The Mysteries of London; or, Revelations of the British Metropolis — page 130: what you’re looking at

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

_ lovely, even amongst the most lovely. 128 MYSTERIES | of courtesy I owe her. I will have the honour of presenting her to you. No, my lord, this cannot be effected in this way. The usages of society— ; You refuse me, then, said Rio Sint reproach- fully. The countess rose. My Jord, said she, be pleased to give me your arm; to acquit your debt in a becoming manner, it would be more seemly © that the first step should be spared the stranger. Rio Santo kissed Ophelia’s hand with sincere — gratitude, and the countess felt more than repaid — by the affectionate lock which he bestowed upon her. In a few seconds, the countess and Rio Santo entered the box in which Susannah was sitting. The latter arose, and to the great asto- nishment of the marquis, who had seen her only afew minutes before timid and embarrassed, she © did the honours with unpretending but perfeet 4 gracefulness, Every thing was now accomplished. The first | step once gained, there was no further obstacle. With the Countess of Derby’s introduction, Su sannah would be admitted everywhere, for she bore the title of princess; and she was certain of bearing off the palmin every society, for she was — Rio Santo took leave, after having conducted the two ladies back to the countess’s box. | ‘Susannah and the countess had remained alone. On the part of the latter, there was oe) many motives which might prejudice her mind — unfavourably against the woman, who had been | 80 aban forced upen her; when Rio Santos : comicbooks. com Fie 5