The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 197: what you’re looking at

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

CLARA 175 that the interview had not been altogether without its pleasurable feeling. ‘“Come near, Louisa,’’ said Miss Stanley. ‘‘ Approach, dear girl. This is the day for revelations and the clearing up of mysteries. Know, then, that these are my sisters, therefore your aunts, and Mary Owen, who has so long been your companion and whom I am now so anxious to behold, is your cousin.” Louisa received. these announcements with amazement, but speedily yielding to the impulse of her heart, she em- braced first Mrs. Owen and then Lilian. These two ladies, one after the other, folded the sweet maiden in the fondest clasp and lavished upon her the most endearing epithets. ‘Now you can retire again, Louisa,” said Miss Stanley. ‘‘ At a convenient opportunity I will explain to you certain things connected with the past which it becomes necessary for you to know. Retire, my dear child, and wait down-stairs to receive her whom you are so anxiously expecting.” The young maiden accordingly withdrew, but at the very instant she reached the bottom of the stairs she heard a knock at the front door. The visitors, whoever they were, had entered the garden gate and had arrived thus far during the scene up-stairs. With a wildly fluttering heart, Louisa opened the door, and the next instant she was caught in the arms of her sister. ‘“ Dearest Clara! ”’ ‘“ Dearest Louisa! ”’ These were the ejaculations which sprang from their lips, and fervid, rapturous, and enthusiastic were the kisses which they exchanged, their tears also mingling. Then Louisa led her sister into the parlour, not noticing in the fulness of her joy that a tall, handsome young man was standing upon the threshold. He, however, followed the two sisters into the parlour, and with tears also in his eyes did he behold them embrace again and again. “Oh, my beloved Clara, you have come home at last,” murmured Louisa, in a broken voice, ‘‘ and I am so happy. I received your fond letter — Ah! and I have such good news for you — ”’ Then she suddenly stopped short, as she observed the tall young gentleman who was standing near. ‘““ Louisa, my dear sister,’ said Clara, taking her hand (C(O) nn) (C 0)(0)©) KS { i nin