The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 267: what you’re looking at

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

236 REYNOLDS’ WORKS The Hindu woman, having closed the front door behind Mr. Redcliffe, ascended the stairs, and glided into the draw- ing-room with her wonted noiseless step. Sinking upon her knees at the feet of the princess, she looked up into her countenance, and at once read there an answer to the ques- tion which, as a slave, she scarcely dared ask. For an instant Sagoonah’s eyes flashed brightly, and then they were cast down again. ‘“T understand you, my faithful dependent,” said Indora, passing her beautifully modelled hand caressingly over the Hindu woman’s jet black hair, so smoothly brushed. ‘‘ The kind interest you feel in me renders you impatient to know the result. You have partially read it on my features, and your eyes glistened with a sensation of joy. Yes, Sagoonah, I am no longer in a state of uncertainty, — I am permitted to hope.” The Hindu woman took the princess’s hand, and raised it to her lips. At the same time Indora felt a burning tear- drop fall upon that hand, and again caressing the dependent, she said, in a kind, soothing voice, “‘ You weep for joy, my faithful Sagoonah, you weep for joy; and I love you for this fresh evidence of your devoted affection.” Sagoonah kissed her mistress’s hand once more, and slowly rising from her kneeling posture, she retreated to a little distance, her tall, symmetrical shape drawn up as usual, so that it displayed the beautiful bend of the back, the straightness of all the limbs, and the sculptural modelling of all the contours. Her countenance was inclined (as was its wont when she was in that position) toward her bosom, and she remained motionless as a statue. ‘‘Sagoonah,”’ said the princess, after a long pause, during which she reflected profoundly, ‘‘ tell Mark to come to me at once.”’ The dependent quitted the room, and in a few minutes a man servant made his appearance. He was dressed in plain clothes, — a neat suit of black, with a white cravat. He was of the middle age, quiet and sedate-looking, but with a certain honesty and frankness of countenance which would at once have prepossessed a beholder in his favour. He bowed low to Indora, and stood in silence to await her com- mands. We should observe that although he knew full well that she was of princely rank, yet he addressed her not, Gomicbooks (e(0)