Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 204: what you’re looking at

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

A NIGHT AT THE VILLA 187 in spite of all the obstacles which her virtue might throw in his way. Such was the state of his mind when she reappeared; and, although she was enveloped in that ample cloak which she had thrown on ere she descended to open the front door for her father, his imagination nevertheless retained a vivid impression of the white neck, beauteous shoulders, and well-rounded bosom which a short time previously were fully unveiled to the unsuspected licentiousness of his gaze. The maiden placed the candle upon the table, drew the folds of the cloak as completely around her erect form as possible, and seating herself in a chair close to that which Florimel occupied, bent upon him a look so full of earnest appeal that a remorseful pang once more shot through his heart. ‘“My lord,’ she said, in the lowest tone to which her -dulcet voice was capable of falling without becoming actually inaudible, ‘“‘ you are beneath the roof of an honest man. Respect his daughter, who says that she is so entirely de- pendent upon your honour and your mercy.” Florimel contemplated her lovely countenance with eyes brimful of passion; but he knew not how to reply to the appealing words which she had addressed to him. ‘“ Not half an hour has elapsed,’’ continued Pauline, now casting down her looks, while a carnation glow suffused her cheeks, ‘‘ since your lordship honoured me by a proposal which was well calculated to win my forgiveness for the perfidious conduct which preceded it. But to that offer your lordship will insist upon no reply at present. Perhaps, indeed, your lordship mav wish to have leisure to reconsider it,’ she said, her voice becoming tremulous, ‘‘ and there- fore — ”’ “No, my adored Pauline,” interrupted Florimel, who hoped by fostering her belief in his honourable intentions _ that he should more easily accomplish his evil aims, “ I cannot desire to have time for reflection on that head. I love you — I adore you — ”’ “This is language which, under present circumstances, I dare not listen to,’’ interrupted the girl, firmly and proudly. “Ere now your lordship evinced a generous spirit. Do not, oh, do not destroy the confidence wherewith you thus inspired me. For it was through this confidence that I ECORMMICLO© cS (C©)