The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 100: what you’re looking at

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

SIR RICHARD STAMFORD se sentiment which ordinarily animates a man of twenty-six. And I was beloved in return — yes, beloved as ardently and as well; and the widow was rejoiced at the bright prospects which now developed themselves on behalf of her darling daughter. We were married after a compara- tively short courtship; and Mrs. Sedley took un her residence with us at the manor, on our return from the honeymoon- visit to a relative of mine in Devonshire. A few years passed away in happiness so unalloyed, so complete, that had I reflected at all I might have felt assured, judging from the mutability of human affairs, that this Elysian state was too glorious to last for ever. But I had not a care for the present nor a dread for the future, and although our union was unblessed by offspring, this circumstance marred not the felicity which was enjoyed by Eleanor and myself. At length a sorrow came in the form of the sudden and alarming illness of Mrs. Sedley; and in spite of all the skill and attention which medical aid could devote or gold procure, she sank into the tomb. My Eleanor was for a long time inconsolable; but at length her grief gave way to resignation, and then a short tour into Devonshire succeeded in restoring her to her wonted spirits.” Again the baronet paused for a few minutes, at the expiration of which he resumed his narrative in the fol- lowing words : “Tt was on our return to the manor, after this brief absence of a few weeks, that we formed the acquaintance of one whose name I can scarcely mention without a feeling of mingled horror and indignation, so intense that it almost suffocates me. I allude to Philip Ramsey, who had only a short time before become a partner in Mr. Martin’s bank. He was then a young man of about four and twenty, with a handsome person, a prepossessing address and highly accomplished; and he speedily became a frequent visitor at the manor. I insensibly experienced a great regard for him; his good temper, unvarying galety, affability, and extensive knowledge rendered him a welcome guest. Mr. Martin, who was an elderly man, had been intimate with my parents, and was considered by me as one of my best friends; and thus you will not be surprised to learn that when the two partners mooted certain proposals to me of a financial nature, I listened with much attention and -Conniclooolxs (GO)