The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 168: what you’re looking at

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

150 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘‘ T might perhaps let you into the real secret of my hopes on the point we are discussing.”’ ‘Do not mind me,” observed Ernestina. ‘‘ Speak candidly and openly to his Royal Highness, whatever you may have to say;’’ and she walked toward the end of the room, still, however, remaining within ear-shot, as the chamber has already been described as of narrow dimensions. ‘Well, then, since I am to speak out, I will,” continued Daniel Coffin, fully convinced, in his own mind, that all this questioning did not arise from mere curiosity alone on the part of the prince, but was connected with the topic of his recently whispered colloquy with Ernestina, whatever that topic might have been. ‘“‘ The fact is, your Royal Highness, Mr. Dysart will have to figure at Tuckup Fair next Monday week, if so be your Royal Highness doesn’t mean to let him off. And, somehow or another, a little bird whispers in my ears that you won’t let him off — ”’ ‘‘ Ah!” cried the prince, and the ejaculation was echoed, but in a lower tone, by Lady Ernestina Dysart. ‘‘ What makes you assume that, fellow? ’’ he demanded, sternly. ‘Oh, simply because I see your Royal Highness and her ladyship on such very comfortable terms together,” replied the Hangman. “ Coming into this pleasant range of apart- ments, for instance, very likely to take a peep into yonder gallery, and, at all events, whispering together, exchanging sly glances, and seeming on such capital terms, that a hus- band is better out of the way in such a case.”’ As Coffin thus spoke, Ernestina turned aside her coun- tenance, that was crimsoning with mingled indignation and shame; but it did not strike her that it was her own fault if the ruffian thus were enabled to allude with coarse flip- pancy to her amour with the prince. As for her royal paramour himself, he was, for a moment, inclined to give way to his anger at the fellow’s remarks; but, perceiving that any display of wrath would be alike useless and ridicu- lous, he bit his lip and held his peace. “So, you observe,” continued the Hangman, “ that I’m rather a far-seeing covey, after my own fashion; and to return to what I was saying, I’m now in hope that, if so be Mr. Dysart should be tucked up next Monday week, I may have the opportunity of getting a free pardon, and going home all comfortable again to my crib in Fleet Lane, where EONNIE DOO KS (E(O) m