The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 138: what you’re looking at

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

120 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘“‘ And you followed the advice? ”’ said Venetia. “Pretty closely,’ returned the baronet. ‘‘ I went down to the seaside, made a vow to leave off drinking a single thing in the shape of alcohol till dinner-time, and then only six glasses of wine. I missed my usual quantum terribly at first, but soon grew accustomed to the regimen. I took sea- baths and plenty of exercise, and went to bed at ten o’clock regularly. But as for the mutton, roast, broiled, and boiled, I must confess that I varied those dainties with a piece of beef, a chicken, and a little fish, for if there be one thing that I hate more than another it is sheep in any shape, roast, boiled, or broiled. However, I feel my health and my spirits so wonderfully improved that nothing could induce me to exceed my six glasses of wine after dinner; and as for tempt- ing me to drink anything before dinner, why, I can assure you, my dear Venetia, that if there were wine now moistening your dewy lips, I would not kiss them. But as there is not, I will,” and he suited the action to the word. “You are faithless to Ariadne Varian,’”’ said Venetia, laughing. ‘ Besides, I can assure you, on my honour, that I am seriously determined to reform myself, and all that you have just told me proves how easily it can be done if a proper effort be only made. To speak without a jest, I tell you candidly, my dear Douglas, that, entertaining a very sincere friendship for you, I am delighted at everything you have told me. And now I wish to hear the conclusion of your confessions.” | ‘What more have I to confess?’’ asked the baronet, smiling. ‘Why, your feelings relative to Ariadne. Oh, I can read the human heart more easily, perhaps, than you think. Shall I tell you something about yourself? ”’ “Yes, pray do,’’ exclaimed the baronet. ‘‘ Proceed. I| enjoy the liveliness of this conversation amazingly.”’ “Then, listen,’”’ resumed Venetia. ‘ At the time all those strange things happened some months ago relative to Ariadne Varian, she made a deep impression upon your heart, but you did not choose at once to acknowledge that you had fallen headlong in love with the sister of a common clerk. When you had provided for her and her brother with the most noble generosity, you rarely went near the home you had given them. You tried to wean yourself from CORDICLOOO (C(O)