The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 105: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER VIII THE REUNION OF THE PARTY OF SIX A FORTNIGHT had elapsed since the marriage of Horace Sackville and Venetia Trelawney; and in the evening of the 10th of October (for, after Byron’s example, we like to be particular in dates) all was bustle and activity at the house of Colonel Malpas in Great Marlborough Street. The dining-room was brilliantly lighted; the table was laid for six persons, the sideboard exhibited a splendid dessert in crystal dishes, and the culinary process below- stairs gave promise of a luxurious banquet. At about a quarter to six o’clock Colonel Malpas, dressed in full evening costume, descended from his chamber and cast an approving eye over the arrangements in the dining- room. Everything was to his perfect satisfaction; and his butler received due acknowledgments for the taste displayed in the preliminary details of the entertainment. “It does you infinite credit, Plumpstead,’”’ said the colonel, ‘‘ very great credit indeed. By the bye, how much am I indebted to you, my good fellow? ” ‘““Only two years and a half’s wages, at forty guineas a year, sir,” was the response; but though Mr. Plumpstead courteously introduced the word only, it must by no means be fancied that he was well pleased at the existence of these long arrears. ‘Ah! that’s a hundred guineas, Plumpstead,”’ said the colonel. ‘‘ Well, I shall settle with you to-morrow, you may rely upon it.” ‘“‘T hope you will not forget it, sir,’’ replied the butler, with a low bow. Then, as his master left the room, he muttered to himself, ‘‘ The cheating scoundrel! I don’t believe I shall ever see the colour of my money. I can take 89 COMNNICOOO (GO) m