The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 269: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXIV THE FATHER AND DAUGHTERS Ir is now necessary that we should return to Octavia Clarendon, at the moment when, having taken leave of Lord Florimel, who had escorted her home in the manner already described, she encountered Pauline at the garden gate. But the instant that she met her sister’s gaze the blood cushed in a full tide to her countenance, before so pale; and the words that she would have uttered seemed to rise like a torrent of lava to her throat, remaining there with suffo- cating effect, and unable to obtain utterance. “Octavia — my beloved Octavia, restrain your feelings,” said Pauline, speaking in low, hurried tones, as she waved her handkerchief as a signal to Lord Florimel, whom she beheld looking forth from the window of the hackney-coach at a little distance. ‘‘ All is well — our father suspects not your absence,” she added, with equal haste. ‘“Oh, Pauline! do you not despise your sister? ’? murmured Octavia, now recovering the powers of her voice. ‘“ For God’s sake, talk not thus! ”’ was the young maiden’s rapid adjuration, as she led the way into the house, followed by her sister. They ascended to their bedchamber, where Octavia threw aside her bonnet and shawl; then, flinging herself into Pauline’s arms, she burst into tears. “Not a word relative to anything that has occurred !” whispered the younger sister, affectionately pressing the other to her bosom. “ But what can you think of me, Pauline? what opinion can you entertain of one who— My God!” she exclaimed, suddenly interrupting herself, ‘ wherefore is it that the 234 COMIC HOOKS COL