The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 376: what you’re looking at

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

rrr cere etn en PP ef es emeestasnatioe THE MYSTERI ES. At eleven o’clock on that forenoon a loud double knock and a ring at the front door resounded through the house. Pauline hastened to the win- dow of the front parlour and peeped from behind the curtain in a manner denoting the most acute anxiety and suspense: but when she observed that there was no carriaye at the door and that the arrival was a lady on foot, she heaved a profound sigh—turned away from the casement—and reseat- ing herself on the sofa, fell into a train of gloomy reflections. Bat upon Mr. Clarendon that knock and ring produced the startling influence of galvanism ; and bounding from his chair, he stood in trembling ex- peetation of beholding the mysterious being whom he had adjured to appear. Nor was he disappointed : for in a few moments the veiled lady stood before him. Penetrating and piercing was the glance which he aa? upon her, in order, if possible, to obtain a a a a a nc SP 381 glimpse of her features: but, no—the thick black veil was still so folded as to render it impossible for him to gratify his curiosity. Nevertheless, as his looks swept her form, he beheld all that symmetrical grace of outline and all that beauty of proportion which had struck him on the former occasion of her Visit; and a straggling curl, escaping from beneath the veil and lying on the sloping shoulder, showed that her hair was of a rich dark, glossy brown. Mr. Clarendon placed a chair for her accommoda- tion, and then resuming his own seat, observed, “ You saw my advertisement in this morning’s Times ” “Otherwise I should not be here,” promptly answered the lady, in that musical voice which nature never meant to waft any other language than that of love, and peace, and gaiety. “You have pondered well upon the discourse which took place between us last Tuesday week ?” “I have,” returned Mr. Clarendon. “ Pray come to the point at once—be explicit—-And relieve me OONRANKA ateilo) SS COMM