The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 186: what you’re looking at

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

a Ln Fo Cy, Seen TIE MYSTERIES. 169 eee we met—and—and—to tell you the truth, Flori-; “Alas! this is most unfortunate,” said Florime’. mel——-But, no—it would be ridiculous on my part——” And Mrs. Brace burst into tears. “My dear creature,” exclaimed the young noble- man, throwing his arm round her neck; “what, in the name of heaven, is the matter with you? Have I said or done aught to afflict you? If su, I de- c'are most solemnly that nothing was farther from my intention. Speak—tell me—leave off weep- ing ” “Oh! you will despise me—you will laugh at me, Florimel !” murmured the handsome but crafty milliner, drawing him towards her in such @ man- ner that his cheek rested against her own. “fam incapable of treating a friend with ridi- cule,” said the nobleman; and he felt her bosom throbbing and heaving beneath his hand. “ Tell me—what would you have me understand ?” “That I love you,” answered Mrs. Brace, in a tone of melting tenderness, 92 his voice expressing commiseration: “for you are well aware that my heart is devoted to Pau. line——” “ Think not, my lord,” interrupted the milliner “that I was insane—mad—rabid enough to sup- pose that you could dove me in return—me, who am so many years older than yourself. But you have toyed with me at times—you have caressed me— you have complimented me. How could I do otherwise than conceive an affection for you—yow. who are so eminently handsome? Oh! there was no favour—there ts none—which you might not have demanded of me, with the certainty of its being accorded !” And, as she thus spoke, Mrs. Brace wound her arms around the nobleman's neck and fastened her lips to his. Now, in spite of all his excellent resolutions— his vows—and his sincere intention of remaining faithful to Pauline Clarendon, Lord Florimel was ~~ re ee rd GCOMGDOOKSHGEOh