The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 237: what you’re looking at

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

206 THE COURT OF LONDON “Many, and all most important, my dear Richard,” replied the marchioness, who was evidently accustomed to this familiarity with her two confidential domestics. ‘‘ Ina word, I have found out the places where Montgomery and his hired rufhans halted on two occasions, and you must start off presently and take the necessary steps to make these discoveries available and useful in case of need. One place is a cottage two miles from hence, on the road to Malden Farm; it is kept by an old couple named Austin. The other place is also a cottage, but about fifty miles distant, — in fact, close by Congleton. The woman who keeps it is called Widow Bushman, and she is related to the Austins.” ‘“ And what about the man who opened the vault for Montgomery’s agents? ”’ said the footman, inquiringly. ‘Ah! what about him?’ echoed the female depend- ent. “Now, do not be impatient, Richard, nor you either, Margaret,’ said Lady Bellenden, in a tone of good-humoured chiding, ‘‘ and you shall both know everything in time. The stone-mason’s name is Chapman, and he lives in the village. I shall get you, Margaret, to see him while I visit the church; and you must not be sparing of gold in order to win him over to my interests. The evidence he can give would no doubt be important.”’ | ‘“ Depend upon it, my love,” said Margaret, in a tone of earnest assurance, “‘ nothing shall be wanting on my part to forward your interests.”’ ‘ And I know you will believe me, Laura, when I say the same thing,’’ observed Richard. ‘“‘ But when do you wish me to visit these Austins who dwell in the neighbourhood, and that Widow Bushman who resides near Congleton? ” ‘IT wish you to start off at once, Richard,’’ replied the marchioness. ‘“‘ You can doubtless procure a vehicle of some sort — ”’ ; ‘‘ Give yourself no concern on that head, my dear Laura,”’ said the footman; ‘“‘ I shall find some means of conveyance. Tell me where and when I am to rejoin you, and I shall be off.”’ “You will either find me or hear of me at Malden Farm,”’ returned the lady. ‘ If I quit that place before you reach it, I will leave a letter for you. Have you plenty of money in your purse? ”’ EoOmicsdooks (E(0)