The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 70: what you’re looking at

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

THE TREACHEROUS HINDU WOMAN 5d and, indeed, I begin to feel the want of a little change of air and temporary recreation, no matter how brief.”’ “Tt is exceedingly kind of you, dear lady,’’ answered Christina, ‘‘ to think of one in whom my brother is so much interested, and I am rejoiced that you are about to seek some little recreation. I will remain with Sagoonah during your ladyship’s absence. Not for a single moment will I leave the chamber, nor abandon her to the sole care of the nurse.’ ‘It is not so necessary, my dear Ghigatide replied the queen, ‘‘ to be as particular now as we were wont to be in the first instance. There can be no doubt that Sagoonah’s reason is gone, and it may be for ever. On this point the medical attendant has spoken most positively, and I cannot but concur with his opinion. Perhaps in one sense it is fortunate for her that she should have lost the memory of the misdeeds which she has committed, though in another sense it may be unfortunate, for if this state of mental torpor should continue, she will have no opportunity to repent of her sins. But as I was observing, it is no longer needful, my dear Christina, to watch so continuously over her. Pro- vided you will every now and then visit the chamber during my absence, it is sufficient. Indeed, I was thinking that if during the two or three hours I may be away from the villa you would do me a little service — ”’ ‘“ Anything, dear lady,’’ exclaimed Christina, who was al- ways ready to testify her grateful devotion to her at whose hands she had received so many benefits. “Tt is one of the little services,’’ continued the queen, ‘“ which Sagoonah herself was wont to perform, — I mean the arrangement of my jewel caskets. They require frequent supervision, and likewise to be touched by a delicate hand, SO that it is to none of the cemicatice that I can entrust the duty. - Tt shall be performed to the Gidist of my ability,” sponded Christina, ‘‘ and I hope to your ladyship’s satis- faction.” This dialogue, as we have said, took place in Sagoonah’s chamber, — the queen and her young friend being utterly unsuspicious that every syllable was perfectly comprehended by the ayah. The nurse was absent at the moment, but she speedily made her appearance, and while Indora took her ) GOMIIGDOG <S) Go