The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

LETTICE RODNEY 7 deficient in any of the becoming qualities for the social position which she occupied. As Christian passed Mr. Stanhope and the duchess, he raised his hat, and her Grace bestowed upon him a kind word and a friendly smile. While continuing his way, he felt more than ever rejoiced that accident should have rendered him instrumental in discovering the diabolical plots which were in existence against the peace of mind of this amiable lady, and he had such confidence in the wisdom and determi- nation of Clement Redcliffe that he had no doubt as to the complete discomfiture of the conspirators. Hastening on- ward, he in a short time reached the turnpike, and at a little distance he beheld Mr. Redcliffe walking slowly along, enveloped in his cloak, and with his hat drawn more than ever over his countenance. After hasty greetings were exchanged, Redcliffe conducted Christian across the fields to a lonely little cottage, inhabited by an elderly couple, and here it appeared that he had taken up his quarters. His lodgings consisted of a small but neat parlour and a bedchamber. The dwelling was altogether secluded, and Redcliffe gave Christian to understand that the elderly couple were not of prying or inquisitve dispositions, and that therefore he had been most fortunate in discovering such a retreat. ‘* And now, my young friend,” he said, ‘‘ what intelligence have you for me?” Christian stated that Mr. Stanhope was at Oaklands, and that he daily walked out with the duchess. He then pro- ceeded to explain how the Duke of Marchmont had made him convey the box to the farmhouse at a late hour on the Thursday night, and how it was left there. Christian also mentioned the circumstance of having seen some shape moving about in the vicinage of the pond during the walk homeward on the occasion referred to. ‘IT perceive,” said Mr. Redcliffe, after having reflected profoundly for upwards of a minute, ‘“‘ that the incident you have just related produced some little sensation of awe upon your mind. But the duke, you tell me, bade you be careful how you yielded to superstitious fears. I also respect that advice, and perhaps I can give it with a clearer con- science than he. Yes, Christian, it was no doubt some way- farer — or midnight wanderer,” added Mr. Redcliffe, slowly, CORNICLOO (CO)