The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER VI FASHIONABLE DEPRAVITY Mrs. Rancer and Julia occupied the same sleeping- apartment at the Hotel Meurice, while Agatha and Emma shared another. The chambermaid had been ordered to rouse them at nine o’clock in the morning; and accordingly, if we peep about half an hour later into the chamber tenanted by the two eldest sisters, we shall find them in the midst of the avocations of the toilet. “Now what think you of our handsome travelling- companion, Mr. Jocelyn Loftus?” inquired Agatha, as she combed out her long brown hair before the immense mirror in which her whole person was reflected, as she stood with naked shoulders and bare bosom in an attitude of indescribable voluptuousness and unstudied oTrace. ‘“T think that he is the handsomest young man I ever beheld in all my life,” answered Emma, who was lacing on her corset in front of another mirror which reproduced with equal fidelity all the rich contours and fine proportions of her own softly sensuous form. ‘But what else do you think of him, Emma? ”’ inquired her eldest sister. ‘“T scarcely know how to answer you,’ was the response. “Should you like to have him as a lover? ”’ ‘“ Yes, but not as a husband.”’ ‘‘ And wherefore not as a husband? ”’ inquired Agatha. ‘“ Because I think he is too particular. He seems a very moral young man,” returned Emma, laughing. “Ah! have you been tempting him, then, you wicked girl? ”’ asked Agatha, also smiling roguishly. 62 CONMIE OOO KS () (E(0)