The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 386: what you’re looking at

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

364 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘““ Well, sir,” she said, aloud, as if in answer to the obser- vation which he had made, ‘‘ I do hope that it will not be a wild-goose chase that I shall have to-morrow morning. And now, sir, as you have got to stay here all night, I am sent to propose that you walk up-stairs and lie down.”’ But as she thus spoke, she gave a slight and just per- ceptible shake of the head, as much as to tell him not to accept her offer. “Thank you, young woman,” he said, aloud, with a look which showed that he not only experienced a full sense of the danger of which she had made him aware, but like- wise the deepest gratitude toward herself, ‘thank you, young woman, I would rather not. Presently, when I feel tired, I will avail myself of the offer.” And while Sir Douglas was thus speaking, in such a manner as perfectly to cover Nell’s whispered accents, she breathed, in the lowest tone, the following words: ‘‘ The door is not fastened — watch your opportunity — seize that knife— and escape!’’ Then, immediately afterward, she said, aloud, and in a calm, placid voice, ‘‘ Would you like anything to eat, sir? We have provisions in the place, and because you are a prisoner for a few hours, there’s no reason why you should be starved.” “No, I thank you, I require nothing,’ responded the baronet; and as he threw a rapid, furtive, sidelong glance toward the three men at the other end of the room, he saw in the sinister signs they were making together a horrible confirmation of the dire alarms which Nell Gibson had excited in his breast. ‘““T wish you good night, sir,”’ she said; and darting upon him another look of intelligence, she turned away. Ascending the staircase to the chamber above, she re- appeared in the presence of the Buttoner, who was paying his respects to the brandy bottle there. ‘Well, gal, I see it’s no use,’ he observed. ‘‘ The swell cove wouldn’t be enticed up here, eh? ” ‘But he doesn’t suspect anything wrong,’’ returned the young woman, with the most perfect composure of countenance. ‘It is quite clear he fancies himself safe enough from danger, and that he will be let loose again to- morrow when I come back with the money.’’ She then sat down by the side of the Buttoner, with an CORNIC OOOKS.EO) m