The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

LOUISA’S LOVER 253 It was in the middle of the day following that on which these letters were received that a note, addressed to Louisa, was delivered at the cottage. She instantaneously recog- nized the handwriting of her lover, and, with fluttering heart, tore it open. Its contents were these: “ FouNTAIN HoTeL, CANTERBURY, One o’clock. ‘“ T have but a moment, my ever beloved Louisa, to inform you that I am arrived safe from the Continent. Oh, you cannot imagine, my angel, with what affliction it is that I am compelled to pass through Canterbury without being able even to speed to your home and fold you in my arms. But urgent matters compel me to hasten on, without delay, to London. When you learn the cause you will not reproach me. ‘TI know that you have too mninoht confidence in my love and affection to fancy for an instant that aught save the most imperious circumstances could prevent me from coming first to you, on my arrival in England after this long, long absence. But in two or three days you will be certain to see me, and then, my ever loved Louisa, we shall meet to part no more. Then also will I give you explanations relative to many things which for certain reasons I have hitherto kept concealed from you. ~ “Your ever affectionate and devoted “ JoceLYN Lortus.” The young maiden wept as she perused this ‘note, but they were tears of joy which trickled down her lovely cheeks. For Jocelyn was come back, he had arrived safe in England at last, and her love was of too holy and too confiding a character to permit her for an instant to imagine that he had devised any false pretext for not coming at once to see her. In a few days he would be there, and oh, then what happiness would await her! Miss Stanley and Venetia sincerely congratulated Louisa upon Jocelyn’s return, and when they read that part of the note which alluded to certain explanations which he meant to give her, they exchanged a quick smile of intelligence, for Venetia had privately confided to her aunt who Jocelyn Loftus really was, and that worthy relative was full well convinced of the unimpeachable integrity, the high character, COnNIC HOO <S (CO nin