The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 126: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XIV THE RIVAL Rao knocked gently, but in a determined manner, and the mysterious lady, opening the door to a little distance, but remaining concealed behind it, said, “Is that you, boy? ”’ : “Tt is, madam,” was the reply; “ and I must speak to you immediately.” “Has anything unpleasant occurred?’’ demanded the Unknown, in an agitated and nervous voice. ‘No, madam, nothing new, at all events,’ responded Rao. “ But you will permit me to enter, as it is of the utmost im- portance I should have a few words with you.’ “ But I am not half-dressed, Rao,’’ said the lady, in a tremulous whisper. ‘It matters not, madam,’’ was the resolute rejoinder; ‘“my business admits of no delay.” ‘‘ Wait one instant, then,’ answered the Unknown, and she closed the door. In about a minute she opened it again, and Rao passed into the chamber, carefully shutting the door behind him. The Unknown, who had now nearly completed her toilet, appeared before him closely veiled and with a shawl thrown negligently over her shoulders, but scarcely concealing the full and swelling globes which gave such rich luxuriance to her splendid bust. ‘“ Now, madam,” said Rao, speaking with an accent of firm decision and casting upon the lady a look that seemed to pentrate her veil and which carried a troubled sensation into | the very inmost recesses of her soul, ‘‘ we have not many minutes to converse, and not a moment to waste in expos- tulation, recrimination, or explanation.”’ 103 COnnNICLOOKS (S©)