The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 118: what you’re looking at

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

96 THE COURT OF LONDON “TIT am glad that you have mentioned the subject,” observed Mrs. Brace, ‘‘ for it otherwise would have pro- duced a disagreeable impression on my mind.” The milliner then quitted Rao, who, the moment he was alone, proceeded to make a close inspection of the various apartments; and, having selected those which he deemed most suitable, he took possession of a bedchamber for his own accommodation. There he opened the bandbox which he had brought with him, and taking out a white dress, a beautiful veil, and all the usual appurtenances to the com- plete apparel of a bride, he placed them carefully upon the bed. Then, surveying them with an indescribable earnestness, Rao murmured the monosyllables, ‘ At last!” and an expression of mingled triumph and ferocious vindictiveness swept over his countenance. Scarcely had his features settled down into their natural placidity, when a double knock at the front door echoed through the house; and the sable page hurried to answer the summons. The arrival was Lord Florimel, who came in a post-chaise which had brought him direct from Dover. He was unattended by any of his valets, having travelled alone in order that his movements might remain unknown and his proceedings unobserved by those whose prying curlosity he was so anxious to avoid. Rao lifted his lordship’s portmanteau into the hall, paid the postilions, and dismissed the vehicle, and then escorted his noble master to a bed- chamber. “* Are all the arrangements completed, Rao? ”’ inquired the young nobleman, who was evidently labouring under much agitation and excitement mingled with a painful nervousness. . ‘* All, — everything, my lord,” was the answer. ‘‘ Then hasten and assist me to dress, Rao,’’ said Florimel. ‘“‘ The roads were dusty, and as the day was hot I was com- pelled to have the windows of the post-chaise open. Put me out clean linen and such apparel as becomes a bride- groom,” he added, endeavouring to speak cheerfully; but the last words of his sentence were rendered tremulous with a sigh that rose from his breast and almost deepened into a sob. ‘Does not your lordship feel well? ’”’ inquired Rao, in a tone expressive of an affectionate sympathy. “ Yes — no — or rather I should say that I scarcely know CONNIE IOOKS (Elo)