The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

THE BARONET—THE MARQUIS 111 Sir Douglas Huntingdon, somewhat impatiently; ‘‘ for I tell you that I love not Ariadne Varian.”’ ‘“ And I, who perhaps know the human heart better than you,”’ returned Venetia, ‘‘ in spite of all your worldly experi- ence, I tell you, I say, that you do love her, and in the re- cesses of your soul there is at this moment a voice which echoes the assertion I have just made. Now, my dear Douglas,” she observed, looking suddenly up with a kind and amiable expression of countenance, “‘ the feeling that must henceforth subsist between you and me is friendship — and nothing more.” ‘“ Ah! cruel Venetia,’’ exclaimed the baronet, ‘“‘ have you not given me other hopes? Have you not filled my heart: with the paradise of blissful expectations? And now will you render that heart a desert? ”’ ‘““ No, believe me, dear Douglas,”’ rejoined Venetia, with an amiable smile, ‘‘ your heart will not be a desert, for it will be filled with the image of Ariadne Varian.”’ Sir Douglas Huntingdon was about to make some reply, and urge the assurance that the image of Venetia alone occupied his heart, when Jessica again made her appearance in the boudoir. “The Marquis of Leveson,” she said, “requests an im- mediate interview with your ladyship. His lordship told the footman that he had some business of importance to com- municate to your ladyship, and he is now waiting in the drawing-room.” “Ah! I think that I can guess the nature of Lord Leve- son’s business,’ observed Venetia, with a look of indescrib- able vexation, as she turned toward Sir Douglas Huntingdon. “You, my dear friend, who have so recently become ac- quainted with all my secrets, and who therefore understand. my exact position so well, — you, I say, can see at a glance how it is that circumstances have to some extent placed me in the power of the Marquis of Leveson.”’ ‘Yes, dearest Venetia,’’ replied the baronet, ‘‘ I under- stand what you mean. But is he not to some extent in my power? Have I not the means of subjecting both himself and his niece to a terrific exposure? Louisa first — Ariadne next — Oh, the villain, if he dare use menaces to coerce you, Venetia, I will defend you, I will protect you, I will save you from his power.” CORnNIECLOOOKS.EO