The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

106 THE COURT OF LONDON “This piece of drapery matches with that in the boudoir of love and mystery.” ‘Ah! I am ruined —I am crushed —I am undone!” moaned the wretched woman whose secret deeds had thus so unaccountably come to the knowledge of a stranger. “ But you will not expose me — you will not hold me up to the shame, and scorn, and indignation of the world — ”’ ‘No; such is not my intention, nor does it in any way sult my interests to injure you by such means,” replied Rao. “Your ladyship may rest assured and tranquillize yourself on that head. But my time is precious and I have only now to ask whether your ladyship will remain quietly here until I choose to release you? ” “There is no alternative,’ murmured the wretched Unknown, falling upon a seat and wringing her hands in all the bitterness of an indescribable anguish. But Rao, remorseless and implacable, heeded not her grief; and, hastening from the room, the mysterious being closed and locked the door, taking the key away with her. She then hurried to the chamber which she had appropri- ated to her own use; and taking a small phial from her pocket, she poured its contents into a basin of water. Then stripping off her page’s raiment, she washed her face, neck, and hands with the water containing the chemical fluid; — and the flesh which was previously of a sable dye became white, or rather of a natural brunette complexion. Pure, clear, and beautiful was this complexion now; and upon the © cheeks was enough of the carnation’s tint to enhance the charming aspect of the lovely being who had so long concealed her European fairness beneath the artificial semblance of an Oriental skin. _ And now, having cast a look of mingled joy and triumph into the mirror which reflected the lovely countenance of the brunette, she proceeded with marvellous haste to don the bridal raiment that she had prepared. The hair, of such silken fineness, was speedily arranged in the manner becom- ing her sex; then silk stockings and satin shoes displaced the boots that had hitherto imprisoned the well-shaped legs and concealed the admirable symmetry of the ankles; and when she had put on the white nuptial robe, she placed a wreath of white roses on her hair and threw the snowy veil over her head. CORNNKEIOOKS (EO)