The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

RAO AND THE MILLINER 85 ‘ But this is the most extraordinary romance that I ever became acquainted with,” cried Mrs. Brace, in unfeigned amazement. ‘‘ Surely no such infatuation was ever heard of before; and for an experienced, intelligent, worldly- minded man like Lord Florimel to have yielded to this en- chantment and succumb to what after all may prove a dreadful delusion — ”’ ‘‘ Madam,” said Rao, now interrupting the milliner with some degree of impatience, ‘‘ I beseech you to observe that I have not sought your presence for the purpose of dis- cussing these affairs. My object is to learn whether you will aid in conducting them to that issue on which both the lady and my noble master are fully and unalterably agreed.” ‘‘T have already given you my assurances in that re- spect,’ answered Mrs. Brace. ‘“* Proceed, you interesting boy, and I will endeavour to forbear from any further comment upon this adventure, singular and almost in- credible though it be.”’ ‘Ah! madam,” exclaimed Rao, ‘‘the world is full of singular and scarcely creditable proceedings; and doubtless your experience will at once suggest many particulars and incidents only too well calculated to confirm the remark that I have just made.” ‘“‘ True, true! ’’ cried Mrs. Brace, somewhat troubled for the instant by the piercing, searching, peculiar look which the black page fixed upon her; but as his eyes were almost immediately withdrawn from her countenance, the effect of that deeply penetrating gaze was as speedily forgotten. *‘ And now, my young friend, in what manner can [ assist your noble master’s projects?’’ she inquired. ‘‘ What is the nature of the service that is demanded of me? ”’ “To-morrow evening, madam,” returned Rao, ‘ Lord Florimel will be in London. His mysterious charmer was to have come back to the metropolis to-day, and no doubt she has fulfilled her intention in this respect. I also arrived from Dover this evening, having been admitted into the confidence of his lordship and entrusted by him with the management of the necessary preparations for the marriage.”’ “Ah! then the ceremony is to take place shortly?” said Mrs. Brace. “To-morrow evening, if possible,” replied Rao; ‘ and in this house, if you have no objection.” EONNIEOO@ cS KC)