The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 324: what you’re looking at

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

THE EXPLANATION OF A PLOT ~~ — 307 and as she perceived that the faithful Mark — the comp- troller of her little household — wore a somewhat anxious countenance as these preparations were going on, she sum- moned him into her presence, availing herself of an oppor- tunity when she was alone. ““T am well aware, Mark,” she said, “‘ that you entertain a deep interest in my behalf, and you are probably afraid that I am about to fall into some snare which is being set for me. But you need have no such apprehension. ‘The business which takes me hence for a few days is connected with a matter vitally concerning my own interests. I see my way clearly, but I have thought it necessary to tell you this much, in order to relieve your mind from any misgiving.”’ ‘“T am truly rejoiced to hear your ladyship speak thus confidently,’ answered the steward, “‘ and my mind is indeed more at ease.” He then bowed and withdrew, the princess not volunteering another syllable of explanation, and Mark had no undue curiosity. It was sufficient for him that Indora seemed to know perfectly well what she was about. -* On the following morning the princess apparelled herself, with Christina’s assistance, in one of the European costumes which Madame Angelique had sent home. This was the first time that the King of Inderabad’s daughter found herself thus dressed, and it would have been difficult for even the most scrupulous critic in respect to female loveliness to decide whether she looked handsomer in the picturesque garb which she was wont to wear, or in this apparel made after the most recent Parisian fashion. The superb figure of Indora, with all its richness of contour and the admirable modelling of its limbs, gave its own shape, as it were, to whatsoever costume she chose to adopt, and hers was a beauty so far transcending all the advantages which feminine charms are wont to derive from the toilet that it indeed mattered but little what fashion or style she followed. The corsage of an English dress could not set off the grandeur of the bust more completely than the Oriental caftan, nor the Parisian bonnet impart additional splendour to the dark glory of her hair. In her new costume, unattended and alone, the Princess Indora entered the post-chaise; and on leaving the villa, all the instructions she gave to the postilions were that she CONNICLOO© SS (f(0)