The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 207: what you’re looking at

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

THE MILLINER 189 Frenchwoman, who could scarcely conceal her mingled sur- prise and joy that matters should thus be taking a turn which seemed so favourable to her own atrocious designs. “You see, my lady, I have worked some years for the duchess, and the duke takes such pride in beholding his wife well dressed, that he seems to fancy he can never suf- ficiently display his gratitude toward the French artiste who furnishes her Grace’s toilet, and that artiste is your lady- ship’s humble servant,’’ added Madame preriave, with a low curtsy. “T understand,’’ observed Indora; “ the duke is kind to you, and if you ask him a favour would grant it? ”’ “Your ladyship has only anticipated what I was about to say,” rejoined the infamous woman. “ Ah, my lady, Oaklands is a most beautiful place. Such magnificent grounds, gardens so exquisitely laid out, superb aviaries, fountains, and statues, ponds with gold and silver fish, ornamental water, with stately swans floating on its surface, conservatories of the choicest fruits and flowers, — it is a perfect paradise. And then, too, the interior of the mansion itself, its sumptuous apartments, the delicious views it com- mands, and its splendid picture-gallery, —I am sure, my lady, that with your exquisite taste, and with your love of the beautiful,’ continued Madame Angelique, glancing around the drawing-room, “ you would be delighted with a few days’ residence in that charming place.” : “Your description has indeed excited my curiosity,’’ ob- served Indora, ‘‘ and I should much like to pay a few hours’ visit to Oaklands.’ | “A few hours, my lady,” exclaimed Madame Angelique. “‘T am confident that if I said but a single word — and you would so far honour me as to bid me say that word on your behalf — I could obtain permission for your ladyship to make Oaklands your home for a week or afortnight. The duke and duchess are not there, and you would be undis- turbed mistress of the mansion.” : “ But it would be a most extraordinary request to make on the part of a perfect stranger,” said the princess. “‘ Nothing extraordinary, when that stranger is an Oriental lady of rank and fortune. Besides,’”’ added Madame An- gelique, “‘these things are frequently done in England, so that the duke and duchess would be delighted to ECORNICLOO@ <S) (E©) im