The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

FASHIONABLE DEPRAVITY 67 of asking you both what you think of our travelling-com- panion? ”’ | ‘That is the very subject we have been discussing for the last hour, Julia,’’ replied Agatha. ‘“‘ We both consider him uncommonly handsome, agreeable, and fascinating. Indeed, for myself, I infinitely prefer him to the Prince of Wales, Emma likes him much better than the Duke of York — ”’ _ “ And I now regard the Duke of Cumberland as a perfect orang-outang of ugliness in comparison with this Adonis of a Jocelyn,” observed Julia, with a gentle sigh. “‘ Has he exhibited any tenderness toward you? ” inquired Agatha. “Not the least,’’ she answered, in surprise at the ques- tion. ‘“‘ What made you think so?” ‘“‘ Because he has rejected certain little overtures which Emma and I have made toward him,” responded the eldest sister; “‘ and therefore we-fancied that he must either have experienced a preference for you, or else must be proof against our witcheries altogether.” ‘What! a handsome young man feel no passion!”’ ex- claimed Julia; “and three pretty girls unable to thaw the ice of his heart. It’s too absurd.” ‘“‘So we think,” rejoined Agatha; ‘‘ and therefore we are going to lay siege to him in our turns. I first, Emma second, and you third, Julia, if we fail.” ‘* Be it so,” said the youngest of the three sisters. And after this delectable conversation, they descended to the sitting-room, where Jocelyn was already seated, deep in the perusal of a French newspaper. Mrs. Ranger shortly made her appearance; and during the repast the plans of the day were settled. It was arranged that immediately after breakfast they should all proceed together to visit some of the principal buildings, that they should return to luncheon at three, that in the afternoon those who had purchases to make should go out shopping, and that in the evening the whole party should visit some theatre. Jocelyn had been in Paris before, as had also Mrs. Ranger; they were consequently well able to conduct the young ladies to all the most remarkable sights in the French metropolis, and a few hours were thus passed agreeably enough. They returned to Meurice’s shortly after three (COMMU 0)(0\(0) SS) (S(O) am