The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 228: what you’re looking at

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

THE TWO DOORS 201 peeped in, but not liking the appearance, did not cross the threshold.’’ “For my own part,’ observed Jocelyn, “‘ I cannot help wondering that you find courage enough to live in this gloomy abode.”’ ‘“Courage, indeed! ”’ said Mrs. Roberts, bitterly, ‘‘ had you not a pretty specimen of my cowardice this evening? ”’ ‘‘ Pardon me for making an observation so indiscreet, so improper,’ interrupted Jocelyn. ‘ Believe me, madam, I would not for the world aggravate your sorrow. It is, beyond doubt, already too great for you to endure. No, not for worlds would I enhance it,”’ he added, with that generous vehemence which showed that the assurance came gushing up from the recesses of his heart. ‘I believe you, I believe you, Mr. Loftus,’’ said the lady, extending her hand toward him. ‘Then, with a peculiar smile suddenly appearing upon her countenance, she said, ‘“ T suppose that I am to call you Mr. Loftus? ”’ ‘Yes, if you please,’’ was the quick response. ‘* That other name, I believe that I have renounced it for ever — But no matter, I await in anxiety any explanations you may have to give me.” ‘“ Mr. Loftus,’ resumed the lady, motioning him to take a seat, and placing herself in a chair at a little distance from the one which he took, ‘in the first place, I must speak about myself. After what has occurred this evening you have a right to know something about me. Nay, do not interrupt me; I know full well what you would say. You would tell me that the service you have rendered me forms not in your estimation any claim upon my confidence. But I think otherwise. At all events, I feel as if Heaven itself threw you in my way. I cannot fancy that it was a mere accident, one of the common incidents of life, which thus brought us together. I therefore feel a desire, so to speak, a craving, a longing, to tell you somewhat of my own history. It seems to me as if it would be a solace and a consolation thus to unburden myself partially to you. Nor will there be anything indiscreet or improper in this, for although you are SO young a man, and I am not so very much farther ad- vanced in years,’ she observed, with a melancholy smile, “yet do circumstances cause us to stand in the light of friends, so that the confidence which I may impart and you receive CORNICLOO© <S (CO)