The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 158: what you’re looking at

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

MR. RIGDEN’S OFFICE 131 refreshment, together with writing materials. Her orders being obeyed, she wrote two brief letters; one was addressed. to the Marchioness of Bellenden, Bellenden Priory, Edgeware Road, and the other to the chief magistrate at Bow Street. She then went out again, put her letters into the nearest post-office box, and returned to the coffee-house. Here she ordered a bed for the night; and on being shown to a cham- ber, she at once retired to rest. At about ten o’clock on the following morning, Caroline Walters, disguised in her midshipman’ s apparel, called at Mr. Rigden’s place of business in Featherstone Buildings. On entering the outer office, she inquired whether the attor- ney was within; and the head clerk, turning to a youth who was busily engaged in copying some deed, said, “ Alfred, go and tell the governor that a young naval gentleman wants to see him if he’s disengaged.” “You know, sir,’ replied the youth, who was a pale, sickly, but interesting and intelligent lad of about seventeen or eighteen, and who addressed his superior in a tone of the deepest respect, ‘“‘ you know, sir, that Mr. Rigden is very busily engaged this morning, and has given orders that he will not be disturbed.” “Ah! I recollect,” said the principal clerk, in a musing tone. ‘“‘ He’s preparing instructions for counsel in that affair of Woodfall versus Florimel.”’ ‘Indeed, sir!’’ ejaculated Alfred, with a sudden start; and Caroline observed that the youth’s countenance, which was naturally pale, flushed with a glow of animation. “ Yes,”’ continued the head clerk, not noticing that change which had thus struck the attention of the disguised young woman, “‘ Mr. Rigden is deep in that case, and a very im- portant one it is too. I do not therefore believe he will see anybody, unless it is on very particular business.” ‘“ My business is very particular,” said Caroline. “ Please to obtain me an immediate interview with your master,”’ she added, speaking to the youth. Alfred looked at the head clerk, who nodded his assent; and the boy stepped into Mr. Rigden’s private office. He reappeared in a few moments and desired Caroline Walters to enter the sanctum. This invitation she immediately obeyed, closing the door behind her; and when the seeming midshipman stood in the presence of the lawyer, the latter GomilGcaooks (C(O)