The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 239: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON. eC Z aj OS ee ——_ ei (A 4 4 fa co ee Al Viz » .* ay, 7 HA ll ij es Heidi * | Ih ! A " | Mm ml —h | msisouni J ve PSO || LL, | eister, in the same affectionate tone of yoice. “I havo) say if yeu leave the protection of your brother's too long been a burden to you.” | house ?” “ Not in the least.” “ A lonely, unprotected female,” iterated the countess. “ Interfered,” she added, * with your domestic com- | “But quite old enough, my sweet sister, to take forts.” care of myself; and as for the world, it can say no “Contributed to them, my sweet Pen,’’ exclaimed | more of me than it does of many other single ladies of the countess—“ contributed to them.” rank who keep their own establishments.” “One thing at least is certain. But for me this; ‘Consider the expenses—the trouble.” inconvenience with respect to Mr. Fitzgerald would| “I have considered them,” answered her ladyship, not have occurred—you would have had my room for | in the same even tone, for she was determined not to the Hargraves. { must, therefore, painful as will be | quarrel, “and find that my fortune will more than the separation, tear myself away. I think I sawa/ meet them.” house in the square whieh will just suit me.” As this was a fact which admitted of no dispute, Her sister-in-law interrupted her by protesting | the countess was nonplussed. In vain did she after- against her leaving, assuring her that the whole| wards try flattery, caresses, and remonstrance—the house was at her disposal, and that she should be} maiden lady was proof against all three, and finally miserable without her. retreated to her own room, accompanied by her female “ It will doubtless be a severe pang at first for both | companion, victorious. of us,” coolly replied Lady Penelope, “but time will} Lord and Lady Erringcourt gazed on each other reconcile us to the pain of separation; besides, the | in silence after her departure. The former was the Square is so near that we can still see each other | first to speak. daily.” “T am afraid we have gone too far; we shall cer- “Consider,” said the earl; “what will the world | tainly lose her.” OMA OOO<S.COmnl FOURTH SERIES 20