The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 262: what you’re looking at

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

240 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘‘ ALGERNON: — Your sister Ernestina is very, very ill, and she conjures you to lose not a moment in coming straight to Albemarle Street to see her. Whatever occupations you may have in hand must be immediately abandoned, nor must you pause on the road for any purpose whatsoever. Travel day and night, I beseech you, or you may not behold Ernestina alive. ‘Your uncle, ** LEVESON. “To the Lord Algernon Cavendish.” The marquis made a duplicate copy of this letter, and having sealed them both, directed them, not with the name of Lord Algernon Cavendish, but by the assumed one which his nephew had taken. By the time the despatches were thus prepared, the lady’s-maid returned again with the intimation that Brockman and John were in readiness, and the marquis descended to the hall to give them the requisite instructions and also the funds for their journey. The post- chaise and four was in waiting, and soon after ten o’clock did the messengers take their departure. Lord Leveson now ascended once more to his niece’s chamber, whither the nurse had returned during his tempo- rary absence; but again he dismissed both this woman and the maid for a little while, telling them he would sit for another half-hour with Lady Ernestina. Accordingly, when again alone with his niece, he said all he could think of to tranquillize her mind and cheer her spirits. Thus did the half-hour elapse, and he was about to bid her good night and summon her attendants, when the door was gently opened, and as the nobleman looked to see who was entering, he gave vent to a sudden ejaculation of mingled rage and horror on beholding the hideous countenance of the Hang- man. comicloooks (© im