The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER IX THE KEY UNDER THE MAT Ir was about half-past ten o’clock in the evening, and if we look into the dining-room belonging to the Sackvilles’ suite of apartments at Carlton House, we shall find Lord Sackville himself, the prince regent, and Captain Tash seated at the table drinking curagoa punch and playing cards for heavy stakes. A domestic entered and handed Horace a note, with the whispered intimation that immediate attention was re- quested thereto. Lord Sackville, instantaneously recogniz- ing the handwriting, begged his guests to excuse him while he perused the billet; and when his eyes had hastily scanned it over, he rose from his chair, exclaiming, “ Your Royal Highness must excuse me, — and you also, captain, — but very particular business — ”’ “No doubt of it,’ said the prince, laughing, “‘it is a lady’s handwriting, I'll be bound. Besides, any one could tell that much by the way the elegant little missive was folded.”’ “Yes, and I can scent the fragrance of it from here,’’ said Tash. ‘“ ’Tis perfumed with attar of roses.” ‘“ Be off with you, Horace,” said the prince, still laughing. ‘Tash and [ will continue the game together, for it seems that I have a run of luck this evening, since I have pocketed a cool thousand of your money, Horace.”’ ‘“ Another time you will give me my revenge, sir,’ replied Sackville; then, having intimated that it was very probable he should not return until a late hour, he quitted the room. “ Sackville has an intrigue on hand,’’ observed the prince, as the door closed behind his youthful lord steward; “* have you any idea who the fair one is? ”’ 74 CORNICIOO KS (E(0)