The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 139: what you’re looking at

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

NATURE’S BETTER FEELINGS 121 contemplating her image, you thought it was a fantasy that would pass; perhaps you even plunged more deeply into the vortex of dissipation, to escape from it. But all would not do. You at length perceived that the sentiment with which she had inspired you was stronger and more durable than you fancied. While at the seaside you have had greater leisure for reflection, and this reflection has been pursued with a brain less clouded than heretofore. You have been dwelling upon the innocence, beauty, and amiability of Ariadne; you have perhaps even reproached yourself for neglecting her, because you have seen how worthy she was of your attention. At last you have come to the conclusion that she is necessary to your happiness, and now the only struggle which remains is to conquer the false pride that still lurks in a dark corner of your soul. But, on the other hand, you do feel all the pride of a man who, having reformed his own conduct, has rendered himself worthy of approach- ing an innocent and stainless damsel with the overtures of affection. Ah! believe me, my dear friend, this latter is a very honourable pride and does you infinite credit. Shall it not subdue, then, that other sentiment of pride, so false and hollow, which makes you hesitate to hasten and offer your hand to Ariadne? ”’ Sir Douglas Huntingdon gazed in mingled astonishment and delight upon Venetia as she thus spoke. Never had she appeared so enchantingly beautiful in his eyes, for she was radiant with the satisfaction of knowing that she was giving the most friendly counsel and pleading on behalf of an ex- cellent girl. But it was no longer with a sensuous feeling that the baronet now surveyed her; it was with a purer and holier emotion than he perhaps had ever before experienced or she had ever before inspired. ‘ Venetia, there is something noble in your character, after all,’ he exclaimed, unable to repress this utterance of his thoughts. ‘‘ You are not the mere woman of the world, the mere court beauty, but you possess a heart. I declare solemnly that there are in you the elements of great goodness, but you have been spoiled by the artificialities, the tempta- tions, and the vain scenes in the midst of which you have been flung. I do really and truly love you now, but not as’ I have before told you that I loved you. No, now I admire and esteem you,” and taking her hand, he did not touch it: (C(O) nn) GDoOOo So! inn