The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 164: what you’re looking at

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

THE TRIBUNAL 143 white floor-carpet, giving ghastly reflection to the less than dim cathedral light that pervaded the apartment, with that powerful lustre which shone forth for a few yards from the inner room, and with the tomblike stillness which prevailed, it was a scene full well calculated to strike awe and terror into the soul of any one who might be brought into the presence of the royal Indora. In a few minutes the sable drapery on one side of the room was agitated; it opened, and old Purvis, the steward, en- tered the apartment. He was dressed in deep black, with a snowy white neckcloth; his look was profoundly solemn, and it was likewise with the utmost respect that he advanced toward the throne upon which Indora was seated. Sinking upon one knee, he handed a card to the queen, saying, ‘‘ May it please your Majesty, she whose name is thereon earnestly implores a few minutes’ private audience.”’ Indora, glancing at the card, seemed for a moment to be much agitated, and then a look of boundless compassion ap- peared upon her handsome countenance, while her bosom heaved with a deep sigh. ““T will see her, Purvis,’ she answered, — ‘ yes, I will see her.”’ Thus speaking, Indora descended from the throne, and followed the old steward from the apartment by means of the same door through which he had entered. It communi- cated with the spacious landing, and as it closed behind the queen, she said to Purvis, ‘‘ You have not left them to- gether? ”’ ‘“No, your Majesty,’’ he responded; ‘‘ the duke is in the waiting-room, guarded by the Hindus, and the duchess is in this apartment.’’ At the same time he pointed toward a door on the opposite side of the landing. ““And her Grace is alone there?” said the queen, in- quiringly. ‘““Her Grace is alone there,” rejoined the old steward. ‘She is profoundly afflicted, she is likewise in a state of consternation.”’ “Yes, she is deeply, deeply to be pitied,’’ said Indora, with another sigh. ‘‘ But it is impossible that her feelings can be regarded in the present case. Sad indeed is the des- tiny of this poor lady, fated as she is to feel the effects of all her husband’s stupendous crimes, but the hand of justice GomiilGaooks (SO)