The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 191: what you’re looking at

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

168 REYNOLDS’ WORKS of his mistress, but that expression of surprise quickly passed away from Indora’s countenance, and she said to Mark, ‘‘ You can introduce her Grace hither.”’ Indora knew perfectly well that Lavinia was a lady of stainless reputation, noted for her amiable and excellent qualities, and whose character afforded a striking contrast with that of her ducal husband. She had therefore granted the audience after a very brief hesitation, but during the few minutes which elapsed until the Duchess of Marchmont was introduced Indora was engaged in a thousand conjec- tures as to what the object of this visit could possibly mean. Lavinia was introduced, and Indora rose to receive her. Mark at once retired; the queen and the duchess were now alone together, but the latter knew not that it was a lady of sovereign rank in whose presence she thus found herself. The very first glances which they threw upon one another produced mutually favourable impressions. The extraor- dinary beauty of the queen struck Lavinia with astonishment as well as with admiration, while the modestly dignified demeanour and feminine air of self-confidence — frank, open, lofty, and yet utterly exempt from boldness — which characterized her Majesty at once proclaimed the high- minded, well-principled, pure-hearted woman. On the other hand, the more soft and winning beauty of Lavinia, the pensiveness which habitually rested in her large blue eyes, and the half-entreating air with which she bestowed the salutations of courtesy upon Indora, at once riveted the interest of that Eastern lady. They sat down together, and the duchess began by apolo- gizing for the intrusion of such a visit on the part of a perfect stranger. She spoke in the low, fluid, tremulous voice which indicated a distressed and suspenseful state of mind, while her looks softly but eloquently implored the queen’s consideration and forbearance. ‘ Your Grace need offer no apology,” replied Indora, ‘ for by the tenor of your note, brief though its contents be, I am led to conjecture that some business of importance has procured me the honour of this visit.’’ ‘““It is indeed of great importance to myself — and — and — to another,’’ responded Lavinia, tremulously. ‘ But first let me ask how fares it with your servant? ’”’ and here ECORNICLIOOKS (E(0) m