The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 113: what you’re looking at

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

90 THE COURT OF LONDON duced thither; and we shall now behold her standing all ghastly and trembling in their presence, for she not only knew that they came for the purposes of extortion, but also that her very life was in their hands. ‘Well, ma’am,” said the Kinchin-Grand, the moment she returned to the apartment after arranging with Rao that he was to wait for her in the parlour, ‘‘ you see that these women here insisted on my keeping ’em company; and as I was rayther anxious to have a special introduction to a lady of your fashion and quality, I wasn’t sorry to have sich an opportunity of paying my respects to you.” ‘“ What do you require of me?’ asked Mrs. Brace, in a hollow tone, as she bent her troubled looks first upon Eliza- beth Marks and then upon Carrotty Poll, without taking any notice of their male companion. ‘“T suppose, ma’am, that you can understand the nature of our business,’’ said the Big Beggarman’s daughter. ‘“ We are not accustomed to make calls of ceremony and leave our cards at gentlemen’s or ladies’ houses; but whenever and wherever we do pay visits, it is for a particular purpose.” ‘‘ Did I not recompense you handsomely some time ago? ”’ observed Mrs. Brace, now sinking upon a seat; ‘“‘ and had I not a right to suppose that you would leave me unmo- lested in future? ”’ ‘We won’t argue the point,” said the Gallows’ Widow, coldly; ‘‘ because it is not worth while. But we will at once explain the object of our visit.” ‘* Go on — go on,” exclaimed the milliner, hastily. “ The sooner I know the worst the better. But remember that my death will do you no good —”’ “Who the devil seeks your death, ma’am?”’ demanded the Kinchin-Grand. ‘ For my part, I hope you'll live a thousand years — ”’ | ‘“Cease this jabbering, Bill,’”’ interrupted the Gallows’ Widow, sternly. ‘‘ We brought you with us as a protection, and not to play the part of a parrot.’ ‘A protection?” observed Mrs. Brace. ‘‘ And what made you think that you stood in need of a protection? Were you fearful that I should seek to injure you? ” ‘Well, madam,” replied the Gallows’ Widow, who hated the milliner with a rancorous bitterness, and who was there- fore inwardly rejoiced at being enabled to give vent to words CORNIELIOOKKS (E(0)