The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

50 REYNOLDS’ WORKS is aware, was always ready to do anything that lay in her power to serve her brother or to please him, and she cheer- fully responded in the affirmative. “Now,” thought Christian to himself, ‘ there will be an opportunity of cultivating a better acquaintance with the charming but mysterious Isabella.” Accordingly, in the afternoon of that very same day on which he had thus spoken to his sister, our young hero pro- ceeded to the Chubbs’ parlour at a moment when he knew that Miss Vincent was there alone. He knocked at the door; her sweet voice bade him enter, and it struck him that the soft tint of the rose deepened slightly upon her cheeks when her eyes encountered his own. The usual compliments were exchanged, and then Christian, mustering up all his courage, said to the young lady, ‘‘ I hope you will not think I am taking a very great liberty — but — but —I have spoken of you to my sister, who lives with Lady Octavian Meredith, — Christina is a sweet, amiable girl, — and if you will grant your assent, it will afford me the utmost pleasure to introduce her to you.” The transitions of Isabella’s beautiful countenance ex- pressed a variety of feelings as our hero thus addressed her, and it was the fear of either giving offence, or of proposing something which was unwelcome, that made him hesitate as he had done. For an instant there was gratitude depicted in Isabella’s look; then it changed into mournfulness; then she flung a quick glance toward the door, as if fearful that this conversation might be overheard; then she turned her eyes again on Christian with a saddening gaze; and then she bent them downward, and he thought that the faintest, gentlest sound of a subdued sigh was wafted to his ears. “Christina,” he said, hesitatingly and tremulously, “ would be rejoiced to visit you and to form your acquaint- ance.” “I take it as very kindly meant, Mr. Ashton,” answered Isabella, whose accents were likewise tremulous, notwith- standing her visible endeavours to speak firmly and to hide whatsoever emotions were struggling in herbosom. ‘“‘ Indeed, I feel grateful — but — but ’’ — and here she again glanced toward the door — “‘ I am not allowed to receive any visits, nor to form any friendships.” “Good heavens!” exclaimed Christian, astonished and en aT Ie COTRmmicoooks.celir