The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 204: what you’re looking at

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

. \ | i : ‘d ” \ ; oe y ¢ a j |, , CF oe j ' rs : 4 i ' j , ' ‘ Af M Fy | Mi Bia Py ' ry a » F, i . “ ; & | rm td Pe ai , | el) oe a a of : « igs “ Fs r. ‘| - " , Jj 7 | ait i j HJ Cl) at eet Hal ?: | a which denoted an utter disregard for expense. Sir Frederick was indeed immensely rich; and the sum of money which such an entertainment as this might cost him, was an insignificant outlay when considered in reference to his means. The brilliant saloons were soon crowded with guests,—amongst whom were what might be termed the aristocracy of the commercial world, as well as a considerable assemblage of members of the patrician aristocracy itself. Lord and Lady Fordwich were prevented by in- disposition from appearing at this entertainment: but Viscount Rushbrook was there. This noble- man had for the last few days been revolving in his mind a thousand pretexte for making another draw upon the merchant’s purse: but he had as yet failed ‘to hit upon any plan which might rea- sohably account for an application following eo close on the heels of the former one. Nevertheless, cree ren tan SS cee eR THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT 193 tain fifteen hundred or a thousand pounds with the ‘shortest possible delay: for not being himself a Peer, nor even a Member of the House of Com- mons, he was unprotected against arrest; and he knew that there was a warrant out for his appre- hension on account of an unpaid bond which had just fallendue. To be incarcerated would prove his ruin: it would bring all his difficulties to the climax z his creditors-—— most of whom were now kept quiet by promises, or elee were ignorant that he was in London—would flock around him like a nest of hornets. The reader will therefore comprehend that it was a matter of the most vital importance for Lord Rushbrook to procure without delay the wherewith to satisfy the creditor who sought to plunge him into prison. He knew full well that although Anastatia was supplied with ample means for all ber current ex- penses—and that though she might let him have it was absolutely necessary fur the Viscount to ob- | (as indeed she had frequently done) euch a sum as No. 77.—FourtH SExrizs. a co Lf G OVO) (CO Lf