The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 364: what you’re looking at

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

UNCONSCIOUS REVELATIONS 330 the ruffian, but it was entirely through the fear that you were overcome by your alarm and might need prompt assistance.”’ “Tt would be impossible, sir,’’ replied Christina, ‘‘ to harbour a thought so ungenerous, so unfounded, and so in- sulting toward one who has served me:so signally.”’ The young gentleman bowed in acknowledgment of this assurance, and then said, ‘‘ I presume that you reside in this neighbourhood? ”’ ‘“ At a distance of about a mile,’’ answered Christina. © “ You will permit me to escort you as far as your dwell- ing?’ said her new acquaintance, “‘ for it is quite possible that villainous Lascar may be loitering about in the neigh- bourhood.”’ Christina gladly and thankfully accepted the proffered courtesy; her deliverer threw the bridle over his arm and walked by the horse’s side, so that he might keep better companionship with Christina. “You are deceived, sir,’ she said, “as to that man, although it is very natural you should be guided by ap- pearances. He is not a Lascar, but some English robber in disguise.” | “Indeed! ’”’ exclaimed the stranger, with astonishment. “ Yes, it is as I tell you,’”’ rejoined Christina. ‘‘ He robbed my brother last night as we were returning from a party; there was a conflict, a struggle, but, to be brief, the man escaped.” Christina’s companion surveyed the young lady with the utmost interest while she spoke, and yet he had sufficient command over his feeling of admiration to prevent it from bordering upon rudeness. He thought he had never seen any one so exquisitely beautiful as she by whose side he was now walking. Her countenance, her figure, her looks, her manners, the silvery tones of her voice, all formed a combina- tion of charms and attractions that ravished his heart. He longed to know more of her, and to improve his acquaintance with one who thus in a few minutes had made so deep an im- pression upon him. But all the while Christina herself was perfectly unaware that her blended beauty and modesty had inspired her companion with so much interest on her behalf. He now inquired the exact particulars of what had oc- curred between herself and the robber. The details were not long, but as Christina gave them, her deliverer drank in the EOMINGIOOKS (CO)