The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

ROYALTY’S FAVOURITE 107 and at the same time so tastefully fitted up, and seeming in every way so well adapted for the mysteries of love — when Jessica entered to announce that the Earl of Curzon requested an immediate interview with her ladyship. “Ah! he is returned then from France,’ murmured Venetia to herself; and she immediately ordered Jessica to hasten and introduce the nobleman to the boudoir. For upwards of half an hour did the Earl of Curzon remain alone with Venetia in earnest conversation; but relative to the nature of their discourse we need not at present offer any explanations. Suffice it to say, that it was no topic of tender- ness or love which thus engaged their profound attention; and although, when rising to depart, the earl ventured to breathe his hopes that the night of bliss which he had spent in that boudoir was not destined to be the only one, Venetia gave him but a few hurried and vague though apparently tender assurances, and Curzon, snatching a kiss from her delicious lips, took his leave of the beauteous creature. On being again left alone, Lady Sackville sat down to pen a long letter; and scarcely had she concluded it when Jessica once more entered to announce a visitor. This time it was Sir Douglas Huntingdon, and Venetia at once desired the baronet to be admitted to her presence. COMMICOO© SS (C(O)