The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 344: what you’re looking at

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

322 ‘ THE COURT OF LONDON wehn the door opened and the Marquis of Leveson entered the room. ‘What tidings, my lord? ’”’ exclaimed Louisa, springing from her seat and bounding toward him with the most eager curiosity. ‘“‘ Patience, patience, young lady,’’ answered the noble- man, assuming a playful manner. ‘ Your sister Clara does indeed reside at the address you mentioned in Stratton Street, and also with those worthy people, Mr. and Mrs. Beckford, whom you named.”’ As the marquis thus spoke, Lady Ernestina contemplated him with the profoundest astonishment, which was not, however, observed by Louisa, who was gazing intently upon the nobleman, but with her suspense now relieved by a grad- ually expanding gleam of pleasure. ‘‘Yes,’’ continued the marquis, in a tone which seemed candid and frank enough to Louisa, but which nevertheless now satisfied Ernestina that he was practising some artifice upon the maiden, ‘‘ yes, my dear girl,’ he continued, “ I am delighted to have ascertained for your sake that there really is no error in your sister’s address; but I am sorry to inform you that she is out of town with Mr. and Mrs. Beckford for a few days, possibly a week.”’ ‘Oh, how unfortunate I am! ”’ ejaculated Louisa, a sudden cloud lowering upon her lovely countenance, and the tears starting forth upon her long lashes. ‘‘ But are they gone far from London? Can I not hasten after them? Oh, I feel convinced that my sister will be so rejoiced to see me.” ‘“ Unfortunately,’’ said the marquis, “the servants in Stratton Street are not aware whither their master and mis- tress, together with Miss Stanley, are gone. It is, however, certain that they will all return home again in a week or ten days.” “Oh, did I not say that I was unfortunate? ”’ exclaimed Louisa, clasping her hands together and now bursting forth into a flood of tears. ‘‘ I dare not, must not, remain away from Canterbury; I have already deserted my poor afflicted aunt too long. The thought of thus abandoning her fills me with remorse; and therefore I must hasten back home, and postpone the hope of an interview with my sister until some more auspicious occasion.’ ‘You have already admitted, my dear young lady,” CONNIE YOO KS (E(0)