The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

116 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Christian mingled with the crowd, and looked about to see whether his sister, with Lady Octavian Meredith, was present. He however saw nothing of them, and at length getting wearied of the scene, began to think of departure. He had gained the outskirts of the crowd, when he beheld the Honourable Mr. Stanhope lounging along upon foot; and it was tolerably evident that this gentleman must have lunched well, for it was clear that he was labouring under the effect of copious potations. Not that he was so far intoxicated as to stagger about, but he was much excited, and with an impudent leer was regarding all the good-looking females who happened to come in his way. Christian felt an insuper- able disgust for this man, with the villainy of whose character he was so well acquainted; and as he beheld him rivet his insolent libertine looks upon several females who did not happen to have any male companions, he could scarcely restrain his indignation. All of a sudden he perceived an elegantly dressed young lady hastening along, and looking with a sort of wildness all about, as if she had by accident been separated from the friends who brought her thither, or else as if she were in search of some particular equipage amongst the countless vehicles which were drawn up three deep in the road against the wooden barriers. But now, as she drew nigh and Christian caught a glimpse of her counte- nance, how great was his surprise and joy on recognizing the beautiful Isabella Vincent! He was springing forward to greet her, and to ascertain wherefore she was thus looking confused and dismayed, when he beheld Wilson Stanhope accost her, and he evidently said something impudent, for Isabella flung upon him a look of dignified indignation, though at the same instant her coun- tenance became crimson. This was sufficient, ay, and far more than sufficient, to excite Christian to the extreme of uritation against that treacherous accomplice in the Duke of Marchmont’s foul iniquity. With one bound Christian was upon the spot, and quick as thought Stanhope was levelled with the earth, our young hero’s hand dealing the blow which thus prostrated him. “‘ Heavens, Miss Vincent! ”’ he ejaculated, instantaneously turning toward the young lady; ‘‘ that ruffian dared insult you, as he once insulted my sister.” But Isabella could not speak a word, she was so over- ECORNICLOOOKS.eCyin