The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 82: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTBRIES, “Your words are cutting—too cutting, Miss Clarendon,” exclaimed the nobleman, with quiver- ing lips: then, in a sudden access of generous fervour, he hastily added, “ But I deserve all that you can say to me—yes, [ deserve it all! My con- duct has indeed been treacherously black—and the outrage was cowardly. Yes—yes—you are right, beauteous maiden—and [ am a villain!” “Prove your contrition by leaving me instantane- ously,” ejaculated Pauline, whose gentle soul was secretly moved to pity the handsome—or rather beautiful youth whom she had already begun to love sincerely while believing that her new friend’s attire was suited to the sex. “My God! can nothing induce you to pardon me?” cried Florimel, whose agitation and excite- ment were very far from being feigned—inasmuch as the noble and dignified bearing of the young virgin had commanded his respect ; and when such an impression is made upon aman of naturally gene- 9 rous feelings, remorse and compunction are certain to follow under such circumstances as those which we are detailing. “ Pauline—adored Pauline,” he exclaimed, clasping his hands: “hear me for a few moments! The fame of your beauty reached me— never mind by what means—and I was already in love with you before I saw you. I resolved to be- come acquainted with you; and my object has been thus far attained. I have outraged you—I have treated you in a manner which you have denounced in the terms properly applying to such behaviour ;— and now I beseech and implore you not to cherish a lasting indignation against me! On the contrary, dearest—dearest Pauline, on my knees do I pray you to accord a single syllable of hope to the wretched being who has thus merited your anger. Or, stay— one word more,” exclaimed the young nobleman, suddenly drawing himself up as he was about to sink at the maiden’s feet ;—“ you know not who [ am— but I solemnly and sacredly offer you my hand OONRANKA ateilo) S COMM