The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 44: what you’re looking at

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

THE DUKE AND HIS MISTRESS 27 to this woman there were depravities within depravities; and she who was the wife of one man and the paid mistress of another, became the paying mistress of a third who, as we have said, served as her paramour. “My dear Alexis,” she said, “‘ I have an excellent story to tell you,” and she at once related how she had purchased the diamonds, thereby revenging herself on Colonel Tressilian, and at the same time giving the Duke of Marchmont another proof of the power which she was despotically resolved to wield over him. Alexis laughed heartily, not because he really saw any- thing particularly amusing in the affair, but because he perceived that the lady herself wished to treat it in that agreeable light. The reader now therefore understands that he was one of those despicable creatures who for their own selfish purposes seem to forget the sex to which they belong, and practise toward the depraved women who keep them those cajoleries, wheedlings, and servile coax- ings which kept women are usually wont to observe toward those who pension them. “But are you not afraid,” he inquired, ‘ that the duke will consider you are going a little too far? Or have you succeeded in gaining such a power over him — ”’ “Yes, dearest Alexis,” answered Mrs. Oxenden, ‘I have gained that power over the Duke of Marchmont.”’ ‘It is an immense power,” said young Oliver, musingly; and the idea stole into his mind that it must have some other source than mere infatuation on the duke’s part. “ But how,” he inquired, ‘“‘ how, my sweetest and dearest friend — ”’ “You must not question me, Alexis, on that point,” interrupted Mrs. Oxenden. ‘‘I have promised to make you my confidant in most things. Indeed, I love you so much that I feel disposed to give you all my confidence, but there is that one point — ”’ “ Do not think me too curious,” said the youth, though his curiosity was in reality piqued and he was resolved sooner or later to gratify it. ‘‘ You are so handsome it is no wonder you have obtained this power over the Duke of Marchmont. And does he not harbour the slightest sus- picion — ”’ | “ That I receive visits from you? ’”’ exclaimed Mrs. Oxen- COMnllE Oe SS) (S©)