The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 142: what you’re looking at

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

LORD FLORIMEL 139 has already recommended you to provide a lover for Pauline; and that you have honoured me with the preference.’’ “ Octavia’s admirer consulted me upon the subject just now, before his fair one arrived,’ answered Mrs. Brace; ‘ond he left it to my discretion to manage matters in such a way that his intrigue with the young lady should be eaveloped in as much mystery and shrouded in as much security as possible.” ‘Then I presume that he is a man of rank, and married to a jealous wife? ” said Florimel. “ He is a man of rank, and shortly to be married,” re- sponded Mrs. Brace. ‘“ But you know that I never mention to the gentlemen of my acquaintance anything that regards each other. ‘ Honour and secrecy, — that is my motto, Florime!}.’’ ‘“T am well aware how discreet you are on those points, my dear friend,” observed the young nobleman; “ and you will give me credit for a total absence of curiosity relative to the affairs of other people. Little does it matter to me who or what Octavia’s lover is, so long as I possess the charming Pauline. But you have not yet told me when I am to commence the pleasing adventure which so much suits my fancy.” “In all probability to-morrow evening,” answered Mrs. Brace. “I will, however, send you a line in the morning to relieve you from suspense on that head.” “A thousand thanks!” exclaimed the young nobleman. ‘“ Bid your messenger wait a few minutes — he shall not return empty-handed.”’’ “ You are always generous, my dear Florimel,’’ said the milliner, with one of her sweetest smiles. ‘‘ Shall I offer you a glass of wine? ”’ “ No; I seldom drink anything stronger than coffee or richer than chocolate,’ observed the voluptuary, rising [rom his seat. Then, as he surveyed himself complacently in the mirror over the mantelpiece, he said, “‘ Verily and truly I do believe that I shall look uncommonly pretty, when dressed in female attire. But who is to preside over my toilet? who will arrange my hair?” he demanded, turning abruptly toward the milliner, as the idea flashed to his mind. “Iam afraid that it will prove imperatively necessary COMIC OO© SS (GO)