The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 123: what you’re looking at

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

PLANS AND INTRIGUES 101 ‘‘ The clergyman is come, my lord,’ said the page. ‘‘ But I am instructed to convey to you an earnest prayer from the unknown lady who is about to become your lordship’s bride. It is the last scene in the drama of mystery which now approaches its dénouement.” ‘¢‘ Whatever be the lady’s request, I shall of course agree to it,” returned Lord Florimel. Hg The bridal veil, my lord,’ continued Rao, “ will not conceal that countenance which must be hidden until the nuptial knot shall have been tied; and, therefore, the Un- _ known solicits your lordship to allow the ceremony to take place in the dark. I have spoken to the clergyman upon the subject, and he is agreeable.” “* Then I can assuredly offer no objection,”’ exclaimed Lord. Florimel. “But, oh, how happy shall I be when all this mystery is at an end! What can it mean? What purpose can it serve? ” ‘“‘T think that I can guess, my lord,” said Rao, in a de- liberative tone. ‘‘ The lady’s vanity will be flattered by the circumstance that her winning manners, the charms of her conversation, and all the myriad blandishments which she has brought to bear upon your lordship’s heart should have succeeded in maintaining their empire until the very last without the necessity of revealing to your lordship her countenance, her name, and her rank; and then she will experience all the exultation of a woman’s pride in displaying to your lordship’s eyes a glory of beauty such as even in your fondest hopes and your brightest dreams your imagination has never pictured.” ** Think you, Rao, that these are her motives? ’’ demanded Florimel, every vein tingling with the fervour thus excited in his whole being. “Tam sure of it, my lord, ”” returned the sable youth. ‘‘And I must inform your lordship that I just now caught a glimpse of the lady’s countenance as she opened her chamber door and stopped me as I was passing — ”’ “Oh, is it possible that you have seen her face, Rao? ” exclaimed the young nobleman, in a perfect enthusiasm of joyous expectation, mingled with a delicious suspense. “Yes, my lord,” replied the youth. ‘ The veil caught in the latch and was drawn aside for a moment — ”’ ‘‘ And is she really so very, very beautiful? ’’ demanded COMMU __ a ——-. em EE See Se ae ae Se ae SS Se” ee, ee ee Doo cS m