The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 304: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXII THE BARONET AND THE ROYAL MAIDEN WE must take a temporary leave of Mrs. Brace, inasmuch as before we can continue the thread of her adventures there is an episode of interest and importance which must be duly woven into our narrative. The scene shifts to the environs of Windsor, where Sir Richard Stamford was occupying furnished apartments in a comfortable but secluded dwelling kept by a worthy old couple who never troubled themselves about other people’s business. There were no other lodgers in the house; and thus the baronet not only enjoyed the retirement which was so necessary to tranquillize a mind that had passed through so much torturing excitement, but he was likewise free from any of that episonage or impertinent observation which any peculiarity of habits usually entails upon the individual who establishes his quarters in a provincial town. It was about noon on the day following that fearful night the incidents of which have occupied the preceding chapter; and Sir Richard Stamford was seated in the parlour at his lodging, busily engaged in the perusal of some letters which he had just received from his solicitor at Aylesbury. The contents appeared to give him satisfaction; and it was even with an expression of mingled joy and triumph upon his countenance that he glanced from time to time at the totals presented by two long columns of figures on a balance- sheet that lay spread out before him. In the midst of this occupation he was interrupted by a gentle knock at the door of his apartment; and having desired the individual to enter, he sprang from his seat with an ejaculation of mingled delight and astonishment on be- holding the Princess Amelia. 270 COMmiclooolksS.