The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 195: what you’re looking at

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

CLARA 173 fore,’ she continued, taking Louisa’s hand and surveying her with a mournful but tender interest. ‘‘ I have to thank you for the forbearance which you showed in compliance with that anonymous note that I left for you — ”’ ‘‘ Ah, lady,’”’ interrupted Louisa, ‘‘ and I have to thank you for your timely succour upon that occasion.”’ ‘ But about your aunt, my dear girl? ” Mrs. Owen again observed. Louisa gave no reply, but once more threw her looks deprecatingly and timidly upon Lilian. ‘““T begin to understand something,” cried this unhappy lady. ‘‘ A light breaks in upon me. Something has oc- curred in reference to him again? Speak, Louisa— Pardon me for addressing you thus familiarly, but you will presently learn that I have a right to do so. Speak, I say, fear not, tell us all that occurred.’’ ‘Since you desire me, I will do so,” said the young maiden. ‘ Last night, Mr. Audley — ” “Ah!” ejaculated Lilian, “I thought so. But go on, go on.” ‘Mr. Audley stole into the house, gained access to my chamber — ”’ “The villain!’’ muttered Lilian, between her set teeth. “Do not interrupt,” hastily whispered Mrs. Owen. Then turning to Louisa, she said, ‘‘ Proceed, dear girl.”’ ‘“‘ His behaviour was most rude, most violent,’’ continued our charming heroine, “‘ but my screams accomplished that which the physician’s art had for three long years vainly attempted. God would not suffer me to be injured, and those cries which I sent forth startled my aunt from the stupor of lethargy, loosened her limbs from the bonds of paralysis, and brought her in time to save me. Mr. Audley fled, no doubt conscience-stricken — “The villain! ’”? again muttered Lilian Halkin. Then for an instant — but only for a single instant — an expression of fierce vindictiveness passed over her countenance. ‘This is miraculous, truly wonderful,’’ exclaimed Mrs. Owen, speaking with a kind of religious awe. “Yes, the finger of Providence is indeed visible therein,”’ observed Lilian. “But you must now proceed up-stairs and see my aunt,”’ said Louisa, hastily addressing herself to Mrs. Owen. ‘“ In- (C(O) nn) G 0)(0)©) <Si nin