The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 37: what you’re looking at

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

o4 THE COURT OF LONDON “And she is of course totally unprepared for such an event,’ said Octavia. ‘I will steal gently up to the room, knock at the door, and inquire if we can possibly be of any service — ”’ “Do so, dear sister,” interrupted Pauline; “for I can assure you that Mrs. Mordaunt’s beautiful countenance, though convulsed as it was with suffering, completely pre- possessed me in her favour. These ladies are evidently rich: did you observe what magnificent furs they wore, and what costly jewelry they had about their persons? ”’ “ Yes, they are both handsomely dressed and very superior in their manners,” said Octavia. ‘‘ They moreover travelled in good style—a barouche and four, with a valet and a lady’s-maid; and yet they could not be going to a great distance, for they do nct appear to have had any boxes or portmanteaus with them. ’ “ ‘The same circumstance struck me just now,” remarked Pauline. ‘“‘ In my opinion, they are people of rank travelling wncognito. Such things are done, you know, dear sister. At all events, the barouche was a plain one, without any arms upon the panels — ”’ ‘* And the valet was not in livery,’’ added Octavia. ‘ But while we are wasting time by chatting in this manner, as if nothing unusual were going on in the house, the poor lady may require our services in some way or other.” Scarcely were these words uttered, when the door opened and Mrs. Smith made her appearance. “My dear young ladies,’’ she said, “‘ I know not how to thank you sufficiently for your kindness toward my bosom friend, Mrs. Mordaunt. I feel deeply all the generosity of your conduct; and — pardon me for making such an obser- vation — but rest assured that it shall not go unre- warded.” “Oh, madam!” ejaculated Octavia, the blood rushing to her cheeks, “‘ though we arc poor, we are not mercenary — ”’ ‘“ T know it, my sweet girl,’’ interrupted Mrs. Smith, in a kind and conciliatory tone; ‘“ nevertheless, there are means of proving one’s gratitude in a substantial manner, and yet so delicately as to give no offence. However, we will not say any more upon that subject at present; for I have yet another favour to solicit — ”’ ‘“ Speak, madam -— speak,” cried Octavia; ‘“ anything ) (E(@) CONNIE OOO KS