The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

106 THE COURT OF LONDON my initials, and then the paper can go back to the Minister. So do this at once, Venetia, and then, instead of talking any more on business, which you know I hate, we will converse on the power, the influence, and the delights of love.”’ “The most delicious of topics,’ exclaimed Venetia, flinging a glance full of voluptuous tenderness upon the prince. Then gliding away from his side for a few moments, she sat down on a chair at the table and made several erasures and alterations in the list of names. ‘““ Now for my initials,” said the prince, also rising from the sofa and stooping over Venetia’s shoulder when he ob- served her lay down the pencil-case. Then seating himself by her side, he was about to sign the document, when his looks settled upon a particular name that figured therein. “‘ Heydey!”’ he cried, “‘ what is Captain Bathurst doing in this list? ” . ‘T should have thought,”’ said Mehetiie with a charming smile of mingled deprecation and persuasion, “‘ that the brother of your old friend, Miss Bathurst of Stratton Street, might have some little claim upon your royal notice — ”’ ‘But for years past, my beloved Venetia,’’ exclaimed the prince, “ I have positively refused to do any more for that Bathurst family, always, as a matter of course, except- ing Horace, your complaisant husband, dear Venetia,” he added, with a smile. “Do not for a moment think that Horace has instigated me,’”’ exclaimed Lady Sackville, ‘‘ to become the means of providing for his relatives or connections. I eo this of my own accord, and simply because | consider — “ Well, well, ’’ interrupted the prince, ‘‘ you bei I will not quarrel about trifles, and therefore you shall have your own way.” With these words his Royal Highness affixed his initials to the document; and this being done, the prince and his lovely mistress continued to discourse for the next hour upon an infinite variety of pleasing nothings and charming trifles, which however the sprightliness of Venetia invested with ineffable attractions. At the end of the hour the prince was compelled to leave her in order to assist at some ceremony connected with his high office, and Venetia retired to her boudoir. Scarcely had she reached that chamber — so clonal CORNICE) 6S (E(@)