The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 142: what you’re looking at

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

124 THE COURT OF LONDON loveliness had never proved the source of poison to my thoughts. Is it too late to reform? Is it not possible for me yet to enjoy real happiness in this world? ” , And then she meditated long and earnestly upon a subject so fraught with vital importance to herself. But a cold shudder crept over her when she remembered through what deep mire of pollutions she had been dragged, how she had passed through the arms of five persons in addition to her husband; and now, indeed, did a dark shade of sadness fall. upon her lovely countenance, while the crystal tears rolled down her cheeks. Suddenly she felt a hand laid upon her shoulder, but so profoundly had she been absorbed in her reflections that she had heard the sound of no footstep advancing. Starting quickly, she turned and beheld her husband. ‘What, in tears, Venetia? ”’ he exclaimed, “ and in the midst of a scene so bright and beautiful as this, and with the golden sunbeams playing around you! ” ‘“‘ Horace,” question me. To-morrow I am going out of town to pass a day or two with my sister. On my return I will tell you everything, and perhaps — perhaps,’’ she added, falteringly, ‘‘ you and I may have some very serious discourse together.” With these words she hurried away, leaving her husband transfixed to the spot and gazing after her in silent wonder- ment. she answered, ‘‘ a singular change has come: over me. But I can tell you nothing now. You must not COMnniiclooOo (CO)