The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 136: what you’re looking at

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

NATURE’S BETTER FEELINGS PhZ “Do you not think that there can be more true happiness in a life of virtuous enjoyment and quiet contentment? ”’ asked Venetia, half-serious, half-smiling. ‘If you were less beautiful than you are,” returned the baronet, ‘‘ one would be apt to think you had experienced some slight or neglect that made you look with a jaundiced eye upon the pleasures, the dissipations, and the gaieties of a court life.”’ “And may not those pleasures themselves become insipid? ” asked Venetia. “Truly so,’ was Huntingdon’s response. Then, after a little hesitation, he said, ‘‘ I have a very great mind to make you a confession, Venetia.” “Do. I am so fond of being made a confidante.”’ ‘“ But I am afraid you will laugh at me.”’ “No,” rejoined the lady, ‘‘ for I can already anticipate what you desire to tell me.’’ “Do guess, then,’’ exclaimed the baronet. “ It will save me, perhaps, some embarrassment, if you will interpret my feelings for me.” “Well, then, I will try,” said Venetia. ‘‘ You are in love.”’ “ Yes, with you. That you have known all along.”’ “No, I do not mean that,’’ continued Lady Sackville. ‘‘ You are no more in love with me than I am with you. We like each other, we experienced a transitory passion for each other,” she added, with a slight blush, “‘ but that is all. What I mean is, you are in love with that Ariadne Varian of whom you have before spoken to me.”’ ‘‘ And suppose that I told you that ] was,” observed Sir Douglas, ‘‘ and that I had come frankly and candidly to consult you as a friend? ”’ ‘““T should say that I felt gratified and pleased with your confidence,’’ answered Venetia, ‘‘ and that, experiencing a real interest in your welfare, I should give you the best possible advice.” ‘“ Well, I think that I must unbosom myself altogether to you,’ resumed Sir Douglas. ‘“‘ Besides, you once beiore, when speaking of Ariadne, counselled me to follow the bent of my own inclinations. The truth is, Venetia, I am tired of the life I have been leading, and, like you, I am anxious to turn over a new leaf. As a matter of course, you are well Gomichbooks (E(o)