The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 232: what you’re looking at

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

214 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘That is assuredly the most costly flattery that has ever yet been offered up to me,’ observed Lady Sackville, with one of her sweetest smiles. ‘‘ But are you not going to enter ‘the room where your presence is doubtless wanted? ”’ ‘IT would much rather remain here, if your ladyship would permit me,”’ replied the baronet, his looks settling upon her with an admiration which though fervid was full -of respect. pre panning possibly refuse such agreeable conpaniaan ian ‘answered Venetia; and suffering her eyes to linger upon him for a moment, she gave him, as it were, that coquettish kind of encouragement which may in reality mean nothing, but which an enthusiastic admirer is sure to interpret far ‘otherwise. ‘“‘ But will you remain here? ”’ asked the baronet, glancing toward the door leading into the saloon. ‘““ Most assuredly,” returned Venetia. ‘‘ l am anxious to behold this drama in which you were to perform a part; and there can certainly be no harm in my contemplating the scene, inasmuch as I recognize five or six young ladies of the highest rank about to join in the diversions.”’ - While thus speaking, Lady Sackville stooped slightly down, and peeped between the blinds. Sir Douglas Hunting- don followed her example, and their heads thus came in gentle contact. The baronet was not likely to withdraw from so pleasant a vicinage, and Lady Sackville did not. Their heads thus remained touching each other, their hair mingling; and in this position did they contemplate what ‘was passing within the gorgeously fuera and brilliantly lighted saloon. - The young ladies of aristocratic birth were clad in the ‘light and gauzy apparel of figurantes, with their hair taste- fully arranged, so that it appeared as if their forms were ‘arrayed and their toilet,chosen with a view to produce a dramatic effect. Very beautiful indeed were these young ‘ladies; but it was evident from their burning looks and wanton attitudes that modesty with them was but a garment of convenience. A strain of music stole softly through the room, issuing ‘from a piano the position of which was unseen by Lady ‘Sackville and Sir Douglas Huntingdon at the glass door; and now the aristocratic young ladies timed their graceful CONNIE IOOKS (E(0)