The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 239: 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 209 “Mr. Woodfall,’’ said Rose, casting down her eyes and withdrawing the hand which she had abstractedly suffered to linger in his own for a few moments, “‘ I know not how I could have merited the good opinion which you so generously formed of me — ”’ ‘We will not talk upon that subject for the present,”’ interrupted the artist, in a gentle tone. ‘“ Time is wearing on; it is already six o’clock,” he added, consulting his watch, which was a gift from Lord Desborough, ‘‘ and you must be anxious to depart from a place which is not calculated to excite the most pleasurable reminiscences.”’ Rose Foster gave not an immediate reply; but, pressing her hand to her brow, she mentally took a rapid survey of her position. To return to Mrs. Brace’s establishment was not to be thought of; to receive money from her was to accept a boon which would give that woman a species of right to visit her at any lodging where she might settle herself. Such a proceeding suited not the views of the orphan, who was anxious to withdraw herself entirely from that channel of existence into which she had blindly and unadvisedly launched herself in the first instance, and which had so nearly hurried her on to destruction. But Meagles and Mel- moth — what of them? Were they forgotten by the young girl? No, oh, no; but the former was an unmarried man, at whose hands she could not directly seek protection; and not for a minute would she think of again becoming a burden to the latter. For be it remembered that she was totally un- aware of all that had happened to both of them. What, then, did the orphan decide upon? Not to return to Mrs. Brace’s establishment, nor to receive any succour, pecuniary, or otherwise, at her hands. No, nor yet to appeal to Meagles, nor fly for refuge to the poor working man. But she resolved upon trusting toGeorge Woodfall, this new friend whom Providence appeared to have sent her at the moment of a cruelly embarrassing extremity. For the alternative with the poor maiden was to procure a home, an asylum where she would enjoy personal security and mental peace. And this home, was it not now offered to her? ‘* Miss Foster, you appear to hesitate, you are undecided? ”’ said the artist. ‘‘ My God! do you still doubt me? Oh, if I did not entertain a true, sincere, and holy interest in your welfare, this utter want of confidence on your part (Gi ®) AG } KS {