The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. ane. “ Listen tome, 1 implore you, Miss Trelawrey,” said the Earl, joining his hands and assuming a look of the most passionate entreaty. “Proceed, my lord,” she observed, in a cold tene and with a dignified reserve of manner, as she resumed her seat upon the sofa. “ Will you promise to hear me patiently and with- out interruption, to the end?” asked Curzon, in a tone of appeal that was even as self-humiliating as if he were about to demand pardon for a crime. “T will pledge myself to nothing, my lord,” said Venetia. “And now the idea strikes me that it is altogether preposterous—incredible—anheard of, that 80 serious a conversation should arise between Individuals who meet for the first time—who have not known each other quite twenty minutes—and whom the merest accident in the world brought to- qether at all.” “It is strange, no doubt—and my conduct must appear ‘aaa to a degree,” roturned the nobleman. “But once more 1 beseech youto give me a hearing and allow me tv explain—perhaps to justify—myself.” “Had you not rendered me a service ere now tay lord,” said Venetia, “I should at oace refuse your request. But as you presume upon the obli- gation under which you have laid me, I have no alternative than to listen.” “Ah! Miss Trelawney,” cried the Earl, now pained and grieved by the rebuke which had been conveyed in terms so cutting and yet at the same time so dignified and so thoroughly lady-like,— “if you place the matter in that point of view, [ must at onee retire, crushed and humiliated, from your presence! But I cannot think you so un- generous as to refuse me the opportunity of an explanation upon terms that shall be totally irrespective of any little service which I may have been fortunate enough to rendée What is your decision, Miss Trelawney¢” comliclbooks.com