The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 147: what you’re looking at

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

CAROLINE WALTERS 125 giving when once her spirit is aroused and her mind is bent upon a particular object. However, we must either coax her into compliance with my views, or else we must use coercion. Perhaps you will have the kindness to summon her? ” ‘“ Certainly,’ said Mrs. Lindley; and she quitted the room. In a few minutes she returned, accompanied by Caroline Walters. The young girl — poor creature, she was but sixteen! — seemed pale and care-worn. The natural brunette richness of her complexion had yielded to a certain sallowness which indicated recent bodily suffering as well as a mind ill at ease; and there was a darkness, arising from the same causes, around her fine black eyes. Her raven hair, so luxuriant in quantity and so silky in quality, was thrust negligently be- hind her ears and fastened in a slovenly knot at the back of her head; and there was no longer in her dress that neatness and precision which had once distinguished her plain though becoming garb. In fact, the aspect of the young girl denoted that the sentiment of personal vanity had been absorbed in deeper and sterner emotions. She did not hasten toward Mrs. Brace as if she still looked on the milliner as a benefactress; but with a sullen slowness of step and a sinister moodiness of manner she accosted her, saying, “I am glad you have come at last, madam, as I am wearied of being retained a prisoner here.”’ ‘A prisoner!’’ repeated Mrs. Lindley, holding up her hands with well-affected amazement; “‘ what does the dear child mean? Surely the doors have not been barred against her? Surely she has never been locked up in her own room? ” “No,” exclaimed Caroline, bitterly; ‘‘ persecution and tyranny have not gone quite so far. But — ”’ ‘“ Hush, my dear child, hush!” said the midwife; ‘“ re- member that the very walls have ears — ”’ “ And it may be that they will one day find tongues,” returned Caroline Walters, darting a glance of ominous and dire significancy first upon Mrs. Lindley and then upon Mrs. Brace. ‘‘ What does the girl mean? ” exclaimed the latter. ‘“ My dear Caroline,”’ she continued, assuming a tone of concilia- tion and tenderness, ‘‘ you are sadly altered toward me. IS (C(O)