The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 182: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XVIII EVIL TIDINGS WHILE the prince was thus yielding to his gloomy reflec- tions, Germain, the French valet, stole gently into the apartment and advanced on tiptoe toward the couch to ascertain whether his master was awake. Then, perceiving that the royal eyes were wide open, the dependent bowed and stood in an attitude which showed that he was desirous of being permitted to speak. “Well, what is it, Germain?’”’ demanded the prince, impatiently, for he was very far from being in the best possible humour. “May it please your Royal Highness,” said the vaiet, “Mrs. Brace solicits an immediate interview on the most important business. She wishes to know whether your Royal Highness will deign to visit her, or whether it is the royal command that she shall wait upon your Royal High- ness.” ‘“‘ Then the business is decidedly urgent, eh?” exclaimed the prince. “ Well, let Mrs. Brace come to me by the secret staircase as soon as possible; and in the meantime I shall get up.” Germain bowed and retired; but, having despatched the message to the milliner, he hastened back to the royal apartment to assist at the toilet of his master. The prince, however, only dressed himself in a loose déshabillé; and by the time this was done, Mrs. Brace made her appearance. Germain then retired, and the heir apparent was left alone with the milliner. | “ Oh, what a terrible calamity has occurred! ” exclaimed Mrs. Brace, at once giving vent to the expression of that profound trouble which agitated her. 156 COMIC OOO