The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 269: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXVIII THE AMOROUS CONSTABLE Tues clocks at the West End were striking eleven when Mr. Peter Grumley and his man Mobbs stopped at the door of Mrs. Brace’s establishment in Pall Mall. ‘¢ Now I shall say good night to you, old feller,’’ observed the head constable to his factotum, “‘ ’cause I promised to call and let Mrs. Brace know that the young gal had succeeded in escaping. And besides,” added Mr. Grumley, lowering his voice to a significant whisper, “ she’s a uncommon pleasant lady is Mrs. Brace, and I sha’n’t mind a spending half an hour or so with her.” “ Well, I wish you luck, Mr. Grumley,” said Mobbs. “ "We shall meet in the mornin’ at the office. Good night, sir.’ “ Good night,’ repeated Grumley, as he knocked at Mrs. Brace’s door, while Mobbs hurried away to his own abode. The summons of the head constable was almost immed- iately answered by the discreet lady’s-maid, Harriet; and he was forthwith ushered into the parlour where the ‘teilleasis was anxiously awaiting his arrival. Harriet withdrew, and the moment the door closed behind her, Mrs. Brace demanded, in a quick tone, ‘‘ What news? Have you succeeded? ”’ ‘ Everythink as right as a trivet, ma’am,” was the prompt reply; for Mr. Grumley saw that the lady was labouring under considerable suspense. ‘‘ Caroline is at liberty? ”’ she exclaimed. ‘“ Ag free as you and me, ma’am,” rejoined the head con- ~ stable; ‘‘ and as safe too, if so be she has made proper use of the disguise which was provided for her.”’ ‘’ Which she has no doubt done,’”’ observed Mrs. Brace, from whose mind a tremendous weight had been suddenly 239 (GO) ANC 6)(0)() So