The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 193: what you’re looking at

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

170 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘‘ Madam, rest assured,’’ interrupted the queen, with a true queenly dignity, “‘ that my honour has suffered not—” “No, no, lady,’ cried the duchess, “ purity and virtue are stamped upon your countenance, they are delineated in your looks. Good heavens! not for a moment would I insult you with such a suspicion. I am entirely at your mercy, I place myself in your hands. If you think fit to narrate the offences of my husband toward you in order to convince me of the magnitude of your generosity in par- doning them, I shall listen; but if, on the other hand, you will spare me that which my own heart tells me cannot be otherwise than painful, and if you will pardon him all the same, oh, I shall bless you, I shall love you as my bene- factress.”’ ‘“ Rise, lady, rise, Duchess of Marchmont,”’ said Indora, in a tremulous voice, and at the same time wiping away a tear. ‘“‘ You have given me no offence, you come in the candour and frankness of your own innocence, you must not kneel as a suppliant.”’ ‘Lady, dear lady, I will kneel,’’ continued the duchess, “until you grant me this boon. Oh, you know not how much depends upon it. I saw my husband wretched and unhappy, I implored his confidence. He told me that he had enemies, and that you were one. He bade me come to you, and I am here. Grant him your pardon, dear lady, and he will give me back his love as a reward for procuring that forgiveness. You see how much is at stake. It is in your power to restore me that happiness which for years I have lost. Do this, dear lady, and I will love you as a sister. Ah, you weep, you are moved, you will accede to my prayer! ”’ ‘‘ Rise, Duchess of Marchmont,” again said Indora, but now speaking in a voice which was all tremulous with emotions. ‘“‘ Return to your husband, tell him that for all he has ever done toward me, I forgive him for your sake.”’ ‘‘ Dearest, dearest lady,’’ ejaculated the duchess, pressing Indora’s hand to her lips, and then starting up from her suppliant posture, ‘“‘ you have poured joy into my heart, you have already filled my soul with happiness —”’ ‘ But understand me well, madam,’’ interrupted the queen, ‘‘I forgive your husband for whatsoever he may CORNICLIOOKS (E(0)