Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 118: what you’re looking at

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

SIR RICHARD STAMFORD 101 to treat myself té a new one. I accordingly entered the jeweller’s shop at which we were accustomed to deal, and made a selection of a new chain. My invariable custom had been to pay ready money to all tradesmen save those with whom it was convenient to have running accounts for the domestic purposes of the manor; and I accordingly wrote a cheque for the amount of the chain. But as I handed it to the jeweller, I saw that he fidgeted and seemed embarrassed, as if wishing- to say something to which he was nevertheless afraid to give utterance; and I began to question him. Then, with many apologies for troubling me, many excuses for mentioning so delicate a subject, and many expressions of hope that he should not lose mine or her ladyship’s custom, he observed that, having a very large sum to pay in the course of the month, he should feel infinitely obliged if I would settle the account which had been running for the last three years! I was astounded — stupefied. What could the man mean? Whenever Eleanor had fancied any new article of jewelry, I had invariably given her the money to purchase it. How, then, could there be a bill owing? An explanation took place; and, with indescribable feelings of sorrow and amazement, did I learn that Lady Stamford was indebted to the jeweller in the amount of eight hundred pounds! I endeavoured to master my feelings as well as I was able, so as not to suffer the shopkeeper to perceive that my wife had grossly deluded me; and when he opened his books to show me the statement which afforded such terrible evidence of Hleanor’s extravagance, I felt sick at heart on discovering further proofs of her duplicity. For, on examining the items, I found that articles which she had represented to me as having cost twenty guineas were in reality a hundred; and so on throughout the entire category. Still, however, veiling the intense anguish which racked me, I gave a cheque for the amount due, and took my departure. As I was pro- ceeding toward the livery-stables, wrapped up in the most painful meditations, I met the horse-dealer of whom I had purchased the ponies. His countenance had in it some- _ thing so ominous, as he accosted me, that I was struck by his aspect; and no tongue can describe my dismay when he somewhat rudely informed me that my cheque had been dishonoured at the bank. Assuring him that there GOMmiicsdoo cS (C©@)