The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

MR. HARLEY 81 two to-morrow evening? Nay —start not —I have so many things to tell you — so much to say to you, my beloved Octavia! ”’ ‘Oh, do not ask me to act with such duplicity toward my sister!’ murmured the young lady. “ Duplicity, dearest? ”’ said Harley, with a well-feigned air of surprise, yet blended with the softness of a reassuring smile. ‘Oh, yes,—duplicity!”’ repeated Octavia. ‘‘ Would it not be duplicity — deceit — dissimulation — ”’ “Heavens! that I should be deemed capable of urging you, my charmer, to such a course! ”’ again interrupted the man of the world, with another look of surprise. ‘“‘ No — never! I love you too well, Octavia! Hear me! ”’ “T will—I will! Speak! What do you mean?’’ asked the trembling giri. “Twas you yourself, my charmer, who implored me not to proclaim my love in the presence of Pauline,”’ said Harley. “ But if you have no confidence in me, Octavia — if you fancy for a moment that I would counsel you in any way to your own injury or disgrace,” he added, his tone suddenly assuming a hauteur mingled with reproach, “then am I unworthy of your affection! ” ‘Oh, now you are angry with me, George,” she faltered, while tears started forth upon her long dark lashes. “ No — no, my adored girl, I cannot be angry with you,” exclaimed Harley, kissing away her tears. ‘‘ Only promise that you will meet me to-morrow evening — ”’ TY will,’ murmured Octavia, in a tone that was scarcely audible. ‘Thanks, dearest — a thousand thanks,’’ returned Harley; and the joyousness of his tone and manner excited such ineffable pleasure in the bosom of Octavia as to stifle the momentary remorse which had stricken her with a sudden pang when her lips breathed an assent to her lover’s prayer. “To-morrow evening, then, my beloved one, we shall meet again,” he continued, in his tenderest and most seductive tones. “ The place of appointment shall be at the very re- spectable and fashionable millinery establishment of Mrs. Brace, in Pall Mall. At six o’clock I shall be there, anx- lously awaiting the arrival of. the most lovely and _ best- beloved of women. Tell me, then, Octavia — tell me that J shall not experience disappointment.”’ CONnnicloool Ks (GO)