The Mysteries of London, Vol. IV — page 84: what you’re looking at

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a Ame oo owere ” Se es ee ar RE Re mn —_— ae a ec rm a er hea eae eee =~ —chirms that intoxicated while they delighted, and that ravished while they infused a warm voluptuous- ne sinto the soul of the beholder. And, in sooth, well might Charles Hatfield expe- rience ineffable feelings and tender emotions as he contemplated the fiend in an angel’s shape that was half reclining on the sofa; for Perdita was surpass- ingly lovely on this occasion! She was attired in a light pink muslin dress, made very low in the body, co that her neck and shoulders were set off in all their dazzling whiteness against the deep purple velvet of the sofa—and her full, swelling, firm bosom was more than half revealed. Her hair was arranged in long ringlets, glittering like hyperions, luxuriant, and sweeping those glowing globes that appeared to heave to their caresses. Her large grey eyes beamed with voluptuous languor, althong?: a brilliant light shone in the depths of the dark pupils;—and her vermilion lips, parted with a smile, displayed the white and even rows of pearls, so faultless in their beauty. The slightly sun-burnt tinge of her face appeared to be the rich hue of an Italian complexion—the carnation glow of health, and youth, and warm blood animating her cheeks. Then her arms were naked,—those arms which were dazzlingly white, robust, and yet admirably modelled, and which seemed ready to stretch out and clasp a favoured lover to the panting breast. One foot wes raised on the sofn—the other rested on an otto- man ;—ané thus, as Charles Hatfield’s eyes swept the rich and fine proportions—the undulating contours of that splendid form, it seemed to him as if a halo of voluptuousness surrounded this enchanting being—a very perfume of beauty enveloped lier in its intoxicat- ing influence. She had heard him ascending the stairs—and she had purposely placed herself in an attitude which should seem as if he had disturbed her unexpectedly, and thus serve as anu apology for the negligent aban- donment of limb which gave to her position an air alike wanton and lascivious. While she, therefore, affected to gaze on him in soft surprise, he was in- tently devouring her with looks of unfeigned amaze- ment ;—and while she still retained that voluptuous attitude as if unwittingly, he was rivetted to the spot near the door where he had stopped short on first catching sight of her. This dumb-show on the part of both,—artificial with her, and real with him,—lasted for nearly a minute;—and during that time Perdita had an opportunity of surveying the young man’s handsome appearance with even more searching scru- tiny’ than when she had seen him in Pall Mall the very day of her arrival in London,—while, on his side, Charles Hatficld had leisure to scan a combination of charms such as transcended all his ideal creations, and which, had he beheld them in a picture, he would have declared to be impossible of realization. Again must we observe how different was this cle- gantly-attired, captivating creature as she now ap- peared, from the ragged, way-worn wanderer that she yas when first we introduced her to our readers! But oi! dangerous—trebly dangerous Perdita,—a snake with the loveliest skin—a demon with the most hea- venly form—utter profligacy in the most witching guise ! And now the young man, who has been brought within the sphere of this perilous influence, recovers his self-possession so far as to be able to stammer forth an apology for what he conceives to be an intrusion accasioned by some strange mistake. ‘No excuse is necessary, sir,” replies Perdita: the TUL AYSTERIES OF LONDON. St Ef e-em i lady whom you state to have conducted you hither, 12 my mother; and she has doubtless sought her chamber for a few minutes to change her attire. Pray be seated.” But Charles Iatfield once more stood still!—rivetted to the spot, after having advanced a few paces towards Perdita ;—for the sound of her voice, so sweetly mu- sical—so enchantingly harmonious, appeared to inspira him with ecstatic emotions and infuse an ineffable delight into his very soul. Then Perdita arose from the sofa, and indicating a chair close by, again invited the young man to be seated,—accomplishing this courtesy with so ravishing a grace and such a charming smile, that he felt himself intoxicated—bew lidered—enchanted by the magic of her beauty, the melody of her silver tones, and the soft persuasion of her manner. For the consciousness of almost superhuman beauty had rendered Pérdita emulative of every art and taught her to study every movement which might invest her with a winning way and a witching power ;—and thus this singular young woman had acquired a politeness so complete that 1t seemed intuitive, and a polish so refined that it ap- peared to have been gained by long and unvaried association with the highest classes. Sinking into the’ chair thus gracefully offered him, Charles Hatfield could not take his eyes off the magni- ficent creature who remained standing for a few seconds after he was seated; for, affecting to alter the position of one of the wax candles on the mantel, as if it were tor near the mirror, she placed herself in such an atti- tude that the young man might obtain a perfect view of the flowing outlines of her glorious form,—the splen- did arching of the swan-like neck—the luxurious ful- ness of the bust—the tapering slenderness of the waist —the plump and rounded arms—the large, projecting hips—and the finely proportioned fect and ankles. The effect thus produced by the artful, designing creature, whose voluptuous position soon all natural and all unstudied, was precisely that which she had intended ;—for Charles Hatfield experienced a de- lirium of emotions till then unknown—and he felt that he could almost spring from his seat, catch that bewitching form in his arms, and, covering her with kisses, exclaim, “* Pardon me—but I am mad—intoxi- cated—raving with passion !” “ My mother will not be many minutes, sir,” said Terdita, now returning to her seat upon the sofa; ‘and in the meantime I must solicit you to exercise your patience—for J am afraid you will find me buta dull companion.” ‘“‘Ympossible!” cried Charles, enthusiastically: then fearing that he had spoken in too decided and earnest a manner to one who was a perfect stranger, he added in a more subduéd and reserved tone, * But perhaps I am intruding on your privacy, as I am afraid that when I entered—I mean, I fear that I—I disturbed you-—” *T certainly was not aware that my mother ex- pected a visitor this evening,” answered Perdita; “and itis Iwho should apologise, inasmuch as you caught me in such a lounging, lazy attitude. But since I have been in LondonI have experienced a heaviness in the atmosphere that engenders indo- lence—for I have hitherto been aceustomed to tne country.” “ Then you have not long resided in London, Miss Fitzhard:nge?” said Charles, hazarding this mele of address with the determination of ascertaining wnether the beautiful young woman were married or singie. UR ee ete ew oe eee ee rs eee, (C(O) (C DOO <S LL (SO)