Agnes: A Tale of the Streets — page 196: what you’re looking at

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

AQNKS; OR, RUAUTY AND PLEASURE 145 back in your teeth, offer to prove to gou that tie sum thus alludod to is forthcoming at any moment.” “When FT came hither, my lord, according to your appointment,” said the Minister of Iinance, in his cool, quiet, business-like way, “ methought it was to behold the entiro sum in apecic ia your strong box. Now it is this piece of paper! You have uot even mentioned the name of tho lady in the body of the draft " “There are no marriage-settlements, my Jord,” interjected Ramorino impatiently, “But I aw growing tired of all this—and TF would fain bring the present dusipess to a conclusion. Behold, thero- fore! — hero is the marriage-ccrtificate ! —- and J believe, my lord, you will acknowledge that Kloronce possesses no lady moro wealthy than the Ma-shioness di Mirano.” The Minister of Finance started slightly for a moment; then he flung a singular look upon his No. 71.—AGNE6. ae colleague: thon he glanced over the marriage. certificate which had been placed in his hands; and at length he said, “I cannot congratulate your Excellency on the step which you have thus taken: but I am really almost inclined to con- dole with you on if.” “If this bo something more of an evil naturo that is in storo for me,’’ muttered Ramorino to himeelf, “I shall go: fairly mad !” “What aro you saying, my lord ?” inquired the Minister of Finance, with a malignant sneer upon his lips. “I was wondering, my lord,” rejoined Ramorino, assuming an air that was perfectly calm and col- lected, “ whether you would make good the senso of that speech which was thrown out in aspersion of the’character of tho lady who has become my wife ; or whether you intend to provoke me to extremes ?” “If by stating those plain truths which are Vou. 1. COMmicoooks C©