The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 93: what you’re looking at

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

. OO we ee ere LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF LONDON LIFE. “And should he learn the ignominy of my . % His love will cause him to overlook it ir .me worth | protes and charms of her who has risen so nobly from it,” added the songstress. “ For my sake, if not for your own, accept his proffered devotion.” - You have won me over to your views,” responded Celestine, pressing “by that last appeal. Yes, Romani, for your sake I ‘will forego every other consideration. I wil! not be 80 ungrateful as to at once crush the respect which you entertain towards me, and by one impetuous act sacrifice the only claim I have to your friendship, Whether the frightful presentiment that saddens me is to be realised or not, you shall have the satisfaction baie that your tuition has not been bestowed in vain. I will obtain, by this connection, the privi- lege of still being your friend, and the power to be the patroness as well as the votaress of art.” Madame Romani testified her delight at this altera- tion of her sentiments, and as the danseuse disrobed herself the conversation was continued, and arrange- ments were made for the meeting on tho following »and being set down at her residence, she bade her friend good night, and retired, with many anxious thoughts for the morrow, to the seclusion of CHAPTER XIX, THE APPOINTMENT. Asour one hour had elapsed since noon on the day that which had been characterised by the ust recorded, and the opera-dancer having more than customary attentions on her was waiting to receive Lord Walsingham, He despatched a note to her early in the morning = intimation of the time when his ex- te might be made, and Celestine, knowing | had specified was rapidly drawing her heart f attering with a variety of emo- the approaching interview. A glance into the mirror sufficed to conyince her that she had not neglected any of those arts by which can add to the strength of her charms, or er of her fascinations. Without more weaknesses than are naturally 1850 or gad oe Nese prada not insensible to the additional aids imparted by the attractions of ! TOE ht th earl eee tall man she loved under the most engaging | she had carefully studied the best means the impression she desired. was not of long duration. A carriage ander the window ; the rattling announcement e footman on the knocker apprised her of in another minute Lord Walsingham red into the apartment. arming Celestine!” exclaimed his lordship, as he advanced towards her, and greeted her hand with respectful ie, “the happiness that I derive from 1 this meeting is increased by the kind compliance you | tna » = - - ee —_— — — -—— Se ——— the hand of her friend warmly, | seeking See coeat Viltich tay recent When I asked our | mutual friend Madame Romani to intercede for me, I “In the -erwOn eC Oe eee ee” was apprehensive lest you should consider I was too abrupt or inconsiderate in so speedily renewing my tations of Jove. But the hopes you so kindly held out to me when we last met, and the anxiety I endured until I received from your own lips the gen. tence that should make me the happiest or the moat miserable of men, must plead my excuse for thus ing to relieve the torturing anxiety I endured,” “ And I, my lord, have also cause to fear that you will consider my compliance too quickly yielded,” said the opera-dancer, casting her full and flashing eyes timidly to the grounc. “Say not thus,” rejoined the nobleman, her hand affectionately ; ; “love is a plant that n no slow and tardy growth. The warmth of the heart in which the germ is fixed will bring the flower from bud to blossom in a single night, and in a world where all is fleeting and transitory, it is not trae wisdom to trifle with those moments of happiness within our reach, which, if we neglect, may be lost to us for ever,” “Your lordship argues with such a dangerous per- suasiveness,” murmured Celestine, suffering her hand to repose within the ardent grasp of Walsingham, “that I cannot resist the force of arguments so strongly supported. But, as I before observed to your lord- ship, the motives that induce me to listen to this pro- posal you have made, spring from no mercenary source. Iam not skilled in the art of disguising my senti- ments, and though maidenly reserve might urge me to be less explicit in my avowal, I feel that our mu- tual confidence will be stronger, and our affection rest on a firmer basis, if we, at the outset, understand each other’s characters thoroughly.” “ Speak on, sweet girl!” cried Walsingham, as with a look of profound admiration he kept his eyes fixed earnestly upon her, and assumed an attitude of re- spectful attention at her side; “for my part, every minute of my life shail be devoted te the anticipation of your wishes, and the promotion of that happiness to which you are deservedly entitled.” “You will remember, then,” resumed the opera- dancer, “that I have already acquainted your lord- ship with the peculiar views I entertain respecting the alliance that you propose between us, I will not longer hesitate to admit that you have inspired me with sentiments of regard. The attachment thus created Iam too familiar with the prejudices of the world to believe can ever end in marriage; but as I feel that, with the being that I loved, 1 could share any vicissitudes of fortune, so, for his sake, J would encounter willingly the danger to which my reputa- tion would be exposed.” “And you consent, then, to be mine?” éxclaimed the enraptured admirey, clasping her to his breast, and imprinting a fervent kiss upon her lips, which now gave back a responsive press “You have made me your slave for life, and an existence of un- alloyed p'easure is in store for both of us.” “Stop, my lord,” rejoined Celestine, ing herself from his embrace, “ You are too precipitate in these rhapsodies of delight, and forget that there are certain conditions to be annexed to our contract that may «nduce you to pause before you comply with them,” “There is nothing that I would not gladly accede to,” answered the. impassioned nobleman, “if the sacrifice at such an altar will propitiate the goddess of my worship. Name the conditions, and they are granted as = utter them.” t place, should I, apon reflection, con- — ee ee ee ee ~ = ~ CORNIELIOO Ss (E@)