The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

20 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Clarine listened with a heart full of emotions, but she made no reply. What could she say? All of a sudden Lady Octavian Meredith appeared to rally her spirits, and she sald, in even a cheerful tone, ‘‘ It is some time since we went into the village; let us go thither, it will be a change of scene, and besides, I have some few purchases to make.” To the village the ladies accordingly repaired, and on enter- ing it, the first object that struck them was a new shop which had just been opened for the sale of musical instruments. , It was really a very handsome establishment for a small village; but then, as we have already hinted, there were several good houses and genteel families in the neighbourhood. The shop furnished a fine display of pianos, and one especially attracted the notice of Clarine. A card, which labelled it, indicated its price, and likewise by a few descriptive words showed that it was a much finer instrument than the one which she possessed at the old chateau. “If my father were rich,” said Clarine, “I should ask him to purchase this beautiful instrument for me, for it has really put me quite out of conceit with my own piano.”’ It was merely in a careless, conversational way that Clarine thus spoke, — just as young and inexperienced minds are wont to give expression to any passing whim or phantasy. Zoe at once secretly resolved to purchase the piano for her friend, and to avail herself of the first opportunity to come alone to the village for this purpose. But as they turned away from the shop window, they perceived Monsieur Volney standing behind them. His countenance was coldly calm and melancholy as usual; he did not appear to have the intention of taking his daughter and Zoe by surprise, nor did he seem to notice the sudden start which was given by both, especially by Clarine, as they thus found themselves face to face with him. “Tf you wish for that piano, Clarine,’”’ said Monsieur Volney, in his wonted glacial monotony of tone, ‘‘ you shall have it.” Then, without another word, he entered the shop, looked at the card labelling the piano, to ascertain its price, and bade the tradesman send the instrument at his earliest leisure to the chateau, where the amount should be promptly paid. The arrangement was concluded in half a dozen words. There was no haggling on Monsieur Volney’s part, — he ECORMIClIOOKS (E(0)