The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

ERNESTINA AND THE PRINCE 137 languid and voluptuously drooping; her eyes were half- veiled by the long lashes beneath which their expression became all the more wanton, and the ripeness and fulness of her shape bespoke a subdued passion as profound and as luxurious as the looks that shone from under the softly drooping lids. It was a very cold, damp, raw October day, with a leaden sky and a misty atmosphere; but the air of the Crimson Drawing-room was warm and perfumed. A cheerful fire blazed in the grate, and the porcelain vases exhaled a de- licious fragrance that stole upon the sense without overpow- ering it. But why, just as the timepiece upon the mantel struck eleven, did Lady Ernestina Dysart assume that studied air of mourniul pensiveness and sensuous languor as she bent toward the harp? Because a carriage had that moment stopped at the front door, and she was at no loss to conjecture who the visitant was. In less than a minute a domestic entered, announcing his Royal Highness the Prince Regent. The man immediately retired, closing the door behind him; but Ernestina retained that pensive attitude, as if she were so profoundly absorbed in her reflections that she heard not the entrance of the prince nor the annunciation of his name. We must here pause for a moment to state that his Royal Highness had called in compliance with Ernestina’s note. He was not aware that he had as yet ever seen this lady, but he had heard much of her beauty, and he was not the man to let pass the opportunity of satisfying himself whether report spoke truly in that respect. Besides, he fancied that her ladyship might have something important to communi- cate from her uncle, the Marquis of Leveson, of whose abrupt departure for the Continent he was already aware. Several reasons therefore induced him, even at some little inconvenience, to comply with the terms of Lady Ernestina Dysart’s note; but now that he was ushered into the room where she was seated, he was somewhat surprised to observe the deep absorption and pensiveness of her attitude. Her back was turned toward him as she sat bending over - the harp. He stood still for a few moments, struck by the dazzling whiteness of her neck and shoulders, the elegant shape of her head, and the flowing outlines of her figure. ECORNICLOO© cS (CO)