The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 114: what you’re looking at

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

THE COBRA 95 fulness for Indora’s providential escape, astonishment at the miraculous manner in which it had been accomplished, and horror at the thought of so deadly a reptile having been in the house — that she nearly fainted. The princess sus- tained her young friend in her arms, embracing her affec- tionately; Christina exerted a strong effort to regain her self-possession, and a flood of tears gave her effectual relief. Mark was now summoned, and the result of the investiga- tion was made known to him, — an announcement which he received with feelings not far different from those which in- spired Christina Ashton. “TI cannot understand, my lady,” he said, ‘‘ how such a reptile could be here, for the veriest child knows that there are none indigenous to this country. It must have escaped from the Zoological Gardens, or else from some itinerant menagerie, but Heaven be thanked for its discovery and destruction, ere dread mischief was wrought by its venomous fangs! ”’ ‘“T need not remind you, Mark,’’ observed Indora, “‘ how it suits my purpose to retain a strict wncognita here, and how desirous I am therefore to avoid attracting any particular notice on the part of the public. It is therefore my pleasure that this occurrence be kept strictly secret, and you will enjoin the English domestics not to speak of it to their ac- quaintances, nor to make it a subject of gossip amongst the tradesmen with whom we deal. Mention this likewise to the interpreter who accompanies the messengers from my royal father.”’ Mark bowed and withdrew, taking the towel and its loath- some contents away with him. We need hardly say that with the exception of Sagoonah, every one in the servants’ hall was smitten with horror and astonishment on hearing what Mark had to relate, and on beholding the proofs of his story. But the wily ayah so well played her own part that she seemed to be as much affected as the rest, or even more so. Mark and the groom went forth together to bury the fragments of the cobra in the garden, while Sagoonah, ha- stening up-stairs, glided into the drawing-room, and falling upon her knees at Indora’s feet, took the hand of her High- ness and pressed it to her lips, as if in congratulation at the escape of a well-beloved mistress. And Indora, who sup- posed herself to be thus well beloved, caressingly smoothed CORNICLOOKS (CO)