The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 261: what you’re looking at

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

232 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘Then you have spoken to my sister on the subject? ” asked Christian, quickly. ‘“‘T have,’ replied Stanley. “And her answer? ’”’ said the young duke, with suspense visibly depicted on his countenance. ‘‘ Lady Christina has refused me,’’ rejoined the Honour- able Captain Stanley, “‘ but not in such terms that forbid me from entertaining a hope. Methinks that I can read Lady Christina’s sentiments aright. She will not wed where she does not feel her heart to be thoroughly engaged, and as yet she experiences for me no sentiment fonder than friend- ship. Have I, my dear friend, your permission to seek to render myself acceptable to your sister? As aman of honour, I considered it expedient to consult you upon the subject with the least possible delay.’’ Christian reflected deeply and seriously for some moments, and as he thus appeared to hesitate what answer he should sive, Stanley’s astonishment began to revive, as well as his sense of mortification. After all, was it possible that the character of the twins was different from the estimation he had formed of it? Were they indeed so proud of their newly acquired rank that Lady Christina would only accept the suit of some personage bearing a lofty title? Such was the suspicion which began stealing into Robert Stanley’s mind, and his feelings were growing more and more hurt, when Christian suddenly addressed him. ‘* Before we say another word upon the subject,” he exclaimed, ‘“‘ suffer me to have a few minutes’ discourse with my sister.”’ Stanley bowed with a slight degree of coldness, and was about to retire, when the young duke, seizing him by the hand, exclaimed, with an air of much concern, and even of distress, ‘‘ You must not for an instant suppose that I am hesitating what answer to give you so far as the subject personally regards yourself. Believe me, my dear Stanley, nothing would afford me greater pleasure — oh, yes, a real joy,’ cried the young duke, enthusiastically, — “ nothing, I repeat, would more delight me than that the ties of friendship which already unite us should be strength- ened by such an alliance. But —”’ ‘“ Not another word of explanation, my dear Marchmont,”’ ejaculated Stanley, infinitely relieved by Christian’s frank- 1) CORE IOC gs) (E()