The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 191: what you’re looking at

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

166 THE COURT OF LONDON “ Tnsatiable? Yes, but not at this moment for gold, — ’tis for love,’’ returned the Hangman. ‘Love!’ echoed Ernestina, with a fearful quivering in the voice, for the design which the wretch’s words revealed suddenly conjured up before her mental vision a new dan- ger, one of even a more tremendous character than any which had previously menaced her. “And why not love?” cried the Hangman, his looks wandering slowly over her fine form with the gloating avidity of brutal fashion. ‘‘ Do you think I haven’t got the same feelings as other people? And if I am now speaking to you in this manner, you have only yourself to thank for it. I came to this house to-night for quite another purpose, but on finding my way into the gallery just now, who should I see there but your ladyship? ”’ ‘“True!’’ murmured the miserable Ernestina, a rush of blood crimsoning her previously pale countenance. © Ah! now you look handsomer than ever,” ejaculated the Hangman. “ But as I was telling you, if I had not seen your ladyship in that place filled with such precious objects for a delicate creature like yourself to contemplate, I should never have thought of proposing what I am going to do now. But since, as a matter of course, you went there to feast your eyes with all those pretty things, it is quite clear you are not overparticular, and as variety is charming and you have had a prince for your lover, perhaps now you won’t object to accept Mr. Daniel Coffin in the same capacity? ”’ Stupefied with dread horror, Ernestina stood gazing in speechless vacuity upon that man who dared to address her in this language. But did her ears deceive her, was it a chimera of the brain, or could it be really true that this loathsome wretch, this hideous monster, could imagine for a moment that she, the high-born, tenderly nurtured, fastidiously reared lady of rank, should abandon herself to the embraces of such a revolting animal? Good heavens! could it indeed be possible? Yes, as she gazed upon that ruffian, his looks, his manner, all demon- strated that his fearful words had indeed expressed the still more appalling purposes of his soul, and, with a low moan of ineffable anguish, Ernestina staggered back a few paces and sank upon a seat. Gomicbdooks (E(0)