The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 388: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXIX THE HONOURABLE ARTHUR EATON THERE was a long pause, during which the earl and countess struggled to subdue the various emotions which animated them; and at length the former said, ‘‘ It was relative to my unhappy niece, dear Eleanor, that I came to seek an interview with you this afternoon.” “Have you heard any unpleasant tidings concerning her? ’’ inquired the countess, 1n a tone which expressed the interest she took in the young lady alluded to. ‘““ No, reassure yourself on that point,’’? answered the Earl of Desborough; “and again and again let me thank you for the tender solicitude which you have ever manifested in her behalf.”’ “ You love her as if she were your own child,’’ observed Eleanor; “and when I became your wife I adopted her as such.’’ ‘And had she followed your counsel and example, she would never have brought'dishonour on herself,’’ added the earl, emphatically. “‘ Oh, when I think of the necessity, _ the terrible necessity, which has compelled us to place the young girl in such a hateful, detestable retirement, it is enough to drive me to despair. But the intelligence which I have now to impart to you, Eleanor, is somewhat of a cheering nature.”’ “ Delay not, then, to communicate such welcome tidings,” exclaimed the countess. ‘“ T have this morning received a letter from the Honour- able Arthur Eaton,” continued the earl. ‘ It appears that, accompanied by his father, he arrived in town last evening; and he has written to me to implore an interview this after- noon. I have accorded his request, and in half an hour he will be here,’’ added the nobleman, referring to his watch. 385 (EO) COMIC OOOKS