The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

76. THE COURT OF LONDON “The excitement of gambling is killing you,’’ observed Mrs. Brace, coldly. ‘“Ah! you say that because I have made some tolerably heavy drains upon your purse lately, or rather our purse,’’ exclaimed Frederick; ‘‘ for we are as good as man and wife, although you won’t have the nutpial knot tied. But, how- ever, that doesn’t matter much, seeing that we live together just the same as if ten thousand parsons had spoken what they call the marriage blessing. Now, my dear, when I first insisted upon our entering on this pleasant and agreeable understanding together, you prated a great deal about such a step being the ruin of your establishment — ”’ ‘“T told you, Frederick,” interposed Mrs. Brace, with some , degree of warmth, “ that if you persisted in placing yourself on terms of equality with me and becoming the master of the house, the business would be injured in every way. And my words have come true. All my rich patrons have deserted the establishment in St. James’s Square, and day after day the custom of the millinery department is falling off.” — “Is it indeed, though?” exclaimed Dray. ‘““T have already assured you more than once that such is the fact,’’ returned Mrs. Brace. ‘‘ Well, perhaps you have,” said the man, now resuming his wonted manner of careless indifference; ‘‘ but I don’t recollect everything unpleasant you tell me. As for how the business in either establishment can fall off, I really don’t understand; because none of the patrons of the accommoda- tion house in the square could possibly have supposed that you were immaculate, especially as most of them have no doubt enjoyed your favours at one time or another; and why the fashionable demireps who used to frequent the shop and show-rooms should leave you because you now live openly with a lover instead of conducting your little amours on the sly, I can’t understand either.”’ “Tf I were to explain the matter to you, Frederick,” said Mrs. Brace, ‘‘ you would only be offended, and then we should have one of those violent scenes to which you so readily give way and which have not been the most insignificant causes of the wretchedness that is crushing me.” ‘‘?Pon my soul I won’t say an angry word if you'll explain yourself,’ observed the ex-footman. ‘‘ Somehow or another CONNIE NOOO KS (E(0)