The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 175: what you’re looking at

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

158 THE COURT OF LONDON then summoned Theodore Varian to his presence. The young man entered with an air so perfectly frank and open, and at the same time so respectful, that the bill-broker per- ceived therein the corroboration of all the reflections he had just been making with regard to him, and reseating himself at the table, he said, “‘ Shut the door, Varian. I wish to speak to you for a few minutes.” Theodore did as he was desired, and as he approached the table, he said, “ Two or three persons came inquiring for you just now, sir, but as I knew you were occupied with your letters, I said you were not in at the moment.”’ “Ah!” ejaculated Emmerson, ‘‘ then I suppose you knew they were persons whom I did not wish to see? ’’ and he fixed his eyes steadfastly upon Theodore’s countenance. “I did certainly entertain that impression, sir,’ replied Theodore, totally unabashed and unmoved, indeed, not appearing to observe that his master’s eyes were settled upon him, “ because the persons came for payment of their accounts. But as I know that your resources are all locked up for the moment in your numerous speculations, I took it upon myself to give the answer which I have mentioned.”’ ‘And you have not only done well, but also reasoned correctly,” said Emmerson, with an approving smile. “ In fact, Theodore, you have been long enough in my office and are well enough acquainted with the commercial world, to know that there are times and seasons when even the richest and the most prosperous merchants, traders, and specu- lators are temporarily embarrassed. Such is the case with me at the present moment. I have thousands locked up in ventures which are really no ventures at all, because they are safe as the Bank of England itself; and, moreover, cer- tain remittances which I have been expecting from the Colonies have not yet arrived. The consequence is, that I am somewhat hampered for the present.” ‘ All this 1s precisely what I knew, sir,’’ remarked Varian, with every appearance of the most genuine sincerity, “ for I felt convinced that a gentleman of your intelligence and business habits could not be involved in serious cifficulties.”’ ‘Of course not! The idea would be ridiculous indeed! ”’ exclaimed Emmerson, laughing, but it was a hollow and unnatural laugh, the laugh of desperation. ‘“‘ But I tell you what we had better do, Mr, Varian,’”’ he almost immediately Eomichoo CS my