The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 144: what you’re looking at

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

THE AYAH AND MR. REDCLIFFE 121 rebel, and I do not wish to speak too harshly, but still I must add that if it went too far I should punish it. Your good sense must tell you that were I to breathe in the ear of your mistress a single syllable of all that has now taken place, she would not retain you in her service. Be reasonable there- fore — ”’ : “Be reasonable? ’’ echoed Sagoonah, her eyes flashing fire, and her entire form writhing as if with the sense of an insult. ‘‘ Who are you that bid the flames which you have excited suddenly quench themselves? Can you command the volcano to cease its heavings and be still? How, then, think you that you can exercise such a power over the human heart? No, Clement Redcliffe, it is you who are most un- reasonable. I am but a poor weak woman, you are a strong man, and it is you who are playing the tyrant toward me. You ere now asked me what my purpose was and what my hope is. Listen — No, do not interrupt me. I insist upon speaking in my turn, and it is my turn now. Since I left Inderabad, I have learned much of the world, I have looked upon it in a new light, I have studied it, I know it. Well aware am I of the immeasurable distance which exists be- tween myself and you, of the great gulf which social distinc- tions have established between us. Think not, therefore, that I seek to become your wife. No, but I will become your slave; and to be your slave is to be your mistress, the toy with whom you may play, the object that may gratify a passing phantasy. But you must renounce the vow which you have pledged to Indora — ”’ | ‘‘ Sagoonah!”’ ejaculated Mr. Redcliffe, angrily. ‘ Listen, listen!’ cried the Hindu woman, vehemently, and she stamped her foot with excitement. ‘‘ You shall hear me to the end. I was saying, therefore, that you must re- nounce your vow to become the husband of Indora. A diadem awaits her; surely, surely she can leave to her humble slave the happiness of the heart’s love? And, oh, think not, Mr. Redcliffe, that if you really loved Indora I would insist upon such a sacrifice as this. No, I should have mercy upon you, because, alas! I know whatitistolove. It is really no sacrifice that I am demanding on your part. You seek not for worldly honours nor earthly titles; you care not for that sovereign dignity with which the sharer of Queen Indora’s throne would become invested. Ah! you see that I compre- EOMIGIOOKS (CO)