The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 198: what you’re looking at

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

176 THE COURT OF LONDON and leading her toward him, ‘“‘ this is Sir Valentine Malvern, whom I mentioned in my letter. Although until this mo- ment a stranger to you, yet when you learn the secret which I am come thus abruptly to breathe in your ears, you will receive him not merely with the kindest welcome, but with such feelings as a sister may experience toward a brother.” “Oh, Clara, what mean you?” asked Louisa, bewildered by her sister’s words, and wondering whether they had already expressed her actual meaning in that allusion to sister and brother. ‘“‘ Our dear aunt was strangely affected when speaking of the late Sir Archibald Malvern.”’ ‘“‘ Louisa — our aunt — speaking?’”’ echoed Clara, now in her turn contemplating her sister with the wildest aston- ishment. ‘““Yes, dear Clara, it is indeed all true,” said the young maiden. “ Last night our beloved aunt was released most miraculously, most providentially, from the spell of uncon- sciousness.” “Oh, what do I hear? ”’ exclaimed Clara, flinging upon Louisa a strange look of mingled incredulity and terror. “Our aunt restored to consciousness? Ah! Valentine,” she observed, abruptly turning toward the baronet, ‘“ how can I ever look that beloved relative in the face and tell her everything that has happened? ”’ ‘Clara, Clara,’’ almost shrieked forth Louisa, “‘ what is it that you say? Recall those dreadful words which have struck terror to my heart. Oh, you cannot have done wrong. No, no, it is impossible.” At this instant the door of the parlour was thrown open, and Mrs. Owen, accompanied by Lilian, having darted down- stairs on hearing that half-scream from Louisa’s lips, rushed into the room. ‘““ Heavens! Lady Sackville!’ exclaimed Mrs. Owen, in a voice of thrilling surprise. ‘“‘ Lady Sackville! ’’ echoed Louisa, wildly. Then fixing her eyes for a moment upon her sister, she shrieked forth, ‘““O God, I understand it all! ’’ and sank down senseless on the floor. COnmicloo S CO