The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 354: what you’re looking at

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

328 THE COURT OF LONDON up in my present low spirits,” and he accordingly bade the footman introduce the captain immediately. This command was promptly obeyed, and the gallant officer, who was apparelled in the same remarkable fashion as when we beheld him visiting in his cabriolet at Leveson House, made his appearance. The domestic withdrew, and the prince, giving the captain a cordial welcome, bade him sit down and help himself to wine. “T hope that I see your Royal Highness in a blooming condition,” said the captain, as he deliberately filled a tumbler with port wine to the brim. Then, having drained the glass as quietly and calmly as if its contents had been water, he observed, ‘‘ Pardon me, prince, if I am too familiar, but you look a trifle out of sorts.” ‘“‘ And I feel so, too, Tash,’’ responded his Royal Highness. ‘But before we talk upon any other subject, give me an account of your proceedings.”’ “T have fulfilled your Royal Highness’s instructions to the very letter,” said the captain, ‘‘ and I will now give you ~ the details with the most perfect accuracy. On receiving your Royal Highness’s orders, last week, I proceeded at once to the surgeon’s house in Bridge Street, and requested an immediate interview with the young man bearing the singular name of Jack the Foundling. At first the surgeon told me that no such person was there, but when I whispered in his ear to the effect that I came from your Royal Highness, his manner changed in a moment, he looked significant. enough, and conducted me up-stairs to a nice, comfortable, room, where I was introduced to the young man. The surgeon left us together, and I began speaking to him in the kindest and friendliest way. Indeed, that is my nature, as | am an uncommon good-tempered fellow. I soon saw that the lad took a fancy to me, and we speedily got upon very good terms with each other. I asked him if he had altogether recovered from the effects of his wound, and he said that he had pretty well, though he did not feel so strong as before he had received it, notwithstanding so many months had elapsed. I then represented to him that there was some kind friend in the background who had interested himself on his behalf, and had been paying the surgeon all this time to take care of him and treat him with every possible atten- tion. The lad said that he knew very well the surgeon had. COMmiclooo® S CO