The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 187: what you’re looking at

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

160 REYNOLDS’ WORKS and that a glance rapidly wandering over her figure con- firmed his previous impression of its exquisite symmetry, promising admirable developments, and when, too, her pure breath fanned his very cheek, as under the influence of her feelings she besought him to abstain from the threatened duel. Zoe was forgotten, or if not absolutely forgotten, re- membered only as one to whom he had indissolubly linked himself, and who thus stood as a barrier in the way of the crowning happiness of the real love which he experienced. Then too flashed to the mind of the young man the sickening conviction that despite all his sophistical reasonings at the time, he had literally and actually sold himself for Army- tage’s wealth; whereas, on the other hand, he felt that he could have been content to inhabit the humblest residence, if it were shared by this beauteous being who was now before him. Such were the feelings and thoughts conjured up all in a moment in the mind of Lord Octavian Meredith, as the charming stranger continued her appeals. For an instant he had flattered himself that these appeals arose from a tender interest which she herself experienced in him, but he had quickly seen, by her answer to that question which he had put, that her entreaties arose merely from a sense of duty and gratitude toward a fellow creature who had behaved nobly on her behalf. ‘* Will you not promise me,” she said, “ that this menaced duel shall not take place? ” ‘““'Yes, yes, I promise you,” he responded, quickly, in order to tranquillize her fears, though without having the intention of keeping the pledge if the threatened satisfaction should be demanded. ‘Ah, sir,” persisted the young girl, who, artless and unsophisticated though she were, was nevertheless not to be deceived by an assurance which was belied by her de- liverer’s look and manner, “ you only tell me this to set my mind at ease. Oh, I understand,” she exclaimed, a light suddenly breaking in upon her soul; “ you will be forced to obey those false and unnatural laws which society denom- inates the code of honour! But it shall not be so,” she added, abruptly regaining a degree of firmness, and her countenance expressing a promptly taken resolution. ‘‘ You have acted generously toward me; I will perform my duty toward you.” GoOmicdooks (E(0)