The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

12 THE COURT OF LONDON word which seemed to afford an instantaneous clue to the solution of the mystery that was connected with his daugh- ter’sshame. ‘‘ What am I to understand from your Grace’s observation? Has royalty so far honoured me as to debauch my daughter? ”’ he demanded, with a laugh of almost maniac bitterness. “Cease this useless excitement,” said Fernanda, “ and let us hear what atonement is offered. For that reparation of some kind is intended for the injury thus done you in the person of your daughter, is evident from the language of her Grace.”’ ‘“ Atonement — reparation!’ murmured Mr. Clarendon, sinking down into his seat again. ‘ Well, let us hear it! May it please your Grace to continue,” he observed, half- ironically, as he threw a wild glance upon the Duchess of Devonshire. “‘T pray you to look upon me as a messenger of peace and conciliation,” said Georgiana, stifling the resentment which rose up in her bosom at Mr. Clarendon’s ungracious manner. “Your daughter Octavia had the misfortune to attract the notice of the Prince of Wales, and in a moment of love and passion he triumphed over her virtue. But unfortunately the calamity does not end there. On Wednesday last Oc- tavia sought an interview with her royal lover, and the excitement of the scene which ensued has temporarily impaired her reason.” “Holy God! what do I hear?” exclaimed the unhappy father, once more springing from his seat. 7 ‘“‘ My lord, I implore your lordship to be calm and com- posed,”’ said the Duchess of Devonshire, in a tone of suitable significancy. ‘¢ Ah! what do I hear? ” ejaculated Mr. Clarendon, turning toward her Grace with an abrupt start. “ Was it to me that those sounding titles were addressed? ” ‘To whom else could I have spoken? ” asked Georgiana, with a sweet smile. ‘‘ I have revealed to you the injury, and I now proclaim the atonement. The prince has inflicted the wound, and to the extent of his power he administers the anodyne. Permit me, then, to congratulate your lord- ship upon your elevation to the peerage; and here is the patent of nobility which confers upon you the title of Baron Holderness.” S (CO)