The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 114: what you’re looking at

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

92 THE COURT OF LONDON “Yes, everything!’’ exclaimed the nobleman. ‘“ And now, my dearest, dearest Eleanor, if you will permit me thus to address you, I implore you to be calm and tranquil; for I solemnly and sacredly assure you that my forgiveness is as complete as your error has been great.” ““ Oh, yes, great, great indeed! ”’ cried the countess, burst- ing into tears; “‘ great, and unpardonable.” ‘‘ No, not unpardonable,’ responded the earl, immediately. “Immense allowances are to be made for you, Eleanor, and I believe, I hope, I am too just not to admit the full scope of the extenuation.”’ “You cover me with shame and confusion, you make me loathe myself,’ exclaimed the unhappy lady, burning blushes now spreading over the cheeks which illness had left so pale. ‘“‘ Oh, you are an example of everything noble- minded, generous, lofty, and good, whereas I am the piteous representative of gross unhallowed passions and of that foul crime against which the Almighty has levelled a special injunction. Yes, yes, for I am an adulteress, Francis — and yet you can pardon me! ” With these words the countess threw herself at her hus- band’s feet, clasped his knees, and looking up toward him in an appealing manner, she seemed to wait in torturing sus- pense until another word from his lips could confirm the for- giveness he had already promised. “Rise, my Eleanor, rise,’ exclaimed the earl, hastening to lift her from her suppliant posture, and gently compelling her to resume her seat in the armchair. Then, stooping toward her, he pressed his lips for a moment to her polished brow, murmuring, ‘‘ Yes, my Eleanor, I do indeed forgive thee. By that kiss I swear that thou art pardoned.”’ ‘Oh, never did so worthless a woman possess so noble- minded a husband,” exclaimed the countess, devoured by shame, remorse, and an ineffable sense of self-loathing. “Reproach not yourself, my Eleanor,’ said the earl; “but listen to all that I am about to tell you, and then, perhaps,’ he continued, in a trembling tone, ‘ you will think me worthy of some little amount of love — unless, indeed,” he added, his voice becoming scarcely audible, ‘you should despise me altogether.” | “No, no, impossible, Francis,’ cried the Countess of Desborough. ‘‘ But, oh, do you not recollect that scene CoOmiclooolkxsS.