The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 148: what you’re looking at

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

\ THE POCKETBOOK 145 “ February 11, 1757. “I am reassured, my well-beloved prince. Thy kindness hath restored me to the enjoyment of the fullest confidence. - But thou art wrong to suppose that-I ever doubted thine affection. No —it was not thy love*concerning which my heart was filled with misgivings: it was respecting thine ability to keep the promise that I was sorely troubled. Now I am happy — the more so that my brother knows all and chides me not. I will keep the appointment which thou hast notified to me in thy most kind letter. ‘“‘ Adieu, dear prince, until to-morrow evening. “ HANNAH L.” The next paper that the commercial traveller took from his pocketbook was another letter from the Quakeress, and was couched in the ensuing terms : ‘““ My well-beloved prince, — my own dear, dear husband, — thou wilt rejoice in the tidings which I have taken up my pen to impart. I am in the way to become a mother — in a condition which gives me the delicious assurance that I shall in due time present thee with a pledge of my undying, unalterable affection. Lady Stamford is with me at this moment. She is most kind and affectionate toward me. This afternoon I shall accompany her to the manor. She insists upon me paying this visit to her beautiful seat near Aylesbury, and, independently of her great friendship for me, | am the more induced to accept her invitation on ac- count of the sympathy which now exists between us. For it was only yesterday that Lady Stamford perceived that she herself was in a condition calculated to be most pleasing to Sir William, who tenderly loves her; and when we came to compare notes, we found that we both made the same discovery at the same moment. This singular coincidence may appear trifling to dwell upon, dear prince; but it hath made an impression on my mind. Therefore, as thou art to leave town for a few days in attendance on thine august sire, I will, with thy permission, accompany Sir William and Lady Stamiord to Aylesbury — promising thee faith- fully to return home again by Saturday next, to keep the appointment which thou hast so kindly given me. “But I cannot conclude this hasty note without re- CONnnicloool Ks (GO)