His Grace — page 238: what you’re looking at

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

22) HIS GRACE. This was indeed a pleasing prospect. Was Ito be asked to knock Mr. Paul Gascoigne, M. P., down and sit on his head while Hurstbourne rifled: his pockets? Anyhow, I thought I had better accompany him, not as an aggressor but as a peacemaker, and accordingly I made no further protest. The doors of the spacious mansion in Park Lane which had served several successive Dukes of Hurst- bourne as a London residence, and where Paul Gas- coigne now dwelt all by himself, were thrown open to re- ceive us, and we were conducted across a waste of faded Turkey carpet to a somewhat sombre study, in which the eminent legislator was discovered seated at his writing-table and apparently immersed in correspon- dence. He rose and held out his hand to Hurstbourne (who did not seem to notice it), while he honored me with a bow of faintly surprised recognition. “IT suppose, Arthur,” he began mellifluously, “ you have come in consequence of my letter? JI think it was quite wise of you to come, and I am glad you have done so; but—wouldn’t it be almost better for us to have our little talk without an audience ?” “Mr. Martyn,” replied Hurstbourne, “ has seen your letter and knows all about it. For reasons of my own, I preferred to bring him with me, and anything that you have to say may just as well be said before him as not.” “Pray please yourself,” returned Mr. Gascoigne in _ the same suave accents; “it was on your account not on my own, that I objected, and I have no doubt that you are justified in placing implicit reliance upon Mr. Martyn’s discretion. Since he has seen my letter, it is unnecessary for me to acquaint him with the very com Y = \ shoo <S (E(0) m =)