The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

10 THE COURT OF LONDON Mr. Clarendon’s countenance became black with dis- pleasure, and Fernanda turned white and red a dozen times in half a minute. But the Duchess of Devonshire hastened to approach them, and, taking the hand of the latter, said, “‘ My dear friend, I congratulate you, most sincerely congratulate you, upon the alliance which you have formed, as I have not the slightest doubt that you have therein consulted your own happiness. Being an old friend of your aunt, Lady Desbor- ‘ough, I am naturally interested in your welfare; and I therefore rejoice that accident should have led to my being here so opportunely to offer my felicitations. You will present me to Mr. Clarendon, Fernanda,”’ added her Grace, with a sweet smile. The introduction took place; and the dtichioas hastened to say, as she glanced toward Pauline, ‘‘ Mr. Clarendon, you must not misinterpret your daughter’s feelings. She is too good, dutiful, and affectionate a girl not to be contented and satisfied with any step which you may take to ensure your own happiness; and therefore the embarrassment which she evinced at first and the emotions which she is experiencing now must not. be attributed to a wrong cause. The truth is, Mr. Clarendon,’’ added Georgiana, ‘‘she has this afternoon received intelligence that is only too well calculated to afflict her; and circumstances rendered me the unwilling bearer of these evil tidings.” “ Evil tidings!” ejaculated Mr. Clarendon, throwing a glance of anxious inquiry upon the countenance of the Duchess of Devonshire. “ Alas! it is too true,” replied her Gificé ; “and these tidings equally regard you. But I have likewise some wel- come intelligence to impart; and therefore I must crave a few minutes’ interview with you alone.”’ . Mr. Clarendon glanced toward his bride to see what effect these mysterious words on the part of the duchess produced upon her; and it instantaneously struck the shrewd and far- seeing Georgiana that the favourable portion of what she had to communicate would materially please, as indeed it now materially interested Fernanda in her capacity as Mr. Claren- don’s wife. - With admirable tact and judgment, therefore, did the Duchess of Devonshire hasten to observe, “‘ When I say that ] CORDICLOO©