The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 267: what you’re looking at

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

ee ame THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON. 965 AA RK G35 ty; Ay y/ / plexion! Those eyes would do fearful execution in the parks!” “She is indeed divine,” exclaimed the colonel, eyeing her with a look so warm and passionate that it drew the blood inte her peach-like cheek. “ Her husband is a happy fellow,” he added, with a sigh. Poor Phyllis began to feel uneasy. The tender look whick accompanied the compliment disturbed her equanimity ; nor could she help contrasting the elegant, handsome person of the speaker with her own good- looking, but very vulgar helpmate; added to which, the wine had excited and confused her. She had, however, sufficient discretion left to decline taking any more, “One glass more,” exclaimed the temptress, “to the health of your gallant protector.” This was a challenge it would bave been ungrateful to refuse, as also a second glass to the healtb of her hostess, who, although a lady of such high rank, who had maids of honour of her own, treated her with a familiarity which was charming. The effect intended was produced. Phyllis was completely thrown off her guard and easily persuaded to retire to rest in the | hi Rig en A me ee eh ee 34 =. =e, , 100) mien if BORW 1#. Fe a | dachess’s bed, upon the assurance that the moment her husband arrived all should be explained to him, and that he should be conducted to her room. “She is very handsome, colonel,” whispered the woman, as soon as they were seated alone; “ where, in the name of fortune, did you pick her up?” “As I told you—at Ranelagh.” “ Has the prince seen her ?” “Did you not hear,” demanded the gentleman, “ the story of the kiss?” ‘It really was his highness, then?” “ Really.”’ “Well, well!’ exclaimed the creature, with a laugh ; “I see you are impatient, and I will not detain you; good night, my lord.” “ Good night, duchess.” The last names were pronounced with the same light, mocking tone in which an actor and actres: might address each other by the titles of their respec- tive characters; and the lady, having well repre- sented her character, withdrew, leaving the colonel alone in the house, About an hour later, poor Phyllis was disturbed —_—_—_—~— GOMIGIOOKS, (CO)