The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

MRS. BRACE AND MR. GRUMLEY 215 ‘“‘ Because I had the investigation of the affair put into my hands,’”’ answered Grumley; ‘“‘ and in consequence of the understanding which was come to with me at Carlton House this morning, I immediately sent one of my underlings over to the Lambeth authorities to let ’em know that Caroline Walters mustn’t be brought up till to-morrow, as I expected to have the case completely made out against her by that time.”’ ‘‘Then you have taken an ostensibly hostile attitude to- ward her? ”’ exclaimed Mrs. Brace. “How the devil could I do otherwise? ’’ demanded Mr. Grumley. ‘“ Ain’t I the head officer of Bow Street? And must not people in authority maintain at least a show of con- sistency and propriety? But don’t be alarmed, everything will go on as it ought to do, and the lass shall escape to- morrow evening as sure as I’m standing here.”’ ‘‘ And you will give her fifty guineas and tell her to get out of the country as soon as possible,’ said Mrs. Brace. “‘ T’ll not only give her the money, but also a safe disguise into the bargain,’’ returned the constable. ‘‘ Lord bless ye, ma’am, I never do things by halves! But what are you going to do with that sweet young gal there? ’’ inquired Mr. Grum- ley, glancing over his shoulder in the direction of Rose Foster, who was in earnest and whispering discourse with George Woodfall. ‘‘ T shall keep my promise and let her go whithersoever she chooses,” responded the milliner, who was by no means in- clined to run any more risks of exposure and ruin by assisting the designs of the Prince of Wales in respect to the lovely orphan. “That young chap seems to be getting precious tender to- ward her,’ whispered Grumley, again glancing over his shoulder and observing the respectful admiration and soft solicitude with which George Woodfall was contemplating Rose Foster. ‘ P’raps he’s making her a hoffer of marriage.”’ ‘““T wish to Heaven he was,” rejoined Mrs. Brace. ‘ He would then take her so completely off my hands that I should not be compelled to furnish her with any of my own hard- _ earned gold to set her afloat in the world.” ‘ Well, ma’am, I shall say good-bye to you now,” observed Mr. Peter Grumley, “‘ and if you’ll be at home — and alone— to-morrow night between ten and eleven o’clock, I shall take (C(O) ANC 6)(0)(©) So