The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 156: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRINCE OF WALES 153 repeater set round with brilhants, and, finding that 1t was close upon ten o’clock, he rang a bell by means of a silken cord which hung between the curtains and the wall. A French valet, dressed in plain black, but with the greatest neatness and precision, and whose age was about thirty, instantly answered the summons. “Germain,” said the Prince of Wales, “‘ the morning is very cold — is it not?” “Very cold, your Royal Highness,” answered the de- pendent, who spoke English without the shghtest foreign accent. | ‘Then light the fire,” continued the prince. This command was immediately obeyed, and in a few moments the flames went rushing up the wide-mouthed chimney with a cheerful sound. “Tell me, Germain,’ said George, after a pause, “ was I very particularly drunk last night? Speak candidly now — and without any nonsense.” “Your Royal Highness was certainly not sober,” re- sponded the valet, in a submissive tone. “ Damn the sobriety! ’’ ejaculated the prince, impatiently. ‘I know perfectly well that | was far from sober — but I wish to be informed whether I was helpless or incapable.” “I had the honour of supporting your Royal Highness hither,’’ said Germain. ‘‘ And of putting me into bed — eh? ”’ cried the prince. “I experienced that honour likewise,’ answered the valet. “Then I must have been damnation drunk — and there is no longer any doubt upon the point,” said George. “‘ But this soda-water les disagreeably cold upon my stomach. Give me a little drop of brandy, Germain.”’ This order was obeyed, and the prince swallowed the dram with a relish. ‘Now unlock the door leading to the private staircase,” continued the prince. “‘ I am expecting Mr. Meagles, and he will breakfast with me.” “Your Royal Highness will take breakfast in bed? ”’ observed the valet, interrogatively. “No; I shall rise and have a bath first,’’ was the reply. “But you will not serve up breaktast until eleven, and 1 in the meantime I shall not want you.” Gomilcboo <S (E(@)