The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 393: what you’re looking at

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

362 REYNOLDS’ WORKS hounds. But he was nevertheless fond of boasting of his accomplishments and his feats in all these respects, and he considered it manly to have the articles above enumerated scattered about his apartments. Mademoiselle Armantine, having flung off her bonnet and shawl, sat down at table, and the ha soon led to very lively discourse. ‘My dear girl,” said Softly, after some conversation on general topics, ‘‘ I ought to consider myself exceedingly fortu- nate that you should prefer me to the Duke of Marchmont.”’ ‘“Ah! my dear Augustus,” replied the young lady, fixing her eyes tenderly upon him, “‘ to see you at parade was per- fectly irresistible. But Madame Angelique told you all about te? 7? “Yes, and I certainly felt myself highly flattered. But don’t be offended, my dear Armantine,”’ continued Mr. Softly: “I only just want to ask one little question, and that is, did you really never have a lover — you know what I mean — before the duke? ” “Oh, never, never!’’ exclaimed the French girl, with so much readiness that Mr. Softly was at once convinced of her sincerity. ‘“ And your father — ” ‘“* Ah, don’t speak of him! ”’ suddenly interrupted Arman- tine, with a real though transient feeling of remorse. “Do tell me,” said the young gentleman, “ something about your earlier life. Drink another glass of champagne; let us laugh and be as gay as possible.” ! “Well, we will,” said Armantine. ‘“ Now listen while I tell you a little tale.” “Ts it a true one? ” asked Softly. “You shall judge for yourself. About five years ago,’ continued Armantine, “‘ a young French lady, endowed with tolerable accomplishments, and about as good looking as I am — p | “In that case she was an angel,’’ cried the lieutenant of the Guards. ‘‘She was an angel, then, since you will have it so,” re- sumed Armantine, laughing so as to display her pearly teeth. ‘‘ Well, this angel was consigned to a convent —”’ ““T recollect that Madame Angelique — ”’ “ Now, do be silent; pray don’t interrupt me,” and CORMICLIOO KS (E(0)