The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 324: what you’re looking at

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

RE Ss ST THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 813 a this, Mr. Meagles?” demanded Mrs. Fitsherbert, in a cold tone: for her excitement bad subsided into a glacial aspect of stern determination. “TI would have you understand, madam, that it is utterly useless for you to oppose the will of the British Savereign,” Meagles. “He is resolved that the heir-apparent shall marry the Trincess of Brunswick—and this self-aame heir- apparent dares not disobey him. Under these cir- cumstances, madam, it will be worse than useless for you to throw any objection in the way : for the King’s fiat has gone forth—and the Prince has made up his mind to yield with as good a grace as he can well assume.” “ And I am to be sacrificed, Mr. Meagles?” said the lady, in a tone so cold and passionless that it scemed as if a marble statue were speaking—and as a marble statue, too, was she now pale, and motion- | her less, and still, all save those white lips between which her words came slowiy and freesiogiy le “Madam—you will not, I hope, hope, indulge in harsh terma,” exclaimed Meagles: “for all the severity of expression which the English language is capable of conveying, will not amend the position of affaires. But if you compel me to unfold the truth in all its naked plainness, I must candidly and frankly inform you that King George III would not only sacrifice one poor weak woman, but would see a hundred thousand beautiful female hearts bursting and break- ing ere he would yield a single tittle of his purpose This is the solemn fact, madam—and with pain and gtief is it that I give you so hopeless an assurance. But remember—as yet the King is unacquainted — said Mrs. Fitsherbert, slowly rising foun “ Thee cannot be concluded, madam, until something definite be settled,” he answered, not rudely but firmly. —_—_— comicloooks. conn —m