The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

242 THE COURT OF LONDON Foster? ’”’ observed Meagles. ‘‘ Give me the address of those harsh creditors, and I will hasten to them without delay.” Rose mentioned the names of Hodson and Morley and their place of business; and Meagles was already about to leave the room, when a thought suddenly struck him. There would be a coroner’s inquest on the bodies, and the name of the prince might transpire in connection with the causes that led to the merchant’s deplorable suicide. Turning toward the young lady, he said, in the kindest tone that he could command, “ But is there no other duty to be performed toward the memory of your deceased father? Must the world become acquainted with the — the — ”’ ‘“T understand you, sir — and, oh, I thank you — sin- cerely thank you!’’ exclaimed Rose, the tears streaming down her cheeks. ‘‘ But is it possible? Can the truth be concealed in this instance? ”’ “Tf you, Miss Foster, can rely upon your servants,” answered Meagles, “‘ I will undertake that neither the coroner nor the parish authorities shall exhibit any impertinent curiosity to pry into a secret which ought to be religiously kept.” The afflicted girl extended her hand to Meagles as a proof of her gratitude for what she concelved to be a generous consideration on his part; and he therefore took his leave, with an intimation that he should return in the evening to report the interview with Hodson and Morley, and to give her any advice which she might require in the distressing circumstances in which she was placed. Accordingly, at the expiration of about three hours, Meagles called again, and was immediately admitted into Miss Foster’s presence. He found her more calm and resigned; and it was a consolation to the poor orphan, even in the depth of such affliction as this, to learn that the debt was paid to the merchants in Wood Street, and that nothing was to be apprehended on the part of the coroner. For the magic influence of the prince’s name had been effectually used by Meagles to ensure silence in that quarter, as well as with the parochial authorities. It was natural that, situated as Rose Foster was, she should receive with attention and gratitude the advice which was now given to her by one whom she already looked upon as a friend sent by Heaven to afford counsel and aid Gomicbooks co