The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 106: what you’re looking at

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

THE COBRA 87 She addressed the Hindu in a few words; his answer was given with rapid utterance and vehement gesticulation, as if while in the expression of a positive conviction he were only held back by a sense of the respect due to a superior from upbraiding her Highness for doubting him. ‘“‘ He persists in his assertion,’’ said Indora, again turning to our heroine. ‘‘ Do not alarm yourself, but something must be done. I know this man well; he would not attempt to deceive me — bBesides, look at him again, and judge for yourself.”’ Christina indeed had not taken her eyes off the Hindu; his agitation was painfully increasing, and she was convinced that it was most real. He appeared to be writhing as if in actual torture, shuddering to the innermost confines of his being; his teeth chattered as if with the cold, — the perspi- ration stood in large drops upon his bronzed forehead. The princess addressed him again; he spoke vehemently, but still with the completest respectfulness, in reply, and he extended his hands as if he asked for something. “He persists in declaring that there is a cobra in the house,” said the princess, again speaking to Christina, and he asks for some musical instrument, which, if he once pos- sessed it, would dispel all his terror and make him feel that he suddenly becomes the master of the serpent with no fear of falling its victim.”’ ‘* Mark has a flageolet,’”’ hastily suggested Christina; ‘‘ your ladyship knows that he is fond of shutting himself up in his own room and playing it — ”’ ‘“* An excellent thought of yours, my sweet young friend,” responded Indora, ‘‘ and as certain orders must be issued, it is absolutely necessary to summon one of the servants at any risk.’ ‘At any risk, my lady?” said Christina, turning pale. “Then you yourself begin to believe — ”’ ““T know not what to think,” interrupted Indora. ‘ On the one hand it seems impossible, but on the other it strikes me that the matter is not tc be neglected. The longer I look at that man, the more I am staggered — But we are wa- sting time, Christina. Have the goodness to ring the bell twice; it is the special summons for Mark.” The bell was rung accordingly, and it was promptly an- swered, for Mark was in the hall conversing with the English CORnnICLOOOKS (CO)