The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 183: what you’re looking at

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

TO WHICH WE CAN GIVE NO TITLE 165 rather, wagered in the love-campaign; I likewise knew that he had seen me often and was inspired with an affection for me, and I consequently felt certain that he sabi accept my hand in marriage.’ ‘‘ But does he know — is he aware — “That I am come hither this ec i Yes; before we were married I explained to him that she whom he took as his wife was pledged to become the mistress of the prince.” “Truly he must be infatuated with you, my Venetia! But this is not wonderful; thou art the loveliest woman that ever trod upon the earth.”’ “ O flatterer! ’’ cried Venetia, with playful remonstrance. ‘‘ But I have before told you how readily and fluently these. compliments glide from your tongue.” ‘““By Heaven! they are truths when applied to thee,” exclaimed the prince, first devouring her with his regards and then covering her face, shoulders, and bosom with frenetic kisses. ‘‘ But you were recapitulating the terms of our compact? Go on, and let us finish all details savouring of business, that we may devote ourselves wholly and solely. to the enjoyments of love.” “It was agreed,’ continued Venetia, “‘ that. you were to find some office for my husband about your royal person, so that we might have a suite of apartments allotted to us at Carlton House.” “To-morrow Horace Sackville shall receive the appoint- ment of lord steward of my household,” said the prince. “The post has been vacant for these last ten days, and I[ cannot more worthily fill it up than by the nomination of my charming Venetia’s husband.” ‘““ And the name which I bear was also to be gilded with a peerage,’ murmured Venetia, now displaying all her most winning seductiveness. “That condition shall likewise be kept, angel that thou art!’ cried the regent, straining her in his arms. “ Hast thou aught more to demand? ”’ ‘“‘ Nothing,” responded Venetia, her countenance radiant with joy and triumph. ‘And thou art mine?” said the prince; ‘ tell me that thou art mine! ”’ “Yes, I am thine,” she murmured, her voice suddenly (CONNIE OOO <S (Cc)