The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 343: what you’re looking at

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

312 THE COURT OF LONDON honour, how completely I throw myself upon your goodness, and how implicitly I confide in your discretion. But the world says you are giddy, dissipated, reckless — ”’ “By Heaven! Veuetia,’’ exclaimed the baronet, whose countenance had been rapidly lighting up with the most enthusiastic joy while the lady was speaking, “ think you that I am capable of allowing any act of madness or deed of folly on my part to entail injury upon you? No, by the living God! I could forswear wine, pleasure, recreation, ay, even the most innocent amusement, if I read disapproval in a word or look of thine. Besides, a man must be the basest of the base and the vilest of the vile who would not do anything, — even to the making of the largest sacrifices, —1in order to merit the confidence of such a being as thou art.” “Thank you, oh, thank you, Douglas, for these assur- ances,’ said Venetia, in that delicious voice which sank low, deep, and melodious into the very depths of the soul. ‘‘ And now learn that where I give my confidence I also bestow my love; and this love, then, as well as that confidence I accord unto thee.”’ “ Oh, it is for me — it is for me to express my thanks, my illimitable gratitude, dearest, dearest Venetia! ’’ exclaimed Sir Douglas Huntingdon, again seizing her hand and pressing it to his lips; then as she bent toward him, her very look and attitude encouraged him to venture further still, and snatch- ing her in his arms, he covered her lips, her cheeks, and her forehead with kisses. Gently disengaging herself from his embrace after lingering in it a few moments, — sufficiently long, indeed, to convince him that she resented not this liberty which he had taken, and that he might hope in due time for the crowning favours of her love, — Venetia said, ‘‘ I will now impart to thee that great secret which I have promised to reveal.’’ Then, after a brief pause, during which she reflected profoundly, she said, ‘‘ Go and unlock the ebon cabinet behind that screen, and bring me forth the jewel-case which you will find therein.’’ Thus speaking, she placed a key in the baronet’s hand, and he at once proceeded to execute her instructions. The lock being low down in the door of the cabinet, he had to stoop even to his knees in order to introduce the key, the screen rendering that nook of the boudoir comparatively CONMIE OOO KS (Q) (E(0)