The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 41 ( SDAA ai “Nh, SS Ht aaa - San” y ‘ HL ANBLY tily around, and her looks settled with an expres- sion of alarm upon her companion’s countenance, as she exclaimed, “ But wherefore has that lady who conducted me hither, left us?” “Because she is discreet, my angel,” responded Harley, regarding the beaunteous maiden with eyes brimful of passion: “because she knows what love is, and how lovers like to be alone;—and because she is wellaware that we havemuch—Oh! so much to say to each other! Be not alarmed, dearest Oc- tavia—much less offended:—do you think that I would act otherwise than according to the dic- tates of that affection which I bear towards you, and which I revealed last evening?” “No, George—no,” murmured the maiden, yielding to the bland influence of his seductive tongue, and the melting harmony of his rich voice: “T have every confidence in you, George——” “ And my life’s study shall be your happiness, my oe exclaimed Harley, throwing his arm round her waist, and drawing her gently toe wards him. He was attired in a most elegant and tasteful manner: his shirt-frill and raffles were of the finest lace; his black pantaloons and silk stockings, fitting tight, and fashioned with the most artistic shapeli- ness, displayed the admirably though robust sym- metry of his limbs; and his waistcoat eet with the nicest precision. He appeared handsomer in Oc- tavia’s eyes than she had even fancied him to be, much as she had already admired him; and there was something so noble in his air, and at the same time so captivating in his manner, that while she felt as if she were in the presence of a supe- rior, yet she was not overawed. ~ Nevertheless, she trembled like a dove, and her heart fluttered in her bosom like a bird in its cage, when Harley drew her towards him; but when he pressed his warm lips to her's, and their very looks appeared to mingle in the transfusion of a tender comicbooks.conn