The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 237: what you’re looking at

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

PRIVATE ROOM AT THE POLICE OFFICE 207 of even leaving you in a state of uncertainty respecting the sentiments with which you have inspired me. Those sentiments are the most implicit confidence in the nobility of your character and the fullest reliance upon your honour. For are we not both orphans? ’”’ she demanded, in a tone of the most touching pathos; “and do we not know too well how sorrowful is the lot of orphanage to have the heart to aggravate. that woe or enhance that afflic- tion? ”’ | ‘God forbid that I should be capable of such iniquity! ” exclaimed Woodfall, fervently. ‘‘ You have declared that you can place confidence in me, and I thank you. You have said that you will put reliance upon me, and you shall receive at my hands the respect, the attention, and the protection with which a brother would surround a well-beloved and cherished sister. Know, then, my dear Miss Foster,’ he continued, “ that though a humble artist, I have recently made several friends in the sphere of aristocracy and fashion. Thanks to the patronage of the Earl of Desborough and his amiable countess, the introductions I have received to some noble families open to me the most brilliant prospects,”’ and as Woodfall thus spoke, the warm glow of high aspira- tions appeared upon his cheeks and poured a flood of light into his intelligent eyes. ‘ But amongst the introductions which I have obtained through the interest of Lord and Lady Desborough,”’ he proceeded, after a few moments’ pause, ‘none has given me greater pleasure than that which has rendered me acquainted with the Marchioness of Bellenden. Have you ever heard of that excellent, generous-hearted, and amiable lady? ”’ ‘““Yes,’’ replied Rose Foster; ‘‘ her mansion, which is called the priory, is in the Edgeware Road, at no great dis- tance from the house which I was once enabled to call my home.” : ‘‘ You have heard, then, of the Marchioness of Bellenden,”’ said Woodfall; ‘‘ and you are therefore well acquainted with the admirable reputation which she bears? ”’ ‘“ My father and mother were wont to speak of her as a lady who did honour to that aristocratic sphere to which she belonged,’ said Rose, ‘‘ instead of deriving any honour there- from.” ‘‘ And your parents rightly estimated her character,” ex- ee =, (C(O) a 6)(0)©)