The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 176: what you’re looking at

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

THE WITNESS 151 while the silvery sounds were still vibrating in the perfumed air of the Gilded Saloon, the door was thrown open by the discreet Brockman, and a lady, enveloped in a cloak and with a black veil folded two or three times over her counte- nance, was ushered into the presence of the marquis. The door instantaneously closed behind her, and raising her veil, she revealed the splendid countenance of Lady Sack- ville. ‘‘You are come, my dear Venetia, you are come! ”’ said the marquis, flinging himself upon his knees before her. ‘‘ And now do I apologize, most sincerely, most earnestly, — indeed, most humbly apologize, — for any harsh or insulting words to which I may have given utterance yesterday. I spoke of revenge, but Heaven knows I am incapable of experiencing a vindictive feeling now. Nothing but love shall engage my thoughts; nothing but adoration and worship can entrance my soul in your presence. Oh, if it were possible that you could so far forgive me on account of the past as to gaze upon me, not with a look expressive of the deep consciousness of a sacrifice, but with smiles indicative of unalloyed tender- ness, — oh, do this, Venetia, regard me thus kindly, tell me that you no longer cherish animosity toward me, and what is there that I am not prepared to do for thee? My fortune, my wealth, everything, shall be laid at your feet, be placed at your disposal; and while none need suspect our amour, you can still remain the royal favourite, and yet render the Marquis of Leveson, who now kneels at your feet, supremely happy.”’ When first Lady Sackville had raised the dark veil, her countenance became somewhat serious, although by no means expressive of any very strong emotion, because she had nothing to fear or to inspire her with loathing and dis- gust at the part which she was acting, inasmuch as she felt assured of being rescued from the necessity of making the crowning sacrifice. When she beheld the marquis throw himself on his knees, she could not help experiencing a sensation of pride and triumph at the consciousness of that power of beauty which thus humbled princes and nobles at her feet; and then, as Leveson contrived to pour forth his rhapsody of mingled adulation, apology, entreaty, and dazzling proposal, the light of satisfaction grew more radiant upon her features, for she saw how his hopes were elevated, CoOnniclooolks (C(O)