The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 168: what you’re looking at

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

LORD FLORIMEL 137 “Indeed!” exclaimed Lord Florimel. ‘ Speak —I am dying to hear your explanations.” “Have a little patience,” said the milliner, now again smiling sweetly, ‘‘ and you shall know everything in good time. A certain gay gentleman of my acquaintance has discovered in a secluded wilderness two of the fairest flowers that ever graced the earth with their presence.” ‘Sisters, doubtless? ’’ observed Florimel, interrogatively. “Yes, and of a beauty eclipsing all the brilliant charms that dazzle the eye in the circle of fashion,’ continued Mrs. Brace. ‘“‘ One of these delightful creatures I have already seen — indeed, to speak candidly, she is at this very moment beneath my roof — ”’ “You are determined to wheedle me out of a hundred ‘euineas to-night!” exclaimed the young nobleman, his cheeks flushing and his eyes beaming with licentious fires. ‘“ Nay, the elder sister is already disposed of,” returned Mrs. Brace. ‘“ While we are now conversing together she is receiving her first lesson in the school of Venus; but the younger sister shall be yours.”’ ‘And is the one whom you thus promise me as charming as the other?” asked the youthful voluptuary. ‘““T have not seen her yet,’’ responded Mrs. Brace; ‘“‘ but I am assured that she is equal to her sister, and if this be the case, it strikes me that your lordship will have at length found an object on whom your affections will probably settle for a considerable pericd.”’ “You enchant me!” ejaculated Florimel. ‘‘ When and where can I see this angel? ”’ ‘Permit me to give you a brief but necessary explana- tion,’ said the milliner. ‘‘ These sisters are the children of a poor but respectable and highly connected gentleman, who is at present away from home. Octavia, the elder, has already fallen into good hands; Pauline, the younger, may belong to you. Octavia, of course, believes that her lover intends to marry her; whereas I need scarcely inform you that nothing is farther from his intention. Last night he declared his affection; to-night she has met him in this house: you may therefore imagine that her heart is very susceptible of the tender passion. It is fair to presume that Pauline may be won with equal ease; and no one is better calculated to achieve such a conquest than yourself.” (C(O) anil Doo (C(O)