The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 194: what you’re looking at

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

A WOMAN’S LOVE 171 have done toward myself. Be particular in conveying my decision in the very terms wherein I express it.” ‘“ But what means this reservation?’’ asked Lavinia, her beautiful countenance suddenly becoming so pensively mournful that it went to Indora’s heart to be unable to give her such an assurance as would send her away completely happy. ‘‘ There is something in your words which I can- not understand; there is, as I have expressed it, a reserva- tion.” ‘‘ Your husband will comprehend my meaning,” answered Indora, ‘‘ and he will at least thank your Grace for what you have done. Return to him, and say those words, — that for his offences against myself I forgive him for your sake. Fail not to say that it is for your sake.’’ ‘‘ Ah, I comprehend! ’’ exclaimed the duchess, apparently awakening from the stupor of bewilderment; ‘“‘ there is some one else in whom you are interested, and against whom my husband has offended. Oh, is it possible, can it be really true that —”’ Lavinia stopped short, and sank upon the sofa, over- powered by her feelings. Against whom could her husband have thus offended, if not against Sagoonah? For must not Indora be interested on behalf of her servant, and was it not on this account that she was making such a mental reservation ? And now, too, the queen looked distressed, for she failed not to fathom what was passing in the mind of the duchess; she comprehended full well the nature of the suspicion which Lavinia entertained. “Return to the duke, madam,” said the queen, in a tremulous voice; ‘return to him, and deliver the message which you have already received from my lips.” The duchess would have said more; she would have re- newed her entreaties, she would again have fallen at the queen’s feet, but her emotions were too strong for the power of utterance, and she remained riveted like a statue to the spot. One last effort did she make to give vent to an im- passioned intercession, but she could not, she dared stay no longer, and abruptly pressing the queen’s hand, she hastened from the apartment. When again seated in her carriage, Lavinia threw herself back and burst into an agony of tears, for she could no longer doubt that her own husband was EGOMIGIOOKS (CO)