The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 341: what you’re looking at

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

338 THE COURT OF LONDON ensnared if we had not told the scoundrel the story of our adventure.” “It was certainly ridiculous on our part to imagine that such a man could feel any really humane interest in the matter,” observed the Amazon. “ But if he be capable of murdering or endeavouring to murder one person,” she added, with a shudder, “ he is not likely to be very particular how he deals with others.” ‘“T do not for a moment apprehend that the villain enter- tains any such black design in respect to us, my dear Letitia,”’ said Meagles, passing his arm around the lady’s waist and pressing her to him. “ But rely upon it, that not a hair of your head shall be hurt while life remains in my body.” “Oh, I am well assured of that, dear Tim,” she replied, caressing him tenderly. ‘“‘ Moreover, although I am but a poor weak woman, I possess the spirit and daring of a man; and my own existence would not be sold without a desperate strugele.”’ “It may suit the fellow’s purpose to keep us prisoners here for some hours— perhaps even days,’ observed Meagles; “ but we will try and defeat him. Now, my beauty,” he added, whispering softly in his fair companion’s ear, ‘‘ let us see whether we cannot effect our escape. The adventure will be a pleasant one — eh? ” “ Delightful, Tim! ’’ responded the Amazon, her glowing bosom palpitating against his breast with the excitement of the idea. ‘*‘ But how shall we proceed? It is as dark as pitch, and we cannot even obtain a glimpse of anything in the room.” “There is a window somewhere in this direction,” said Meagles, groping his way cautiously. ‘I saw enough of the chamber during the few moments that the ruffan held the light at the door to observe its principal features. Ah! here it is!” He drew aside the curtain which covered the small case- ment; and the room was just so much relieved of its black darkness as to enable the two friends to trace the outlines of each other’s form, without, however, distinguishing a feature of the countenance. “Now let us find a chair, my beauty,’’ said Meagles; “and you shall sit on my knee for a few minutes, while we hold a council of war. There — that’s right. Now give me ) ECORNIE OOO KS (EO) m