The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

LETTICE RODNEY 11 means to augment her hoards. Though handsome, yet if closely regarded, it would be seen that she had a certain decision of look indicating much of her real disposition, and which at times became sinister in its aspect. If ever a fashionable rake or a patrician libertine, seizing an oppor- tunity, ventured to pat her cheek, her eyes would flame up and her countenance would express a savage fierceness, and if an improper overture were whispered in her ear, she would unhesitatingly reward the individual with the soundest box that his own ear had ever received. She was too selfish in her disposition to entertain any real affection for her mis- tress, and too independent in character to simulate that which her heart did not feel. At the same time she was perfectly respectful in her conduct, as well as assiduous in her duties, and as the natural amiability of Lavinia prompted her to be kind and indulgent toward her dependents, Amy Sutton’s temper was never put to the test by a word or look on the part of her mistress. Thus it was not difficult for Amy to conceal from her Grace whatsoever was rugged, worldly-minded, or sinister in her constitution, while her honesty, her unim- peachable character, and her regularity in performing her duties rendered her more or less a favourite with her Grace. It must here be observed that the Duchess of Marchmont, though of such high rank, was not one of those fine ladies who cannot do a single thing for themselves, and who require every detail of the toilet — morning, noon, evening, and night — to be performed by the hands of female attendants. Her Grace, on the contrary, dispensed as much as possible with the attentions of her maids on these points, and only invoked their aid for such services as she could not very well render unto herself. All this the duke of course well knew, and he was therefore aware that when his wife retired for the night, she very speedily dismissed the attendant hand- maid whose turn it was to be upon duty, preferring to dis- apparel herself and arrange her hair with her own hands. The duchess had sought her chamber about half an hour previous to the introduction of Lettice Rodney into the mansion. It was Amy Sutton’s turn to attend upon her Grace, and, as usual, she was dismissed for the night a few minutes after accompanying Lavinia to her chamber. March- mont had watched from the end of the corridor — himself remaining unseen — until Amy quitted her Grace’s room CORNICLOO (CO)