The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 230: what you’re looking at

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

A NIGHT AT. THE VILLA 195 “ As unreservedly as I declare that I shall hate you if your present behaviour change toward me, do I confess that I can love you with all my heart — even to the laying down of my life for your sake—if your real character should prove to be as I now read it.” This response commenced with a dignity that bore the most unequivocal testimony to the strength of the maiden’s virtuous resolves, and concluded with a tenderness which showed that her gentle heart was indeed susceptible of a pure and honourable love. “Never again, dearest Pauline,’ observed Florimel, “shall you have cause to reproach me. And now issue your commands, that I may show my zeal and readiness in obeying them.” “ You will undertake to do all I have asked in reference to my sister— my poor, lost, fallen Octavia?” said the maiden, her voice becoming tremulous with emotion. ‘‘T swear to accomplish your wishes,” replied Florimel. ‘Tt is now nearly two o’clock in the morning,” continued Pauline, after referring to her watch. “ Doubtless my father is asleep — he was much wearied when he retired to rest an hour ago— and you can descend the stairs so cautiously that he will not be disturbed. At all events, the trial must be made, the risk must be incurred.” Then, without any affectation of prudery, but with a charming readiness which implied the full extent of the confidence that the maiden now placed not only in her own virtue but likewise in the altered sentiments of her lover, Pauline hastened to put the gipsy hat on Florimel’s head and tie the ribbons beneath his chin. She then assisted him to resume his ample shawl, which she herself fastened for him over his chest; and when these arrangements were completed, she observed, with an arch smile, “ The next time that I have the pleasure of seeing you, my dear Gabriel, you will have the kindness to appear in the costume befitting your sex.”’ “You will permit me to call again soon — very soon? ”’ said Florimel, interrogatively. “With pleasure,’ was the candid reply. “ But upon what pretence can you visit the house? And remember that when you do come, we must appear before my father as if we had not been previously acquainted.”’ (C(O) AAV Doo (C(O)