The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 44: what you’re looking at

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

26 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘““ My God! ” ejaculated Pauline, with a cry of terror. “It is as true as that you have escaped his clutches,” continued the Gallows’ Widow. ‘‘ Now, compose yourself, young lady,’”’ she added, perceiving that the maiden was trembling all over and that she still contemplated the countenances of the three intruders with a vague suspicion. ‘“‘ We were appointed by Lord Florimel to watch over and protect you, and we have done our duty.”’ ‘Lord Florimel!’’ exclaimed Pauline, a sudden glow of pleasure animating her features and bringing back the vital colouring to her cheeks that an instant before were pale as alabaster. ‘‘ Is it possible? Oh, if it were — ”’ And she stopped suddenly short, as the idea that she was still beloved by the young nobleman and that she had per- « haps treated him with harshness awoke feelings of mingled tenderness and remorse in the depths of her soul. “It is possible, and it is true, young lady,” said the Gallows’ Widow. ‘ Lord Florimel loves you devotedly, and is cut to the quick because he declares that you have taken offence toward him without any real or just cause. He says that a fancied misconduct on his part has led to the bad opinion you formed of him; but he does not love you the less on that account. Very far from it; and, fearful that you would become the object of conspiracy and perse- cution in other quarters, he appointed us to discover where you lived and watch over you during his temporary absence in the country.” “ Poor Gabriel,’”? murmured Pauline, the tears trickling down her cheeks, for she was profoundly moved by the communications thus unexpectedly made. ‘‘ But who are you, my friends? And to whom am I under such deep obligations?’ she inquired, as she descended from the couch and seated herself in a chair by the side, for she still felt the oppressive influence of the narcotic she had imbibed. “No matter who we are, young lady,” responded the Gallows’ Widow. ‘“ Our appearance may not be to your liking,” she added, speaking rather with reference to the Kinchin-Grand and Carrotty Poll than to herself; ‘‘ but we are staunch and true to Lord Florimel and yourself, at all events.” ‘“‘ Yes,’”’ exclaimed the Kinchin-Grand; ‘‘ and what is more, the locking up of your sister was only a piece in the conspir- CONNKEIOOKS (E(O)