The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 393: what you’re looking at

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

308 THE COURT OF LONDON words of Sir Giles Overreach in the play, ‘‘ kissed close again.” ‘“‘ Every caress that you thus bestow is an act of treason to the lovely girl whom you are to meet presently,” said Mrs. Brace, after a short pause, during which she readjusted the lace that fringed the bosom of her gown, the prince having somewhat disturbed it with his intrusive hand. “Nay, these innocent toyings only render me more anxious to embrace the charming Octavia,” returned his Royal Highness. ‘‘ According to the note which I received from her, she will be here punctually at seven; but I sent you word that I should call at six, because you have been so good and kind to me lately that I thought you deserved this little attention on my part. In fact, I came early on purpose to have an hour’s chat with you, as I knew that you would not be busy on a Sunday evening.”’ ‘Tt is really very condescending on your part,’’ observed Mrs. Brace, with another of her sweetest smiles. ‘‘ But how do you manage to correspond with the young lady, since the letters do not pass through my hands? ”’ “They receive letters for me, addressed to Mr. Harley, at Long’s Hotel,’’ answered the prince. ‘“ Octavia, believ- ing me to be a country gentleman having a seat in some part of Kent, would have been surprised if I had not told her where I was staying—or rather, pretended to be staying —in London; and therefore | made her believe that I was residing at the fashionable hotel in Bond Street.”’ “T understand,” said Mrs. Brace. ‘‘ You have not seen her since you passed the night together in my house? ”’ “No; but you told me all that had occurred, — how her father had returned, and how Lord Florimel had escorted her home. She herself likewise mentioned those circum- stances in her letter to me yesterday. It appears that Mr. Clarendon’s position has undergone a sudden and remark- able change, that his income is considerably increased, and that he is about to remove with his daughters to a hand- some home in Cavendish Square. It will be all the more easy for Octavia to get away from home at times; because young ladies who have the means to go out shopping, and who have friends to visit, can always invent a thousand excuses for a frequent absence of several hours. Besides, COMmMICMOOOlkKS»C@