The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 194: what you’re looking at

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

172 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘“Mrs. Owen, with another lady,” replied Louisa. ‘I will hasten and say what you have told me.”’ Thereupon she quitted the chamber, and proceeding down-stairs, welcomed Mrs. Owen and her companion into the parlour. Then, before another word was spoken, the delighted girl exclaimed, “‘ My dear aunt has recovered. The paralysis has left her; she has regained the use of her limbs — and, what is better still, the powers of her intel- lect. She wishes to see you immediately, Mrs. Owen, and has desired me to show you up before any further explana- tions take place. These are her own words.” The astonishment of Mrs. Owen and Lilian, on hearing such startling intelligence from Louisa’s lips, may be con- ceived more easily than described, and the tears gushed forth from their eyes. ‘“ But how, my dear girl,’ asked Mrs. Owen, “ did this wonderful result come about? ”’ “First tell me, my dear madam,” asked Louisa, ‘‘ why you have not brought Mary with you? I hope she is not unwell.’ ‘No, I have promised that she shall come in the evening, if it be agreeable to you. But tell me about this wonderful occurrence.” “It happened last night,” returned Louisa, ‘ almost immediately after you were gone. Indeed, I would have sent a note or a message to the hotel to make you and Mary acquainted with the circumstance, only I have been expect- ing you to come all the morning, — and then, too, I have had so many other things to occupy my attention.”’ “But the way in which the cure was accomplished? ”’ interrupted Mrs. Owen. ‘‘ Surely the paralysis did not sub- side altogether in a moment, and of its own accord? ”’ ‘““ No,” exclaimed Louisa. ‘‘ It was a circumstance which for an instance seemed fraught with a terrible danger to me.” Then suddenly checking herself, she threw her eyes hesitatingly and timidly upon Lilian, for the impression was still in her mind that this lady was the identical one who had saved her in the crypt and had brought her home on that memorable night in the minor canon’s own carriage. “You regard me as if you thought you knew me?”’ said Lilian, in her soft, gentle voice. ‘‘ Ah! I know what idea is uppermost in your mind. Yes, we have indeed met be- comicloooks CO