The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 140: what you’re looking at

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

THE APPOINTMENT 113 embarrassment. ‘‘ Yes—tell me the truth — confess that you were not altogether displeased at the idea of seeing me again — ”’ ‘Were it otherwise than as you wish me to say I should not be here now,” observed Octavia; then, as a sudden thought struck her, she glanced hastily around, and her looks settled with an expression of alarm upon her com- panion’s countenance, as she exclaimed, “ But wherefore has that lady who conducted me hither left us? ” ‘Because she is discreet, my angel,’’ responded Harley, regarding the beauteous maiden with eyes brimful of pas- sion; “‘ because she knows what love is, and how lovers like to be alone; and because she is well aware that we have much, oh, so much, to say to each other! Be not alarmed, dearest Octavia — much less offended. Do you think that I would act otherwise than according to the dictates of that affection which I bear toward you, and which I revealed last evening? ”’ “No, George —no,”’ murmured the maiden, yielding to the bland influence of his seductive tongue, and the melting harmony of his rich voice. ‘‘ I have every confidence in you, George —”’ “And my life’s study shall be your happiness, my well beloved! ”’ exclaimed Harley, throwing his arm around her waist, and drawing her gently toward him. He was attired in a most elegant and tasteful manner. His shirt-frill and ruffles were of the finest lace; his black pantaloons and silk stockings, fitting tight, and fashioned with the most artistic shapeliness, displayed the admirable though robust symmetry of his limbs; and his waistcoat set with the nicest precision. He appeared handsomer in Octavia’s eyes than she had even fancied him to be, much as she had already admired him; and there was something so noble in his air, and at the same time so captivating in his manner, that while she felt as if she were in the presence of a superior, yet she was not overawed. Nevertheless, she trembled like a dove, and her heart fluttered in her bosom like a bird in its cage, when Harley drew her toward him; but when he pressed his warm lips to hers, and their very looks appeared to mingle in the transfusion of a tenderness which seemed to be the blending of their spirit, indescribable sensations of joy and pleasure (CO) i 0) Oy 0) (C(O)