The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 51: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER IV THE UNWELCOME VISITRESS Yrs, it was the infamous woman who kept the fashionable house of resort in Soho Square, that now stood in the presence of Venetia. Our readers will remember that we have de- scribed her as having a matronly air; indeed, she was a woman of what might be termed motherly respectability, one of those kind, good-natured souls who would not tread upon a worm, who make the kindest of aunts and the most indulgent of grandmothers, and are always distributing blankets or giving away soup-tickets amongst the poor. No wonder, then, that Jessica had taken her for “ a respectable gentlewoman,”’ while in reality beneath that pleasing de- meanour was veiled a character of the most depraved and infamous description. | “Yes, my lady, it’s me, Mrs. Gale,” she said, in reply to Venetia’s ejaculation. Then, looking back to assure herself that the door was shut, she advanced toward the brilliant Lady Sackville, observing, with a knowing look, ‘* Ah! I am glad to see you so well off. Many and many a time have I thought of calling, both when you was at Acacia Cottage, and since you have been here at Carlton House, but somehow or another things have always happened to prevent me.”’ ‘‘ And what has brought you here now? ” asked Venetia, in a faint voice, for she could neither appear composed or dignified, nor yet assume any air of fortitude at all, in the presence of that vile old procuress. ‘Why should I come, my dear lady,” said Mrs. Gale, quietly depositing herself upon a chair, though uninvited, ‘“except to have a little bit of chat and also talk about another small matter, — of which, however, more presently. 33 COMMING KS a in