The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 130: what you’re looking at

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

THE DUCAL SECRETARY 113 entertwined with an almost irresistible sense of whatsoever was ludicrous in these proceedings, Christian repaired to the secretary’s room; but he found the door locked, and there- fore naturally concluded that his lordship Baron Raggidbak had thus shut himself in to finish his task in peace and quietness. Our young hero accordingly returned to the ante- chamber, which he reached just at the moment the waiter was reappearing to report progress to the two chevaliers in respect to the ducal inexpressibles. Christian therefore over- heard the explanation. Gold-lace, it was represented, was exceedingly dear; and as the broadest stripes had been placed on his Royal Highness’s pantaloons, besides the said pantaloons being reseated, the cost thereof amounted to three guineas, which the tailor, without meaning any disrespect toward the reigning Duke of Maxe-Stolburg-Quotha, would rather see paid before he delivered up the unmentionables. Christian could not help thinking that this was a pretty pickle for a reigning duke to be placed in, and doubtless the two chevaliers thought so likewise. They hastily conferred together in German for a few moments; then the Chevalier Gumbinnen, putting his hand into his pocket, drew forth eighteenpence, while the Chevalier Kadger, imitating his example, displayed threepence three farthings; but as these united sums were very far from making up the requisite amount, the faces of the two chevaliers became exceedingly blank, and their manner singularly bewildered. At this _ crisis Baron Farthenless, the privy purse, appeared upon the scene, and Christian thought that no advent could possibly be more propitious than that of the high functionary who had charge of the ducal exchequer. But, alas! the baron’s name proved to be typical of his condition — namely, farthingless; and no money was therefore forthcoming. Christian — in spite of his resolves not to be fleeced by his German friends — now stepped forward, and addressing himself to the Chevalier Kadger, said, in the most delicate manner, “ I have some change at your disposal.”’ The amount was accordingly produced; the waiter sped off to procure the royal pantaloons, which now quickly made their appearance, after the reigning Duke of Maxe-Stolbure- Quotha had been kept precisely half an hour shivering in the cold for the want of them. Things progressed somewhat more comfortably now; the various toilets were completed, GomiilGaooks (EO)