The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 130: what you’re looking at

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

THE BARONET—THE MARQUIS 109 a seat upon the sofa by her side, ‘‘ you are aware that what- ever my failings may be, a ridiculous affectation 1s not one of them; and therefore I will candidly confess that I have been both surprised and grieved to think that you have allowed nine or ten days to pass without coming near me.”’ “Ah! do not chide me, dear Venetia,’’ said the baronet, taking her hand and pressing it to his lips. ‘“‘ You are aware that I have had much to annoy me — much to occupy my attention — ” ‘Your mansion was burned down,’’ observed Venetia, “and that was certainly enough to cause you much vexa- tion. But you are rich, and the loss can soon be repaired. Wherefore, then, seem so dull, so melancholy, so pensive? It is not natural— Ah! I understand you now,’’ she abruptly exclaimed, withdrawing her hand as suddenly; ‘“ the death of that poor girl whom you picked up at Shooter’s Hill has affected you more than you choose to admit.” “You will be surprised, Venetia,’’ said the baronet, ‘‘ to learn that the poor girl, of whom you speak, is not dead, after all.’’ “What mean you?” cried Venetia, gazing upon the baronet with unfeigned wonder. ‘ Did you not tell me that she was no more, that she had died through the brutality of the Marquis of Leveson — ”’ “Tis an amazing and extraordinary history altogether,” interrupted the baronet. ‘‘ In a word, Ariadne Varian was plunged into a profound trance, from which she was miracu- lously awakened the day before yesterday.” Sir Douglas Huntingdon then proceeded to recite those particulars connected with the damsel’s resuscitation, which are already known to the reader, and which were fraught with so wild, so romantic, and yet so deep an interest. “And where is Miss Varian now?” asked Venetia, pro- foundly amazed at all that she had just heard. ‘‘ She was last evening: removed,”’ answered the baronet, “under the care of my housekeeper Mrs. Baines, to apart- ments which have been taken for the purpose in a secluded and quiet neighbourhood. It was at first thought requisite to allow her to remain for a few days at Leveson House; but the indignity she had endured beneath that roof and the horrors to which that outrage had led produced such an effect upon her mind that the physicians were compelled to consent ? conniclooolks (C(O)