The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 261: what you’re looking at

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

258 THE COURT OF LONDON secrecy,’ said the prince. ‘‘ How can you even prevent your husband, Sir John Lade, from knowing it? ”’ ‘Leave that to me,” returned the Amazon. “If your Royal Highness shall think fit to embrace the proposal, I will undertake to bring the Marquis de Saint Croix hither to-morrow, at any specified hour. <A bond can be already prepared, blanks being left for the names of iender and borrower and the amount to be thus advanced, and all can be settled in a few minutes.” “IT cannot possibly refuse so excellent an offer, my dear huntress,’” answered the prince. ‘“‘ We will say at one o'clock to-morrow; there will, then, be plenty of time to forward the fifteen thousand pounds to Foster, as he is not compelled to make his payment before three.” This matter being so far settled to the satisfaction of his Royal Highness, the conversation turned upon other topics, and the wine circulated freely, — Lady Letitia by no means sparing the light vintage of France. At midnight the prince desired Tim Meagles to unlock the door communicating with the anteroom; and Germain almost immediately made his appearance, followed by two footmen bearing the supper-trays. When the table was spread, and the two subordinate lackeys had retired, Germain said to the prince, “ May it please your Royal Highness, a very obtrusive person called about an hour ago, and insisted upon obtaining an interview with your Royal Highness.”’ “Did he give his name?’’ demanded the prince, his countenance flushing with indignation. ‘He announced himself as a Mr. Foster,’’ was the reply. “ But knowing that your Royal Highness was engaged, I would not on any account permit him to enter farther than the hall.’ ‘“Did the porters overhear anything that he said, Ger- main? ’’ inquired George. “It was in consequence of a species of altercation which took place between him and them, that I was summoned to the hall, may it please your Royal Highness.”’ “ And what — what did the insolent fellow dare to say in the hearing of my menials? ’’ demanded the prince, now stammering with the excitement and irritability that were gaining upon him. } ECORNIE DOO KS (E(©) m