The Mysteries of London, Vol. IV — page 93: what you’re looking at

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

86 lasted ;—and now, since all hope of gaining it is de- stroyed, no farther supplies can be expected from that quarter.” “Yos—it may procure a delay,” said Charles, in a musing tone; “and with Icisure to reflect calmly— deliberately—much may be dune! O Perdita—never, never could I see vou thus sacrificed to a man whom you would ablier!” “Generous friend—t was heaven who sent you to me!” exclaiined the voung woman, drooping her head upon his breast, and weeping,—weeping tears of grati- tude, as he fondly belicved, He threw his arms aruvund her—-he pressed her to his heart—he clasped her with such fervour that the embrace was passionately violent—he strained her as it were to the seat of his very soul: then, hastily loosening: his hold, he raised her face—her warm, blushing face—and on her lips he imprinted a thou- sand rapturous hisses,—those lips that were literally elued to his own. He lovked into her eyes, and read love, desire, and passion in those orbs, now melting With languor and wantonness;—for Perdita herself had almost entirely lost all power of self-controul, and clung to him as if inviting the full extreme of volup- tuous enjoyment. He felt her bosem heaving against his chest; and, maddened with excitement, his daring hand invaded the treasures of those swelling, palpitat- ing vlobes, so snowy in their whiteness—so warm with their licentious fires. But at that instant Perdita recovered! her presence ofamind: and it flashed to her memory that it was ne part of her scheme tu surrender herself completely up to him until she had ensnared his affections so fullyv— so inextricably, that all subsequent escape or estrangse- ment, through repentance and remorze, should be im- possible. Accordingly —wresting Jaersclf from his embrace, aud retreating to the furtherend of the sofa, she hastily arranved her cap and divhevelled hair —drew th: wrapper over her breast—and, turning upon Lim eyes that still seemed to swim in liquid languor, said in a half-reproachful manner, “Oh! Charles—is this friend- ship? would you ruin me?” “ Sweetest—dearest creature,” exclaimed the young man, “did I not tell you yester-night that freendship was a sentiment dangerous for us to feel, and a word periluus fur our tongues to utter? O Perdita—it is not friendship that I feel for you: “tis love—ardent, sincere, and devoted love! And ’t was not friendship at first sight that [experienced for you the moment I last evening sct foot in this room: but "twas lorve— love, my Perdita—such love as never before did man entertain for woman!” “And it was beeause T Jove you, Charles,” mur. mured Perdita, in her softest, tenderest tenes, “that 1 loathe and abhor the idea of that union which my | mother has so inconsideratcly—so rashly—so cruclly planned for met” “Yuu luve me, Perdital” ejaculated the yvouny man, wild with joy: “oh! thanks—ten thousand thanks for that assurance, my own sweet Perdital I was happy in the possession of your friendship: but Jam now mad—demented in the confidence of owning your love} For the love of such a being as yourself 1s something that would make a paradise of the blackest and most barren desert on the face of the earth! Is it possible, then, that I possess vour love, Perdita—denarest Vor- dita? Ol! tell me so once more: it is so delicious to hear such an avowal from your lips!” * Yes, Charles—J love you—I do indeed love you,” THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON, replied the young woman, throwing ag much softness junto her melting tones, as much witchery into her manner, and as much voluptuous Janguor into her glances as she possibly could. It was like a scene of enchantment for that young man of wild and fervid impulses; and le was com- pletely—wholly absorbed in its magic interest,—an interest so enthralling, so captivating that he felt asifha had been suddenly watted into anew world of dclights unknown in this sublunary sphere. Lady Frances was forgotten—his parents, his ambitious aims, and even his admiration of the Prince of Montoni,—all, all were forgotten in the delirium of passion which had seized upon him. “You love me—you do indeed love me!” he ex- claimed; and, approaching the object of his worship, he again wound his arms around her—again drank in the sweetness of her moist red lips. ; “ Charles—Charles,” she murmured ; “ you are glori- ously handsome—and I adore you!” But as she thus spoke, she once more disengaged her- self from his maddened embrace—for she felt that her own passions, ever violent, were raging to a degree that becamne almost uncontroullable. « And now listen to me—patiently and tranquilly if you can; and J will lay down the conditions on which our complete happiness may be based, — conditions which have for their elements that gencrous conti- donee, that mutual reliance, and that candour and frankness which alone constitute pure affection.” “Proceed, dearest Perdita,” said Hatheld: “Tam all attention—and your voice is sweeter In my ears than the most delicious music.” Perdita once more arranged her cap and the niassive band> of her glossy hair: then, turning with a sinu- lation of charming artles ness towards her compaumnon, che addressed him in the following manner. CHAPTER CAAATLL THL DANGEROUS SOPINSTRY OF A LOWELY Woatan, “You are now about todiscover a new phasis in my character, dear Charles; and perhaps you will look upen my notions and opinions a3 ummaidenly and bold—if not positively immoral. Dut remember that Iam not like the generality of my sex; and that my | sentiments, though audacious as innovations, are never- ‘theless as sincerely believed in as they are tenaciou-ly clung to by me.” | “Jt is because vou are so different from = othir women, not only in the loveliness of vour person, Int also in the tune and strength of your mind,” :.J Charles, “ that Iam thus enamourcd of you—yes, ait ‘proud too of possessing your affection in return.” “But Foam about to preach a doctrine which yeu may think repugnant to the befitting delicacy of iy i sex,” returned Perdita: “for itis of the usele-sness of the marriee rites that I have now to discourse.” { Proceed, dearest,” said Charles; “and To owill frankly give you my opinion on your views in this , respect.” ' Af now you encourage me to open my heart (. | you, my dear friend,” exclaimed Perdita; “and vn | do not affect the sanctimonious hypocrite, who frown: even before he has heard the argument broache.t | Thus stands our present position in my ectimation :— | We love cach other-——” ln ees me ne es — TS A SS FO er ay (SO) GIOOKS (SO)