Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 237: what you’re looking at

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

220 THE COURT OF EONDON she added, by way of making-her acquainted with his name and rank. Octavia, who was very pale and had evidently been weep- ing, surveyed the young peer with a countenance expressive of mingled surprise and shame, — surprised at the emphatic way in which Mrs. Brace had alluded to him as a friend, and shame at the idea that he was probably no stranger to her frailty. But with that winning manner which seemed natural to him, and which on account of its feminine softness was so well calculated to inspire confidence, Lord Florimel ap- proached her, took her hand, and said, in a reassuring tone, ‘““T am indeed a friend, Miss Clarendon; and in that light I wish you to consider me. But we have not a moment to delay in unnecessary discourse. You must return home immediately. Your sister, who is an angel of goodness, will receive you with open arms, and you may likewise expect to embrace your father —”’ | “My father! ”’ repeated Octavia, with a convulsive start, and with a wild expression suddenly springing up in her eyes. “Fear nothing, I say. Your father suspects not your absence, and need not knowit,” Florimel hastened to observe. ‘Pauline is the depositress of your secret, and she would sooner die than betray you.” “Pauline knows all!— my father is returned!” gasped the wretched girl, sinking upon a chair; and then a flood of tears came to her relief. ‘“In the name of heaven compose yourself, Miss Claren- don!” said Mrs. Brace, caressing her with a great show of affection. ‘‘ Do you not comprehend what this kind noble- man has told you? Your sister has learned your secret, and will do all she can to aid you — ”’ “It is this that cuts me to the soul,” exclaimed Octavia, bitterly; “‘ for how shall I be able to look my pure and vir- tuous sister in the face? ”’ “She loves you, loves you tenderly, Miss Clarendon,”’ said Florimel. ‘‘ But, for heaven’s sake, come! It is now seven o’clock, and you must be home before eight.” Octavia started up, dried her tears, and, with the dread of her father’s wrath arming her with sudden energy, declared her readiness to depart. But as it would be dangerous to the reputation of Mrs. CONNIE NOOO KS (E(@) m