The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 379: what you’re looking at

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

THE BROTHER AND SISTER 353 some generous-minded man who will view my past misfortunes without prejudice. And now smile, Ariadne,” said Theodore, smiling himself in order to win back the wished-for radiance to his sister’s angelic countenance. At this moment a knock was heard at the front door, It was a double knock, and a well-known one, too, for Theodore immediately exclaimed, ‘‘ Here is Sir Douglas! ”’ The colour instantaneously mounted to Ariadne’s cheeks, her gentle bosom heaved, and something like a sigh rose to her lips. But her brother observed not all this, for he had turned hastily around to meet the baronet whom the servant- girl had just admitted. ‘My dear Theodore, how are you?”’ said Sir Douglas. “Miss Varian, I hope I find you well. But perhaps I am intruding at this moment? ”’ “You intrude? Never!’ exclaimed Theodore, warmly pressing the hand of his benefactor, while Ariadne’s looks unconsciously gave a similar assurance, “Then, in that case I will sit down,” said the baronet, ‘not only because I am somewhat tired, having walked all the way hither from the West End, but likewise because I wish to speak to you, Theodore, on some little business, But I dare say you are astonished when I tell you that I have walked? The fact is, when I come to see you I do not like such formal ceremony as driving hither in my carriage or cabriolet; indeed, I should be very much pleased to settle down into a quiet, unostentatious mode of life. However, it was not to hold forth upon my own likes or dislikes that I came hither now,” The baronet had seated himself while thus speaking; Ariadne and Theodore had also resumed their chairs, and both waited with some degree of suspense until Sir Douglas should explain the business to which he had alluded, for they alike thought and hoped it referred to his promise to interest himself in obtaining the young man a situation. ‘When I was last here,’’ resumed Huntingdon, ‘ I said something about a mercantile firm with which I am acquainted. It is the head of the establishment who is my friend, and I could not see him before this morning, al- though I assure you I have called every day for that purpose, I dare swear you fancied I had forgotten it altogether,” ‘T have received too many proofs of your generosity,” COMDICMO© S (©