The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 215: what you’re looking at

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

CONTINUATION OF THE MYSTERIES 193 stance that you possess a loveliness of no common order, and that, so far from having been formed to dwell in the seclusion of a country cottage, you were destined to shine as a star in the brilliant circles of fashion. Will you leave yourself in my hands? Will you permit me to become your preceptress? The career which I purpose to open before you may lead to the most enviable position, — perhaps enable you to form some splendid matrimonial alli- ance.”’ | Clara was bewildered by all that she heard, and her brain was half-intoxicated by this sudden elevation from the depths of despondency to the pinnacle of hope. But she craved further explanations. Miss Bathurst at once replied that she could not develop her projects all in a moment, that Clara must abandon herself to them in all confidence, and even give proofs not merely by that confidence, but also by her qualifications, that she was worthy of being entrusted with the important secret of her new friend’s designs. Hav- ing thus spoken, Miss Bathurst, artfully availing herself of Clara’s desperate position, put it to her to decide at once. ‘“‘ There was no time for delay. She might refuse or accept, as she chose. If she refused she must at once take her departure from the house, but when she found herself friendless and penniless in the wide streets of London, what would she do? Would she not be glad to come back and accept even a far less brilliant destiny and upon much harder conditions? ”’ Clara grew more and more bewildered. Miss Bathurst, following up her advantage, plied every argument, delineated every golden prospect, and used all her powers of persua- sion as far as she was able. | “Do not think,” she said, “that I am a mere paltry intriguante or a base trafficker in female virtue. Little as you know of London, you must perceive that this is a fash- ionable street, and a glance around will show you that this is a fine house, of undoubted respectability. Here is the Court Guide; you perceive my name in it. Behold these cards upon the table: they are those of my visitors, and you observe amongst them some of the highest names, male and female, in the British aristocracy. Here,’ continued Miss Bathurst, opening her writing-desk and placing several perfumed billets in Clara’s hands, “‘ are notes of invitation (CO) nn) GDoOo <Si in