The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

PAULINE | 7 solemnly that in a few weeks’ time her reason will be re- established, provided his regimen receive no hindrance nor interruption. It would, therefore, be imprudent, my dear Pauline, to think of visiting your sister at present. As for cherishing sentiments of vindictiveness against the Prince of Wales, your own good sense will show you how useless and ineffectual such a project must prove, while its only result would be to proclaim to the world your beloved sister’s dishonour. Respecting your father, my dear Pauline,” continued the duchess, her tone becoming more tender and soothing as she proceeded, “I will myself undertake to communicate the distressing intelligence to him; and I will guarantee that he shall pardon his afflicted daughter, pardon you also for having in any respect withholden from him the truth.” : “Her Grace speaks fairly and kindly, Pauline,” said Lord Florimel; ‘ and you will do well to leave the matter entirely in her hands.”’ “ Ves, I will follow your advice, dear Gabriel,”’ returned the young maiden; “and to your ladyship,” she added, addressing herself to Georgiana, “‘ my eternal gratitude is due for all the generous interest you have taken and are still taking in this lamentable affair. But tell me about my dear sister: is she melancholy or excited, and where is she? ”’ “ Octavia is at a charming little villa which I possess in Buckinghamshire, at no considerable distance from Ayles- bury,” replied the duchess. ‘‘ Respecting the state of her mind, I must inform you that there are times when she is dreadfully excited, and others at which she falls into a black despair.” ‘“ Poor Octavia! ’”? murmured Pauline, the tears streaming down her cheeks, and her lovely bosom heaving with the sobs which half-choked her. ‘‘ But as I have before stated,’’ continued Georgiana, ‘‘ she is under the charge not only of kind attendants, but likewise of a skilful physician; and you may be assured, my sweet young friend, that the moment Doctor Clarges gives his per- mission for you to visit her, I will myself come and fetch you in my carriage for that purpose.” In this manner did the Duchess of Devonshire and Lord Florimel exert themselves to soothe the afflicted mind of the younger Miss Clarendon; and in the course of an hour (Gi @) ANC } KS \