The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 371: what you’re looking at

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

THE INTENDED HUSBAND 345 he is not one of whose personal appearance you need be ashamed. As for his social position, he already possesses a certain military rank, and here,’ continued the prince, producing a sealed document from his pocket, “is a patent drawn out, conferring upon him the title of a baronet. An appointment, to which is annexed an income of eight hundred a year, is likewise at his service. Thus you per- ceive I am ready to accomplish my part of the bargain with- out delay. I may add that the gentleman to whom I allude is at this moment within the walls of the palace, waiting to be introduced to you. In short, he is in an adjoining room. But now, what guarantee have I that when all these condi- tions are fulfilled fresh demands will not be made upon me, fresh documents of horror produced, and the threatened exposure of fresh secrets held in terror over me? ”’ ‘“‘ Prince,”’ answered Penelope, speaking in a firm tone, and looking him full in the face with a calm dignity of demeanour, “TIT know not what guarantee can possibly be given you in respect to the eventualities to which you allude. But this I solemnly affirm on my own account: all I seek, all I have ever sought, is a position which shall save me from disgrace and poverty. This position your Royal Highness is now about to give me, and I can assure you that mine is not an ungrateful heart. If in every respect your royal word is fulfilled, I would sooner study to do you a service than work you an injury. As for my mother, I believe that her sentiments are precisely the same.” ‘“‘ Penelope has spoken so well, so truly, and so candidly upon the subject,”’ said Mrs. Arbuthnot, “ that I have really nothing to add, unless it be to remind your Royal Highness that should either of us hereafter prove ungrateful, the means of revenge are in your own hands. A word from your Royal Highness to the queen would deprive me of my situa- tion at court, and a stroke of the pen would cancel the gov- ernment situation to be conferred upon Penelope’s husband. Surely, then, these are guarantees sufficient? ”’ ‘¢ Yes, or at least I must consider them sd,” rejoined the prince. ‘‘ But as you have proved so exceedingly suspicious of my good faith, and have even exhibited a disinclination to trust that letter in my hands, you cannot be surprised if I should be equally wary and cautious. There is now one more question I have to ask.” ) (C(O) nn) GDoOo KS { i