The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 388: what you’re looking at

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

354 THE COURT OF LONDON conjecture, — he hastened to lead the Circassian Slave away from the busy, brilliant scene. “Do you know that female masque who seemed to be watching us?”’ inquired the lady, in a voice suddenly denoting a profound agitation, as she quickened her pace. ‘“Who, the Flower Girl?”’ said Lord Montgomery, now absolutely hurrying the Circassian Slave along toward the nearest avenue of egress. ‘‘ No, I do not think that she was paying any attention to us—” ‘“‘ But I am certain she was,” interrupted the lady, with a strong emphasis. ‘‘ Ah! Florimel, ’tis some fair one who loves you, who knows that you were coming hither dis- guised, and who surveys me with all the rage of jealousy. Heavens, if there should be a scene, a disturbance! ”’ And Lord Montgomery not only felt his unknown com- panion’s hand trembling nervously, but also observed her entire frame vibrating and quivering with alarm. ‘Fear nothing, lady; we are neither watched nor fol- lowed,’’ he said, in a tone of Joyous reassurance, after having cast a rapid glance behind. “Oh, what a weight is lifted from my soul,’ murmured the Circassian Slave, likewise looking hastily back and per- celving that the Flower Girl was now in earnest conversation with a female masque representing a Gipsy. ‘ But I feel as if I should faint, Gabriel. The terror I have experienced has been cruel, and now this sudden reaction — ”’ ‘Will you not be able to reach your carriage, dearest lady? ”’ inquired Montgomery, in a tone which evinced his alarm, although he still had the presence of mind to disguise his voice. ‘No, I fear not — a faintness is coming over me — oh, for a glass of water! ’’ murmured the Circassian Slave, now supporting herself in such a manner that her two arms were passed as it were in his own and her bosom leaned against his shoulder. Fortunately they at this moment emerged from the midst of the masquerade scene and entered the corridor whence opened the lower tier of boxes, so that they were now comparatively free from observation, few persons being near. The air of that place likewise felt pure and fresh after the stifling warmth of the atmosphere inside; and, leaning against the wall for a few moments, the Circassian COMIcOOKS (C(O)