The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

FASHIONABLE DEPRAVITY 65 “Oh, I can guess what you are about to say,” exclaimed Emma, with a subdued shriek and look of dismay. ‘ Heav- ens! is it possible? ”’ ‘‘T am afraid so,” replied Agatha, mournfully. ‘“ But do not speak so loud, do not give vent to ejaculations; we may be overheard. And when I think of it, don’t mention it to Julia; for should my fears prove correct, the fewer confidants the better.”’ ‘‘ How in the name of Heaven will you manage, my dear girl?’ inquired Emma, still contemplating her sister with mingled anguish and dismay. ‘Oh, if it be really the case I can conceal the fact for a long time to come,” answered Agatha; ‘‘ and then I must trust to circumstances to point out the means of avoiding eventual discovery. It is not so difficult on the Continent as it is in England to manage these matters; midwives are more accomplished in France and Italy — and also more knowing and less scrupulous,” she added, with a significant look. “TI understand you,’”’ observed Emma. ‘“ But — ” “Do not let us talk any more about it now, my love,” said Agatha, suddenly brightening up. ‘“ If the worst comes to the worst, the prince regent must support his child, — for his it assuredly will be. You know, Emma, that I have never as yet yielded to the embrace of any other.”’ ‘“‘ And the prince must know it likewise,’”’ was the response. “For my part, I should be fearfully shocked and alarmed if I thought that my amour with the Duke of York was likely to bring me into disgrace.” ‘And yet you are ready to plunge headlong into an amour with Jocelyn Loftus,’ exclaimed Agatha, laughing, for the natural gaiety of her disposition soon returned. “ Ah! but he is so very handsome!’”’ murmured Emma, with a deep sigh of mingled pleasure and ardent longing. “Tt is, however, quite clear that we cannot both win him to our arms, — to one only must the triumph and the happi- ness belong.” ‘“ Let me have a fair opportunity of plying him with the artillery of my fascinations,” said Agatha; “ and if I dis- cover that his heart is proof, I will abandon him to your seductive wiles.”’ ‘“‘ Agreed!.”” exclaimed Emma. ‘ And after all, even Gomi boo (GO) im