The Mysteries of London; or, Revelations of the British Metropolis — page 291: what you’re looking at

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

@F LONDON. . 289 no longer support myself upon my feet. I had before fallen, from the same cause. At the mo- ment that I was staggering, perceiving around me only a confused and whirling light, a hand caught my arm, and supported me. What is the matter with that poor girl? demanded a sweet voice. At such a time, any moral or physical shock serves to establish the equilibrium for a while. Surprise restored my faculty of vision. T saw near me two young ladies, who were walk- ’ ing arm in arm witha gentleman a little oider than themselves. The sweet faces of these two charming girls are vividly before me at this mo- ment. What goodness was there in their looks! what tender compassion in their smile! How good—how pretty were they both! This poor girl is dying with hunger, said the gentleman, after having attentively examined me. Of hunger? said both the young girls, shuddering. The eldest immediately placed her arm around my waist; I saw tears standing in the eyes oi the youngest. Oh, Stephen ! said the latter, you must take her home to your mother’s. And we must take her there immediately, said the eidest, who was already leading me on. He whom they called Stephen, stopped them, and continued to examine me. There was goodness in his features, but a prudent and reflecting goodness, which contrasted singularly with his youth. This must not be, Clara, said he at last; do not insist upon it, for it cannot be. We must not take this lady to my mother’s house; but we can, and we ought, to afiord her some “ganistaned., He tom be ele ae fs! ’ > comicbooks;com