The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 328: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES. ii} y, i I; HH} ii) itt HH Wh i i | iit! TM LA this, Mr. Meagles?” demanded Mrs. Fitzlierbert, in a cold tone: for her excitement had subsided into a glacial aspect of stern determination. _ “T would have you understand, madam, that it is utterly useless for you to oppose the will of the British Sovereign,” responded Meagles. ‘“ He is resolved that the heir-apparent shall marry the Princess of Brunswick—and this self-same heir- apparent dares not disobey him. Under these cir- cumstances, madam, it will be worse than useless for you to throw any objection in the way: for the King’s fiat has gone forth—and the Prince has made up his mind to yield with as good a grace as he can well assume.” “ And I am to be sacrificed, Mr. Meagles?” said the lady, in a tone so cold and passionless that it seemed as if a marble statue were speaking—and as a marble statue, too, was she now pale, and motion- less, and still, all save those white lips between which her words came slowly and freezingly. . ——— eens 313 | or (iy \ \\\ . A M4) 1S dy | “ Madam—you will not, I hope, indulge in harsh terms,” exclaimed Meagles: “for all the severity of expression which the English language is capable of conveying, will not amend the position of affairs. But if you compel me to unfold the truth in all its naked plainness, I must candidly and frankly inform you that King George III would not only sacrifice one poor weak woman, but would see a hundred thousand beautiful female hearts bursting and break- ing ere he would yield a single tittle of his purpose. This is the solemn fact, madam—and with pain and grief is it that I give you so hopeless an assurance. But remember—as yet the King is unacquainted with the fact, that a marriage ceremony was ever performed between yourself and his son——” “Our interview need not be prolonged, Mr. Meagles,” said Mrs. Fitzherbert, slowly rising from her seat. “Tt cannot be concluded, madam, until something definite be settled,” he answered, not rudely but firmly. 6)(0)©) (COO)ANII(C Sa(CO)