, mention not the name of that vile wretch!’ ex- claimed Editha, the glow of indignation suffusing her splen- did countenance and dyeing even her neck and bosom with its mantling vividness. “‘ But yes, we will speak of him for one moment,’ she observed, checking her wrathful feelings as a sentiment of curiosity suddenly inspired her, “‘ and that is in order that 1 may ask what has become of him? ” ‘““ He is still an inmate of the King’s Bench,” answered Emmerson. ‘ He has made two or three endeavours to release himself by what is called bail, but the securities proposed have never been accepted by the judge, and there- fore he still lingers in prison.” “Where I hope you intend to keep him as long as you can,’ said Lady Curzon, with the evident bitterness of a deeply cherished vengeance. ‘ft Depend upon it, Editha, I will keep him there as ene as I am able,’ returned Emmerson. ‘“ Indeed, were he my own brother or father, if he had given offence to you, he should be punished with all possible severity.”’ ‘You seem never wearied of giving me proofs of your affection,’ said Lady Curzon. ‘‘ And yet I am always taking advantage of your kindness, your goodness toward me. Indeed, this very night have I a favour to ask.” “Name it, name it, dear Editha,’’ said the infatuated Emmerson. ‘“ Tell me what I can do to prove my devotion.”’ ‘“ Most humiliating and distressing for me is it to speak of money matters,’ said Lady Curzon, affecting to be over- whelmed with confusion, ‘‘ but you know how I am sit- uated — ”’ “Say not another word,” interrupted the _ bill-broker. ““ But may I not have the pleasure, the ineffable pleasure, of writing you a check this very night for what you may Gomicbooks (E(@)