The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 103: what you’re looking at

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

86 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘“‘ But we must not despair,” said the queen, ‘‘ for God is powerful and just, and he will make the innocence of our friend apparent. Gradually for a long time past have in- cidents been developing themselves toward this end, and the sudden explosion of to-day may prove, after all, a necessary link in the chain, according to the inscrutable decrees of Heaven. Oh, no, we must not despair.” The twins gathered comfort from Indora’s words, and it moreover occurred to them that she entertained hopes and projects which she did not deem it requisite at that instant to make known. There was a long interval of silence, and the lamp which was burning upon the table shone upon the three mournful countenances of those who were in that room; for notwithstanding the hope which Indora cherished, and the partial consolation her language had infused into the hearts of the twins, they all continued to feel deeply the position in which Lord Clandon was placed. The front door of the villa was standing open, and it now struck the queen and the twins that the handle of the door of the room itself was agitated. They looked in that direc- tion; the door opened slowly, and Christina at once recog- nized the dress which had been purloined from her own chamber. ‘“‘ Sagoonah! ” was the ejaculation which in mingled horror and astonishment burst from her lips. “Yes, it is I, the wretched, the guilty Sagoonah,” said the Hindu woman, as she advanced into the room. She flung off the borrowed bonnet which she wore, and as the light of the lamp fell upon her countenance, it showed that a ghastly expression sat upon the natural duskiness of her complexion. Christian and Christina had started up from their seats in disgust and abhorrence toward the vile authoress of the calamity which had stricken their friend; Queen Indora was rendered speechless with amazement at the presence of one who she thought would never seek to behold her countenance again. “Lady,” said Sagoonah, advancing toward the queen, ‘“‘'as you hope for mercy in the next world, have mercy upon me in this.”’ ‘‘Sagoonah,” replied Indora, coldly, and almost sternly, ‘‘there are deeds beyond all pardon, and you have been guilty of one to-day. Depart hence, for if you linger, it CORNIELOOKS (E(0)