The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 273: what you’re looking at

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

LOUISA’S LOVER 251 was entirely of a sensual character. Although during his connection with her he had indulged in other intrigues, as, for instance, with Penelope Arbuthnot, Lady Ernestina, and Mrs. Malpas, yet he was very far from being sated with Venetia’s charms; and, moreover, all prince though he were, he was not a little proud of possessing as a mistress the most splendid creature that ever had appeared at the English court, — perhaps, indeed, the handsomest woman that England had ever produced. He therefore wrote in an impassioned style to Venetia, imploring her to return, reminding her of all the benefits he had showered upon herself, her husband, and the numerous persons for whom at any time she had solicited his favours, and promising to bestow a dukedom upon Horace, so that she might become a duchess, if she would retrace her steps to Carlton House. He even de- clared that if she refused he should be inclined to come after her, in defiance of public opinion, and he enjoined her, in any case, to answer his letter by return of post. Venetia did answer it, but only to reiterate her former resolution. She renewed the expressions of her gratitude for the royal bounties which herself, her husband, and her friends had received, but she emphatically declared that not only was her own happiness, but likewise that of others who were very dear to her, dependent on the resolve she had taken. She besought his Royal Highness not to commit any folly by coming after her, as such a step could only lead to a painful scene, without any beneficial result. This letter she likewise showed to Louisa, and the charming girl was still more rejoiced by that additional proof of her sister’s fixity of purpose. Sir Valentine Malvern stated in his letter that § in & very long interview with Lord Sackville he had represented every- thing that Venetia wished him to say to her husband, and that Horace had stated but few scruples and raised but very slight objections in respect to the abandonment of a court life. Sir Valentine sincerely congratulated his half-sister upon the satisfactory result of that interview, and con- cluded by stating that when married to Florence Eaton he would pay both his half-sisters a visit, wherever they might be at the time, in company with his bride. The letter of Horace Sackville was just what Venetia had expected. Her husband commenced by declaring how re- (C(O) nn) GDoOo cn nin