The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 199: what you’re looking at

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

168 THE COURT OF LONDON and stainless would have appeared that white neck, though adorned with brilliants worth a monarch’s ransom. Softly, how softly, did her long black lashes seem to repose on her fair cheeks, as she sat with her deep blue eyes fixed upon her work. Rich with the hues of health, and delicate with the purity of a taintless complexion, were the cheeks whereon those lashes rested, and, oh, how beautiful was the entire countenance! Gracefully rounded, too, were the plump white arms, as Pauline plied her needle with the tapering fingers, the rosy nails of which were as exquisite in their almond shape and as well cared for as if they belonged to a duchess. There was a smile of sweet contentment upon the moist red lips, which were just so slightly parted by that angelic expression as to afford a glimpse of the teeth that were faultlessly even, stainlessly perfect, and white as the pearls of the East; and from between those lips came the sweet breath as if from the dewy leaves of the rose, and mixing in balmy fragrance with the air. When, ever and anon, she raised her eyes from her work, they appeared radiant in their very softness; for no in- felicitous reflections, no stormy emotions, no _ harassing thoughts were harboured in her bosom, nor was her mind jarred with the conflict of strong passions. Such was the charming creature against whose innocence and whose peace an infernal plot was already in train; and now do we tremble for thee, thou beauteous Pauline! It was, as we said, about seven o’clock on the evening in question, when a loud and impatient double knock at the front door startled Pauline from her work; and she hastened to answer the summons, her heart fluttering with the hope that it was her father who had returned. But she was disappointed in this respect, for a young lady appeared upon the threshold; and the moment Pauline opened the door, the stranger said, in an anxious and ap- pealing tone, ‘‘ May I beseech you to grant me refuge for a few minutes and to shield me against the insults of ruffians in the garb of gentlemen? ”’ Pauline gave a ready assent to the prayer; and the stranger was instantaneously admitted into the parlour. This apparent young lady was in reality no less a person than Lord Florimel; and, thanks to the taste and ingenuity GomiGcoooksr