The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 375: what you’re looking at

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

ol2 THE COURT OF LONDON “Yes. But am not I wrong in communicating all these facts, dearest George? ”’ exclaimed the lovely girl, for she began to perceive that there was something singular in the manner of her companion; and, raising her head, she gazed upon him with the sweetest expression of her splendid blue eyes. “‘ You tell me that you are acquainted with Mrs. Mordaunt, and you will doubtless meet her in the circles in which you move. Oh, do not bring a blush to her cheeks, if there be really dishonour associated with all I have now revealed to you! ”’ “You cannot think me so base, my charming Octavia! ”’ said the prince, straining her to his breast. “ It is a mere matter of conversation — perhaps of curiosity on my part; but believe me when I assure you that there is no dishonour attached to Mrs. Mordaunt’s name, and I can well divine the family reasons which have compelled her to observe so much mystery in respect to the birth of her child. A run- away and secret match against the wishes of her parents, and — ”’ ‘“ Oh, I can understand 1t now,” interrupted Miss Claren- don, placing implicit credence in the specious explanation which the prince thus volunteered. “‘ Poor creature! she is greatly to be pitied if her parents be so cruel! So beauti- ful, so amiable, so elegant in her manner —”’ “ But were you ever to behold her, riding, for instance, in her carriage, you would not point her out to any one with whom you might happen to be at the time? ”’ said the prince. “ Assuredly not!’ exclaimed the young lady. “ Besides, all my thoughts, all my ideas, all my sentiments are so absorbed in the love which I bear for you, that I have no leisure nor inclination to trouble myself relative to the affairs of others. But you appear to be preoccupied, George — you are not well; or else something is troubling you?” she added, gazing upon him with the tenderest solicitude. “Oh, I am always happy when in your society, my be- loved girl,’”’ he cried, now lavishing upon her the most ardent caresses. ‘‘ But tell me, how long can you remain with me this evening? — for it is paradise while you are with me, and a dreary void while you are away.”’ “T must return home by eleven o’clock, without fail,” she answered, hiding her blushing countenance on his CORNIE DOO KS (E(O)