The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

NATURE'S BETTER FEELINGS 117 ‘Do you not think that there can be more true happiness in a life of virtuous enjoyment and quiet contentment? ”’ asked Venetia, half-serious, half-smiling. ‘Tf you were less beautiful than you are,” returned the _ baronet, ‘‘ one would be apt to think you had experienced some slight or neglect that made you look with a jaundiced eye upon the pleasures, the dissipations, and the gaieties of a court life.’ ‘And may not those pleasures themselves become insipid? ’”’ asked Venetia. — “ Truly so,’’ was Huntingdon’s response. Then, after a little hesitation, he said, ‘‘ I have a very great mind to make you a confession, Venetia.”’ ‘“ Do. I am so fond of being made a confidante.”’ ‘“ But I am afraid you will laugh at me.” “No,” rejoined the lady, “‘ for I can already anticipate what you desire to tell me.”’ ‘“ Do guess, then,’’ exclaimed the baronet. ‘ It will save me, perhaps, some embarrassment, if you will interpret my feelings for me.” ‘Well, then, I will try,’ said Venetia. ‘‘ You are in love.”’ “Yes, with you. That you have known all along.” “No, I do not mean that,’’ continued Lady Sackville. ‘‘ ‘You are no more in love with me than I am with you. We like each other, we experienced a transitory passion for each other,’ she added, with a slight blush, ‘ but that is all. What I mean is, you are in love with that Ariadne Varian of whom you have before spoken to me.”’ ‘And suppose that I told you that I was,” observed Sir Douglas, ‘‘ and that I had come frankly and candidly to consult you asa friend?” ‘IT should say that I felt gratified and pleased with your confidence,”’ answered Venetia, ‘‘ and that, experiencing a real interest in your welfare, I should give you the best possible advice.” “Well, I think that I must unbosom myself altogether to you,” resumed Sir Douglas.. ‘ Besides, you once before, when speaking of Ariadne, counselled me to follow the bent of my own inclinations. The truth is, Venetia, I am tired of the life I have been leading, and, like you, I am anxious to turn over a new leaf. As a matter of course, you are well KS a