The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

108 THE COURT OF LONDON and full, whereas Rao was short in stature and slightly © formed. If, then, Lord Florimel should seize her in his arms or otherwise attempt to caress her during the temporary absence of the clergyman, he could scarcely help discovering the cheat that was being practised upon him. Nor was this all; for should Rao be compelled to speak at any great length, there was the additional chance of her voice betraying the fact that she was not the siren unknown. | Therefore, the instant that the clergyman had quitted the room, Rao said in a hasty whisper, ‘‘ I have forgotten something; excuse me one moment, dearest Gabriel!” and, abandoning his hand, she sped to the door. This she opened, made her dress rustle, as if she were passing out, and then closed the door again. But she did not leave the apartment at all; on the contrary, she stood motionless and breathless as a statue in the close vicinage of that door. ‘“‘ Adorable creature! ’’ exclaimed Florimel, the instant he fancied that he was alone, ‘‘ how ardently I long to gaze upon that countenance which Rao assures me is so gloriously handsome. But I was always convinced that thou art of a rare beauty; I never doubted that thy features were as faultless as thy form is superb. And now, oh, now the moment approaches for elucidating all that is dark and mysterious in thee! I shall behold thy countenance and learn thy name; thy rank and position will be revealed to me, and . from all thou hast at different times told me, I need not fear that the alliance will be one for which I shall have to blush. Oh, what an empire hast thou gained over my heart, in- scrutable, incomprehensible! Thou more than woman — thou goddess of a myriad fascinations — who canst thou be? And whence dost thou derive the power of saving my peerage and my fortunes from the grasp of the claimant that has sprung up? But in a few minutes I shall know all this; and there is an Elysian ecstasy in the very suspense that I now feel, —a blissful charm in the uncertainty that en- velops me as profoundly as does the darkness of this _ room.” | Thus mused aloud the enthusiastic and infatuated young nobleman, until the door suddenly opened and the clergyman reéntered, escorting Mrs. Brace. Almost immediately after- ward Rao opened the door again, made her muslin robe rustle, and then closed the door promptly, so that the effect pro- EONNKE NOOO KS