The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 262: what you’re looking at

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

| tip,—* Srought me hither to behold some drama in which he is doubtless to perfurm the principal part.” “I¢ was precisely to take a share in this said drama,” observed the baronet, “that the Prince invited me hither also. It is true that I am some- what behind time: but I cannot regret a delay which has produced me the pleasure of meeting your ladyship.” “You know,” said Venetia, in a tone of good- humooured raillery, “that I always take compli- ments for precisely what they are worth.” “Tf the syllables which fall from my lips were diamonds,” answered Sir Douglas Huntingdon, “they would still be of infinitely too poor a value to form a sentence that shou'd adequately proclaim your praise.” “ That is assuredly the most costly flattery that has ever yet been offered up to me,” observed Lady Sackville, with one of her sweetest smiles. 32 e “But are you not going to enter the room where your presence is doubless wanted ?” “I would much rather remain here, if your ladyship would permit me,” replied the baronet, his looks settling upou her with an admiration which though fervid was full of respect. “I cannot possibly refuse such agreeable com- panionship,” answered Venetia: and suffering her eyes to linger upon him for a moment, she gave him as it were that coquettish kind of encourage- ment which may in reality mean nothing, but which an enthusiastic admirer is sure to interpret far otherwise. “ But will you remain here ?” asked the baronet, glancing towards the door leading into the sa- loon. “Most assuredly,” returned Venetia. “I am anxious to behold this drama in which you were to perform a part: and there can certainly be ng harm in my contemplating the scere, inasmuch a) i comliclbooks.com