The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 126: what you’re looking at

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

108 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘‘ And do you think,” asked Sir Valentine, surveying her with a singular expression, “‘ that we shall know more of each other? Do you wish it?” ‘“‘ Did I not give you a pressing invitation to call? ”’ asked Venetia. Then resuming her seat on the sofa, while the young baronet returned to the chair which he had taken near her, she said, in a somewhat more serious tone, “‘ But tell me, Sir Valentine, what you meant ere now by saying that your visit was of a business character? Perhaps the answer will explain wherefore I behold a certain constraint in your manner.”’ “Do you consider my manner to be unfriendly?” he asked, with some degree of hesitation. ‘‘Qn the contrary,’ exclaimed Venetia, ‘“‘ I was rejoiced to find that almost from the first moment you entered the room we began conversing in the most friendly manner to- gether, so that I was actually induced to enter upon an account of all my accomplishments. But I hope you will believe me, Sir Valentine, when I assure you on my honour as a lady,’’ added Venetia, seriously, “‘ that it was in the same unaffected, artless manner as of a sister talking to a brother.”’ ‘“‘ Ah!” ejaculated Sir Valentine Malvern, and again did so singular an expression of mingled embarrassment and yet kind interest pass over his countenance that Venetia saw there was something more in his mind’than she could comprehend. ‘““T see,” she said, ‘‘ that you wish to speak to me upon some subject that you nevertheless hesitate to approach.” Then, in a still lower tone, she added, ‘‘ Perhaps it is relative to the first time we ever met? You seek an explanation — ”’ ‘““Do not for a moment fancy that I come hither swayed by an impertinent curiosity,” interrupted Valentine. ‘You have never mentioned — ”’ began Venetia. ‘““ Never,” rejoined Malvern, instantaneously compre- hending what she meant. “I was in St. George’s Church when you were married to Lord Sackville, then Mr. Sack- ville — ”’ ‘‘ What, you were there?’ exclaimed Venetia, in aston- ishment. ‘“ Yes; it was, however, with no specific intention, it was purely accidental. But when I saw you I was struck with cComiiclooolkks (CO mn