The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 88: what you’re looking at

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

72 THE COURT OF LONDON “JT should experience that admiration, should feel that friendship — ”’ “ Which would doubtless be eminently flattering to me,” added the young lady, in a tone of good-tempered sarcasm. ‘‘ But if I give you no satisfactory assurance on that point? ” she said, inquiringly. “Then I shall have no alternative but to hasten on to Italy and warn her Royal Highness of the perils and the treacheries which are closing in around her.” “You would not go to this extreme, Mr. Loftus?” ex- claimed Agatha, now more terrified than ever. “It would be made compulsory on my part by your perseverance in an unjust and dishonourable course,” responded the young gentleman. ‘In any case, I am determined to seek an interview with her Royal Highness; but I should feel well pleased not to be compelled to make any mention of the name of Owen.” ‘‘ But if my two sisters and I were to pledge ourselves to observe a discreet, forbearing, and honourable conduct toward the princess?’ exclaimed Agatha, interrogatively. ‘‘ Even on those terms, you could not accept situations about her person with honour to yourselves,” answered Jocelyn. ‘ Ah! you mean to say that you would not believe us,”’ cried Agatha, her countenance becoming crimson. “ But how can we retreat? Would you have us return to England and tell our mother that we have thrown up these high situations and renounced all these brilliant prospects? It is for you to pause and reflect, Mr. Loftus. What would become of us? Our mother’s door would be closed against us; the public would fancy that something injurious to our characters had been suddenly discovered, and that our appointments as ladies in waiting to the princess had been cancelled. Ruin, utter ruin, irremediable ruin, would over- take us,” exclaimed Agatha, in a voice of despair. ‘A more fatal destruction will entomb you, body and soul, Miss Owen,” said Jocelyn Loftus, with deep solemnity, ‘“‘if you persist in becoming the instruments of a vile con- spiracy. Besides, think you that the Princess of Wales will receive you into her establishment if forewarned against you? ” ‘Will you make war upon three young ladies who have CONVICLOIOOKS (E(o)