The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 309: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXII CHRISTINA AND THE AYAH THREE weeks had elapsed since the visit which Madame Angelique paid to the Princess Indora, and the Oriental lady had not as yet carried her project into execution with regard to Oaklands. The Duke of Marchmont had been suddenly called out of town on some particular business, and thus Madame Angelique had found no opportunity of communicating with him. She had written a note to this effect to the Princess Indora, at the same time that she sent home the European costumes which her Highness had ordered. Three weeks, too, had elapsed since that visit which Christina paid to Zoe, and when she had every reason to believe that this amiable lady suspected the passion which her husband cherished for our heroine. Christina had been very unhappy since that date, but she had endeavoured to conceal her feelings as much as possible from the princess, though the latter on three or four occasions kindly questioned her whether she had not something which troubled her mind? Christina gave evasive responses, and these tended to confirm Indora’s suspicion that her young friend was not altogether happy. Accordingly, one day when they were seated together in the elegantly furnished drawing-room, the princess said, in a gentle voice, and with a look of the most benevolent sympathy, “‘ I am afraid, my dear Christina, that you have something which is preying upon your mind? If it be so, tell me; hesitate not to make a confidante of me. Iam your friend, I love you, and I wish you well.” “T am deeply grateful to your ladyship,” answered Christina, “ for the many, many kindnesses which I ex- 289 CORNICLOO (C)