The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 312: what you’re looking at

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

278 THE COURT OF LONDON ere night should come again. And I have not been dis- appointed. Behold those letters,” he continued, pointing toward the papers lying upon the table. ‘‘ They are from my solicitor at Aylesbury, and they arrived this morning. Their contents are far more cheering than even my most sanguine hopes could have led me to believe. All my property has been sold and realized. The Earl of Desborough has become the purchaser of the manor, at a large price, and not only has every creditor of the late bank been paid in full, but a handsome income remains for me. That balance-sheet, dearest Amelia, enables me to hold up my head again and look the world in the face.” ‘‘ Oh, sincerely, most sincerely do I congratulate you, my beloved Richard,’’ exclaimed the princess. ‘‘ Heaven knows you have suffered enough, and it is time that the wheel of fortune should turn.”’ “It has turned, and a new phase is presented to my view,” observed the baronet. ‘“‘ Oh, how can I be otherwise than thoroughly happy, at least as happy as a man may be who has endured so much as I? My character is fully cleared up, my liabilities are settled, the world once more calls me an honourable man, and then comes your love, my angel Amelia, to bless me with its heavenly influence. And that love, oh, I accept it as you have offered; I accept it as the pure incense of your affectionate heart, and I will remain worthy of it until death shall separate us.”’ “And on my side,’ said the princess, “I vow most solemnly, and I call Heaven to attest the oath, that I will remain single for your sake — ”’ “Oh, pledge not yourself thus rashly!’’ interrupted the baronet with vehemence. ‘““ Nay, hinder me not,” said the royal maiden, with a tone and manner of indomitable decision, while her beauteous countenance became lighted up by a kindred glow of en- thusiasm. ‘“‘ Hinder me not, I say, nor fear that I shall ever repent of the words I am about to utter. But hear me patiently and attentively while I invoke Heaven to attest my vow that I will remain unmarried, Richard, for thy sake; that I will reject every negotiation which may be made by others for the disposal of my hand, and that I will live and die thy wife in the sight of Heaven, if not in the eyes of the world.”’ (C(O) LG 6)(0)() So