The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 133: what you’re looking at

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

112 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘Ten thousand thanks, dear friend, for these assurances,” exclaimed Venetia, now of her own accord grasping that hand which she had a few minutes previously repulsed. ‘“ But shall I see the marquis? ” ‘““ By all means,” rejoined the baronet; “ let us at once ascertain what it is that he requires. After all, it is possible that you may be mistaken as to the object of his visit — ”’ “No, no,’ interrupted Venetia, impetuously, “I am convinced that it is with no friendly object he has come hither. Persevering and energetic in accomplishing his aims, insatiable in his sensual longings, no sooner has one intended victim escaped from his toils, when he flies in pursuit of another — ”’ “Then, all things considered,’’ exclaimed the baronet, ‘““you would do well to receive the marquis here; and permit me to remain an unseen witness of the interview, either to be near to protect you from present insult, or to learn those particulars that shall guide my actions for your future rescue.” ‘“ Be it as you say,” rejoined Venetia. Then, turning to Jessica, she said, ‘“‘ Let the marquis be conducted hither.” The lady’s-maid, who had been permitted to hear the preceding colloquy because she was well acquainted with all the secrets of her mistress, hastily withdrew; and the moment the door had closed, Sir Douglas Huntingdon ensconced himself behind that selfsame screen which on a former occasion had served for his hiding-place. Lady Sackville hastened to compose her features and settle herself as it were with a becoming dignity upon the sofa, in order to receive the Marquis of Leveson; and accordingly, in a few minutes, the nobleman was ushered into the boudoir. “This is an unexpected pleasure,’’ he exclaimed, ad- vancing toward Venetia, “to be admitted into the very bower of love and beauty, the mysterious scene of all ineff- able fascinations — ”’ “Was it for the purpose of indulging in this absurd rhapsody that your lordship sent so pressing a demand for an audience?”’ and as Venetia thus spoke, with a quiet sarcasm in her accents and a subdued contemptuousness in her looks, she rose from the sofa as much as to imply that she wished the interview to be already at an end. ‘Your ladyship is severe — too severe,’ observed the CoORnnicloooks (E(@)