The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 366: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXVI THE DUKE Ir was evening, — the evening of the day which followed the incidents of the memorable night depicted in the pre- vious chapter, and Madame Angelique was seated as usual in her elegantly furnished apartment, when the Duke of Marchmont was announced. She had little expected to see him so soon, but she rose from her seat with the conviction that she might congratulate him on his success with the Oriental lady, when she stopped short on beholding the extraordinary expression of his countenance. It was pale and careworn; there was a restless trouble in the eyes, and it was also evident that he had been drinking. ‘“‘ What in Heaven’s name is the matter, my lord?” she asked, seized with consternation lest she herself should become involved in some dilemma with respect to the machinations which she had now no doubt had resulted in failure. “‘ Perdition take me, and everybody as well as everything else,” said the duke, flinging himself upon a seat. ‘‘ Give me a glass of wine. No, a tumbler. Fill it up to the brim; spare not your champagne.” “But, my lord, do tell me,’’ said Madame Angelique, her countenance turning so deadly pale that the rouge sat like plastered patches upon it, “ do tell me — ” “ The wine, I say,’”’ ejaculated Marchmont, fiercely. With trembling hands Madame Angelique filled a tumbler with champagne, and the duke tossed it off at a draught. “There,” he said, endeavouring to force himself to laugh with an air of gaiety, “now I am cheered. It is astonishing what admirable effects are produced by wine — delicious wine.” 344 GoOmiGcidooksico