The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 95: what you’re looking at

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

76 _ REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘ Fnough,” interrupted Monsieur Volney with a renewed fierceness of tone and look. ‘‘ This scene can last no longer, — at least not for the present. Depart, Alfred Delorme, and to-morrow you shall know my decision. Depart, I say,” added Monsieur Volney, vehemently; ‘‘ not another word to me nor to my daughter, and to-morrow, I repeat, you may come to me — _ Yes, you may call at the chateau, and then my decision shall be made known.” ‘“ Oh, let me entreat you,” said the viscount, in a voice of the most earnest appeal, “‘ to stifle those feelings of hatred which you have hitherto entertained toward me — ”’ ‘Young man, you comprehend me not,” interrupted Clarine’s father, petulantly; “‘ you cannot penetrate into the depths of my heart. Oh, if you could— But enough. You will perhaps know more to-morrow. Depart —I con- jure, 1 command you.” ‘Tt is not for me,’’ responded the viscount, “‘ who am an honourable suitor for your daughter’s hand, — ay, and a suppliant for your consent and good feeling, — it is not for me, I say, to oppose your will or rebel against your mandate.” With these words Alfred Delorme bowed with courteous respect to Monsieur Volney; he saluted Zoe in a similar manner; he bent a look of loving tenderness on Clarine, and he quitted the room. For some minutes after his departure Monsieur Volney paced to and fro with agitated steps, ap- parently unconscious of the presence of his daughter and Zoe. These two remained together, — Clarine with her arm thrown around her friend’s waist, clinging to her with the confidence of one who sought support, solace, and encouragement in the painful state of uncertainty in which the last scene of this strangely wild drama had left her. At length Monsieur Volney accosted the two ladies, and he said to Clarine, “ Sit down, and tell me frankly and faith- fully everything that has taken place between yourself and the viscount, — all that you have heard from his lips, all that you have heard from the lips of old Marguerite likewise. Stay, Lady Octavian! I beseech you not to leave us. We look upon you as something more than a friend; my daughter regards you as a sister, and if it be not forcing our affairs upon your attention — ”’ ‘Rest assured, Monsieur Volney,” replied Lady Octavian Meredith, ‘‘ that if I were about to quit the room, it was only ECORNICLIOOKS (E(0)