The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 264: what you’re looking at

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

CAPTAIN STANLEY 239 ‘And I, my dear brother,’ answered the affectionate girl, “am proud as well as happy that I can look you in the face and in the sincerity of my soul give you these assur- ances. Oh, all the events which came upon us a few months back, with the rapidity of a succession of hurricanes, pro- duced a marvellous effect upon me. I have learned that the soul cannot be strong unless the resolve be previously taken that it shall become strengthened; I have learned to com- prehend the maxim that ‘ Heaven only helps those who help themselves.’ Zoe’s letters enable me to comprehend that Lord Octavian himself has entered fully into the path of duty; he appreciates all the excellent qualities of his amiable and loving wife, and their happiness is now com- plete. Could I, even with the slightest remnant of a selfish sentiment, again threaten their felicity? Heaven forbid! If I did not feel how strong in moral purposes I have become, I should be the most unhappy of creatures.”’ “Then, why not, Christina, accept the addresses of the Honourable Captain Stanley? ”’ asked the young duke. The maiden shook her head, and replied, “‘ The effort which it has cost me to crush one sentiment in my heart seems to have closed the avenue for the entrance of another. I repeat that I can regard Captain Stanley as a very dear friend, but nothing more. Besides, Christian,’ added Chris- tina, remorsefully, “‘ even if it were different, even.if I felt that I could love Captain Stanley, I would not accept his sult without previously making him acquainted with all that has passed. I would keep no secret from him whom I consented to accompany to the altar.” “There again spoke my pure and noble-minded sister,’ exclaimed Christian. ‘‘ You cannot do otherwise than admire the many noble qualities of Robert Stanley. He is intelli- gent, he is generous-hearted, his character is unimpeachable, his life is immaculate. He possesses rank, and wealth, and personal beauty, though these last considerations, I know, must weigh little with you, my dear sister, in comparison with the former. Although you have so grandly triumphed over one sentiment in your heart, you may not be enabled to comprehend that heart of yours so thoroughly as to arrive at the conclusion that it may never love again. At least you will confess to me that if, in some supposed case, it were your destiny’s decree that you should choose a hus- GOMmiiGcdoc SS) (S©)