The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 142: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. nis chair. ‘You ought to be precious glad to see me again: but instead of that, you want to get rid of me for the sake of some trumpery folks who're conriug to swill tea and coffee and devour muffina Well, I aban’t force my company upon you much longer, as T see it’s disagreeable So, if you'll give me a drop of brandy, or anything short that you can lay your hand on at the moment, I'll take myself off” The reader can imagine the horrified foclings which bad raged within the bosom of the elegant milliner from the firet moment of the ruffian’s en- trance,—the bare thought that all hi detestable vul- garity and loathsome familiarity were exhibited in the hearing of the most polished gentleman in Europe, being quite sufficient to overwhelm and crash her. But, in addition to this, she entertained the appalling dread that he would give utterance to something which might reveal to the ears of the Prince a secret she would sooner die than have betrayed. It “aes with an indescribable sensation of T 129 relief that she heard him inftmate his readinces te depart ;— and, springing from her chair with the lightness of a hoyden nymph, she took from a cup- board a silver liqueur-stand, containing crystal de- canters filled with spirits and cordials, and surrounded by beautifally cut glasses, “You haven't got a tumbler handy—have yon f* inquired the Magsman, likewise rising from his seat; “for I'm not accustomed to drink thimble-fulls at a time.’ The milliner produced a large hock-glass, which the fellow filled to the brim with brandy ; and, raising it to his lipe, he said, with a leering look at the lady, “Your health—or rayther, my love ta you, Fanny— and may you be in a better humour when I favour you with a cal] next time.” Mra. Brace reseated herself—for a faintness came over her, as the man called her by her Christian name: but she shook off the oppressive sensation by the time he had finished his fiery draught, which he comicbooks.conn