The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XII NATURE’S BETTER FEELINGS THE baronet, as the reader is well aware, was a particular favourite with Venetia. She certainly liked him, and she was just in that mood on the present occasion when his company would prove agreeable. She had too many un- pleasant things on her mind to bear thinking of long, and she was therefore well pleased at a visit thus calculated to distract her thoughts from gloomy ponderings. ‘‘ My dear Venetia,”’ began Sir Douglas, sweeping his eyes around to assure himself that they were alone, otherwise he would not have addressed her in such a familiar manner, ‘itis a perfect age since I saw you last. Several long weeks, I declare. But you are as radiant and as beautiful as ever — no, not quite so radiant, for methinks that the smile now upon your features looks as if it were chasing away a recent gloom,”’ and he embraced her as he spoke. ‘“ Now, that is only a kiss of friendship, mind,” she ex- claimed, archly. “ And why not of love?” he inquired, placing himself by her side upon the sofa. ‘‘ Because I have been very seriously thinking that I shall turn over a new leaf,’’ answered Lady Sackville. ‘‘ And that meditation has made you serious? But a new leaf in what? ”’ “In my conduct. You really must acknowledge, my dear Douglas, that I have been a very naughty, wicked creature.”’ ‘ What, for allowing me at one time to bask in the sun- light of your smiles?’ exclaimed Huntingdon. “ As for your intimacy with the prince, the world does not make it a reproach to you, and where the world sees no harm, what is the use of your repining? ”’ 116 cComicoookKks (CO mn