The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

114 THE COURT OF LONDON women of even far stronger mind would have been able to resist, even supposing that a large amount of virtuous principle served as an auxiliary. ‘‘ And now do you not loathe and despise me?” asked Venetia, when she had concluded the explanations which she thought fit to give. ‘“No; as a brother I sympathize with you, I pity you,”’ answered Valentine. ‘‘ Were I your parent and had a right to speak with authority, I should say that I forgave you.” “Oh, you are all kindness,” exclaimed Venetia, and she embraced him affectionately. ‘‘ For Heaven’s sake do not think that Iam altogether depraved. No, nor is my husband. There have been moments when he and I have compared notes of our feelings, and have allowed all the sentiments and emotions of our better natures to assert their empire. He is not happy, noram I. A year’s experience of a court life has not wedded us to it.” ‘“ And you would leave it, you would abandon it?” ex- claimed Malvern, joyfully. ‘‘ At all events, my dear sister, you will withdraw yourself from this position of moral degradation? It is not too late for your husband and your- self to ensure your mutual happiness — But I see that this is not the moment to converse upon so serious a topic. Your mind is now under the influence of unusual feelings, excited by the revelation I have made to you, and you and I must have opportunities of serious and earnest discourse together. But your sister, our sister — ”’ ‘Ah, my sister!’’ echoed Venetia, and again she grew troubled. | ‘TI would propose,” continued Valentine, “ that you and I should go together, as soon as convenient to yourself, and communicate the secret of her birth to our sister. Besides, I long to embrace her. You have drawn so delightful a portrait of her character that I am impatient to become acquainted with her. When, then, shall we go? ”’ “To-morrow,” replied Venetia. ‘ In the morning I will set off in my travelling-carriage, accompanied only by my maid, Jessica, who is my confidante, and knows pretty well all the circumstances of my life. Where will you join us? ”’ ‘ At Blackheath,” returned Malvern. ‘‘ You will stop to change horses at the Green Man tavern, and I will be there in readiness to accompany you.” COMicloooks (CO in