The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 391: what you’re looking at

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

388 THE COURT OF LONDON Time, in its onward flight, will never fail to scatter flowers from his brow and diamonds from his wing. But now — oh, now — what a spectral being was that to bask in the sunshine of aristocratic grandeur, to breathe the ambrosial air of a lordly mansion, or to sit down at the banquet where the roseate floods of luxury were poured forth! Already did he seem as if about to take the one short step which separated his feet from the verge of the grave; already did he appear as if on the point of seeking a refuge in the tomb, — that silent shore on which the last wave ot human life flows, never to ebb again. Mr. Eaton sank upon a chair even before he was invited to be seated, for the mere exertion of ascending from his carriage in the street to that apartment on the first floor had been followed by a general lassitude and weakness throughout the entire frame, so that he felt as if his back were about to break and his limbs to snap asunder beneath him. ‘IT know not how to find words to express my gratitude for the goodness which has prompted your lordship to grant me this interview,” began the young invalid, speaking in a low and faint, but not disagreeable voice; ‘“ and the presence of her ladyship at the same time is an additional encourage- ment— But tell me of my poor wronged Fernanda,” he exclaimed, suddenly interrupting himself, and speaking with some degree of excitement. “ The subject 1s a most painful one, Mr. Eaton,” said the earl; “ and yet, considering the object of your visit, it is necessary to enter into full particulars. Fernanda has been residing for some weeks past in the strictest retirement. Within the last three days she gave birth to a still-born child. The evidence of her shame is not therefore in ex- istence.”’ ‘‘ It would be a wretched affectation on my part,’’ observed Mr. Eaton, “‘ were I to express any sorrow at this result. But, tell me, my lord, or you, my lady, tell me whether Fernanda will accept the tardy reparation which I propose to make her.” “T fear that it will be no easy task to persuade her to accept your hand,” replied the countess; “‘ and, since you have appealed to me, it would be alike wrong and foolish not to enumerate all the difficulties which are to be en- ECORNIE OOO KS (EO) m