The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 392: what you’re looking at

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

MRS. BRACE AND HER VISITORS 307 “And yet you not only know that I am constantly up to my neck in intrigues,’ rejoined his Royal Highness, “ but you kindly lend me your invaluable aid.” “Certainly! it is my delight to make you happy,” re- turned the lady. “You reason like a sensible woman,” said the prince. ‘“‘ Besides, you yourself indulge in little love-passages oc- casionally. Come, confess the truth to me, Fanny. You and I are such old friends, you know — friends of fifteen or sixteen years’ standing — that we need not be ashamed to give each other our confidence.” ‘““ My dear Mr. Harley, you know that I am not a saint,” observed Mrs. Brace, in a subdued tone and casting down her eyes. ““ J] should indeed wonder if you were,’ exclaimed the prince; “ for you are really as handsome now as you struck me to be the first time I ever saw you. Somewhat stouter — but then I adore embonpoint in women,” he added, his eyes gloating upon the milliner’s well-developed charms. ‘And if I were thin, you would found a compliment upon sylphlike elegance and delicate symmetry,” said Mrs. Brace, smiling archly. ‘“ Ah! Mr. Harley, the English people may well boast of you as being the most polished gentleman in Europe.” ‘No — does any one say that of me?’”’ demanded the prince, his countenance lighting up with a satisfaction and a triumph which he could not conceal. ‘Most assuredly,” responded Mrs. Brace. ‘‘ The news- papers, the magazines, the poets, the novelists, all agree on that point.” “ But don’t you know, Fanny, that the public press of England is the most grovelling, debased, and despicable lickspittle toward royalty — ”’ “Oh, this vituperation from your lips!”’ ejaculated the milliner, affecting to be shocked. ‘‘ The press only does its duty and tells the truth when it speaks highly in favour of the heir apparent to the throne.” “T think that last phrase of yours comes within the range of offences which I threatened to punish in a certain manner,’ exclaimed the prince; and once more he pressed his lips-to those of the handsome milliner, who, to use the (C(O) il 0) 0) 0) SS (C(O)