The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 392: what you’re looking at

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

366 THE COURT OF LONDON cumstances, I should not have stopped to make those in- quiries upon which I have now ventured, but here, in a foreign country, it is different. This, madam, is my excuse for again proffering my services in any way that they could be made available.” “Once more do I return you my sincerest gratitude,” answered Mrs. Owen, “ but there is nothing that any human being can do to allay our affliction.” The young man made a low bow, and reéntered the post- chaise, which immediately drove on toward Geneva. ‘Come, dearest Mary, let us proceed,’ said Mrs. Owen, as soon as this little incident had terminated. ‘ Was it not kind of that young gentleman thus to display so much interest in our behalf? ”’ Mary gave her assent to the question, and, composing her feelings as well as she was able, accompanied her mother to the gate of the pleasure-grounds belonging to the asylum. The old porter, who immediately came forth from the lodge, and who knew both the ladies well from the circumstance of their calling every day during the past month, immediately said, ‘‘ I have good news for you on this occasion. The doctor has given orders that if you call you are to be admitted.” “My presentiment was correct,’’ whispered Mary to her mother. ‘I knew that we should see my poor sisters to- day.” ‘“Now, for Heaven’s sake, my dear child,” said Mrs. Owen, when, having passed through the iron gates, they were proceeding up the wide carriage-way to the entrance of the asylum, “do your best to restrain your feelings in the presence of those whom we are about to see. We know. not how pernicious may be the effects of any violent display of anguish on our parts.” ‘ Mother, I will do my best,’’ responded Mary, in an almost dying voice, ‘‘ but the trial will be a severe one.”’ They now reached the handsome portico of the edifice, and were at once admitted into an elegantly furnished waiting-room which opened from the spacious entrance-hall. There they were speedily joined by Doctor Dupont, who was an old man with a kind and benevolent look, an air which though mild nevertheless proved him to be capable of great firmness, and also a most cheerful as well as winning voice. COMmmicloo S (CO) im