The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 129: what you’re looking at

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

VALENTINE AND VENETIA 111 familiar. I scarcely think that I have once called you ‘ my lady’ or ‘ your ladyship’ during the present interview, and if I continue talking much longer, it is as likely as not I shall address you by your Christian name next.” ‘IT must confess myself totally at a loss to understand the meaning which lies hid behind your words,” and as Venetia spoke she fixed her eyes earnestly upon Malvern. ‘“ You are indeed incomprehensible. There isin your manner all the mournfulness arising from the recent funeral which has taken place —”’ ‘Ah! then you heard that my father’s remains had been found, and that they were interred the day before yester- day? ”’ ‘Yes, I saw a paragraph in the paper to that effect; _ and it is because I know how deep must be the shade of melancholy which the sad ceremony has left upon your mind,’”’ added Venetia, ‘‘ that I am all the more at a loss to comprehend your present conduct. For that you are incapable of jesting or of jocularity under such circum- stances —”’ ‘“‘ Heaven forbid! ”’ exclaimed Malvern, emphatically. ‘Well, then, there is some strange meaning hidden beneath your words, and likewise concealed by your man- ner,’ continued Venetia. ‘‘ Again I say that it seems to me as if you were preparing me for some revelation.” “Yes, lam. Are you prepared? ” inquired Malvern, and he took her hand. ‘Prepared for what?” asked Venetia. ‘“‘ You alarm me.” Fx ‘Tt is as a brother speaking to a sister that I am now addressing you,’’ resumed Malvern, ‘‘ and methought it my duty to give you some little preparation. In a word, sup- pose that you and I were closely related? ”’ ‘But how is this possible? ’’ exclaimed Venetia. ‘‘ And yet I see by your manner that it is so. Moreover, you would not jest, you are incapable of jesting under such circum- stances.”’ ‘“I am serious, solemnly serious,’ replied Malvern. “ We are related. In short, we owe our being to the same father, and you are my half-sister.”’ Lady Sackville was amazed at this announcement, which to her was incomprehensible. But Sir Valentine proceeded (C(O) nn) GDoOo KS { i mn