Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 236: what you’re looking at

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

SCENES AT MRS. BRACE’S ESTABLISHMENT 219 nance, while her eyes beamed with desire as he thus caressed her. ‘‘ But has anything extraordinary occurred? ”’ “Nothing very particular — only that I have not suc- ceeded with Pauline, and that I am far from sorry at the failure of my enterprise.” “You speak in enigmas,” exclaimed the milliner. “T will explain the whole by and by, my dear friend. In the meantime I must fulfil a solemn promise which I have made to Pauline,’ continued the nobleman, “‘ and this is, .to induce Octavia to return home without delay — for her father has come back!” “ Her father come back!” repeated Mrs. Brace, turning pale even through the artificial tint of her complexion. “Then all will be discovered — ”’ ‘Nothing will be discovered if you only consent to do as I require,” interrupted Florimel. At this moment Harriet entered the room, and whispered something in the ear of Mrs. Brace. ‘You wish to see Octavia?’’ said the latter, turning toward Florimel, as soon as she had received the communi- cation thus privately made to her by the abigail. “Yes — without delay,’’ answered the nobleman, em- phatically. | Mrs. Brace made a sign to Harriet, who instantly quitted the room. “Is anything the matter?’’ demanded Florimel, un- easily. “Nothing of any consequence. Octavia’s gallant has taken his departure, and the young lady herself, though comparatively pacified by all her lover has said to her this morning, nevertheless shrinks from the idea of returning home.” “I will undertake to tranquillize her completely,” said Florimel. ‘“ Have the kindness to order a hackney-coach at once.”’ Mrs. Brace rung the bell, and gave the footman the re- quisite instructions. Immediately afterward Octavia, dressed in her bonnet and shawl, was introduced by Harriet; but on perceiving that Mrs. Brace was not alone, she was about to retire, when the milliner hastily observed, ‘‘ Fear nothing, Miss Clarendon, this nobleman is a friend. Indeed, you may place the utmost confidence in Lord Florimel,”’ i) GOMmicdooks (S(O)