The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 221: what you’re looking at

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

186 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘‘ She is asleep, no doubt, and IJ will not disturb her to- night,” said Mr. Clarendon, who at the instant was divesting himself of his cloak and shawl-kerchief, and did not there- fore perceive his daughter’s emotions. ‘‘I was as much surprised as rejoiced when I saw a light in your bedchamber, for I thereby felt assured that you had not as yet retired to rest, and that consequently I should not have to awaken you. But I suppose that you have burned a candle all night in your own room during my absence? ”’ ‘“ And yet we are not very timid, you know, dear father,’’ said Pauline, evasively; and again did she blush at the part which she was playing. ‘‘ But you told me that you had welcome news?” she exclaimed, anxious to turn the con- versation. ‘Yes, Lord Marchmont has behaved well at last,’ replied Mr. Clarendon. ‘‘ However, I will tell you everything in the morning — or, rather, a few hours hence, for ’tis already long past midnight. I am myself wearied, and I will not keep you longer out of your warm bed.” Thus speaking, Mr. Clarendon embraced his daughter, took the candle which she offered him, and proceeded up- Stairs to his bedchamber, which was in readiness for his reception. | Pauline obtained another light; and with trembling limbs and palpitating heart she returned to her own room, whence she had been absent about a quarter of an hour. But during that interval a great change had taken place in the sentiments of Lord Florimel. He had relapsed from the chivalrous noble into the selfish voluptuary, and his imagination had become inflamed with ardent desires as he dwelt upon the charms of the young maiden — those virgin charms which, in her unsuspecting artlessness, she had revealed to his eyes. He smiled when he recollected that enthusiastic admiration of her innocence and virtue, into which a sudden ebullition of generous feeling had hurried him, even to the point of offering her his hand; and the more he mentally gloated upon the loveliness of Pauline, the less scrupulous did he become in his intentions with regard to her. At length, almost maddened with the fervent thoughts that thus superseded the nobler sentiments which he had for a few moments entertained, he vowed to possess her at all risks, and to sacrifice her honour to his passion COMmmicloookSa.