The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 291: what you’re looking at

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

208 THE COURT OF LONDON A certain sickening sensation came over Loftus—a tightening of the heart-strings, and he felt as if he were almost about to faint. Passing his hand over his eyes, as if to dissipate any delusion that had started up before him, he again fixed his looks upon that resplendent creature who had thus so deeply, deeply absorbed all his interest, and the longer he gazed, the more convinced became he that it was no mere resemblance on the part of another, but she herself, whom he remembered so completely and so well. But what name did she bear at Carlton House? Ina word, who was she? He was about to lean forward and ask the question of the gentleman who sat nearest to the corner where he had placed himself, but suddenly recollecting that on presenting his admission ticket in the hall below, he had received a programme of the representations printed upon white velvet, he drew it abruptly forth from the pocket into which he had thrust it, and where it had remained for- sotten until this moment. MHastily unfolding it, but with fingers that trembled nervously, Loftus looked to ascertain who was performing the character of Queen of the Sea- nymphs. But the velvet programme dropped from his hands as he read the name of Lady Sackville! ‘TI understand it all now,” he murmured to himself, and sank back into his corner with feelings that defy all power of description. For several moments did he remain absorbed in reflections of a character as painful as they were conflicting. In the meantime the action of the drama progressed upon the stage, to the infinite delight of all present, save our astounded, dismayed, and afflicted hero. Venetia, in the capacity of Queen of the Sea-nymphs, had to deliver several speeches replete with brilliant wit and sparkling humour, and these she enunciated in a style that, joined with the soul-seeking melody of her harmonious voice, produced a thrilling effect upon the audience. Lady Curzon’s performance was also highly effective; and there was a scene where Venetia had to apostrophize the sleeping King of the City of Pleasures, during which Adeliza seized the opportunity to fall upon her knees and get back her note from the King’s pocket. That portion of the performance elicited great applause, and it was just at this point that Jocelyn Loftus, awaking from his reverie, again fixed his eyes earnestly, attentively, and Gomicbooks (E(@)