The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

114 THE COURT OF LONDON suddenly interrupted Venetia. ‘‘ Indeed, I am anxious that this interview should be cut as short as possible. State therefore the business that has brought you hither — ”’ ‘The explanation shall be given as curtly — and I may almost add as imperiously — as it 1s demanded,” replied Lord Leveson. ‘Speak, then,” ejaculated Venetia, “‘ and trifle not with my time, which appears to be more precious than yours. What is the nature of your business? ” The marquis fixed his eyes with the steadiness of a firm resolution upon the glowing countenance of Venetia, who was now truly grand, truly magnificent in her haughty indignation; and in a slow, measured, and determined tone, he said, ‘‘ My business here is to demand when it will suit Lady Sackville either to admit me to her boudoir as the partner of her couch, or to pass the night with me at Leveson House? ” : A torrent of bitter reproaches and terrible invectives rose to the very tip of Venetia’s tongue, as these words, so tremendously insulting, met her ear; but with an effort of surpassing energy, she suddenly stifled those syllables of rage and fury to which her lips were on the point of giving utterance. With the excruciating pang which that preter- human effort caused her, she became deadly pale, and her bosom, a moment before heaving and falling with rapid palpitations, became instantaneously stilled, as if the proudly swelling globes had suddenly changed into that alabaster which they resembled. ‘And are you base enough, are you vile enough, to use the means in your power, in order to enforce a response favourable to your wishes? ”’ she asked, her eyes now burning with a lurid light as they were fixed steadfastly upon him. “Tf the sacrifice of my soul were at stake,’”’ responded the marquis, ‘“‘ I would not abandon this proceeding of love and vengeance. Ah!” he cried, with a gloating and yet malig- nant look, ‘‘ I hate you as much as I adore you. Your beauty ravishes me, enchants me, drives me mad; and I would surrender all hopes of heaven for one hour of bliss and pleasure in your arms. But on the other hand, think you that I have not a vengeance to wreak for that terrible explo- sion of wrath, fury, and invective which you poured upon me on the occasion when you plunged me into the prisonage Gomicbdooks (E(@)