The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 241: what you’re looking at

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

206 THE COURT OF LONDON Mrs. Lindley politely drew forward seats for the ac- commodation of her visitors; and then, slowly sinking down upon an easy chair with a very high back rudely carved, she put on a great pair of horn spectacles for the purpose of taking a good long survey of Caroline. The young creature felt a disagreeable chill come over her, as the woman’s small, dark, reptile-like eyes gleamed upon her through the large circular glasses; for it seemed as if a snake were endeavouring to fascinate her with its hideous gaze. And so far fascinated she indeed was, that she could not withdraw her looks from the countenance of Mrs. Lindley; they were riveted upon that cadaverous face with its sharp features and its parchment skin, its thin pale lips and its thick and prominent eyebrows. ‘‘ She is a sweet pretty girl, my dear madam,” observed the woman, suddenly turning toward the milliner, and speaking in that mysterious and subdued tone which the very nature of her profession had rendered habitual, and which she therefore used on all occasions, even when commonplace subjects might have enabled her to dispense with so much caution. “And Carry is not only a pretty girl, but a very good girl,’ said Mrs. Brace, in answer to Mrs. Lindley’s remark. ‘“T have assured her that she will experience nothing but the most affectionate kindness from your hands — ”’ ‘Hush! my dear madam — hush!” interrupted the woman, placing her finger upon her lip. ‘‘ Not so loud, if you please! Remember that walls have ears —”’ ‘| beg your pardon, Mrs. Lindley, I quite forgot,” re- turned the lady to whom this remonstrance was addressed. Then continuing to speak in a more subdued tone, she said, “You will find Caroline docile, amiable, and obliging, and therefore I am certain that you will agree perfectly well together.” | ‘““T have no doubt of it,’ said Mrs. Lindley. ‘“‘ Some of Miss Walters’s companions at your establishment, my dear madam, have most likely already informed her how I am accustomed to behave to my lodgers,’ continued the woman, taking off her horn spectacles and smiling with mysterious significancy. ‘‘ Let me see: the last that I had here from your house, Mrs. Brace, was Emily Burdett — a dear, good, lively girl! She was always humming tunes from morning CORnniclooolxs com