The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 213: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXII SCENES AT MRS. BRACE’S ESTABLISHMENT It was about nine o’clock when Mrs. Brace reached her abode in Pall Mall; and, repairing to her own private par- lour, —the one we have described in a previous chapter,— she threw off her cloak and bonnet, and summoned Harriet to her presence. To her inquiries whether the letter had been duly sent to Mr. Meagles, and whether the cook had provided a succulent repast for Mr. Harley and Octavia, she received satisfactory replies; and having refreshed herself with a glass of the finest Madeira, after her journey to Mrs. Lindley’s gloomy residence, she proceeded to the large room where the young ladies of her establishment were accustomed to take their meals. This apartment was well furnished, and lighted by a chandelier suspended to the ceiling. A good fire blazed on the hearth, the table was spread with a quantity of plate, and the eleven or twelve beautiful young women, who were scattered about conversing in groups, enhanced the cheerful appearance of the scene. We have betore stated that these ravishing creatures formed a combination of charms and displayed a variety of loveliness enchanting to behold. There, indeed, all admirers of whatsoever style of beauty might have found their tastes gratified. The tall and stately young woman, with dignified looks and imposing demeanour; the sylphlike figure and the volatile disposition; the slender, pale, and interesting girl, with pensive countenance and_ bashful manners; the stout, robust, and full-proportioned houri, with a voluptuous exuberance of charms; the coal-black hair and the lustrous dark eyes; the flaxen ringlets and the 210) ECORNIECLOOOKS (EO) m