The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

6 THE COURT OF LONDON the venerable Marquis de Saint Croix, seizing him by the hand and pressing it warmly. ‘‘ You also, then, must feel profoundly interested in our cause, as well as your royal patron, the Prince of Wales.”’ “ T will throw myself heart and soul into it,”’ said Mr. Page, affecting the fervour of enthusiasm. ‘“ It is the cause of order against chaos — justice against anarchy. You may com- mand me, my lords, in all respects, — humble an individual though I be.” The Duke of Villebelle and the Marquis de Bellois followed the example of the venerable Saint Croix by offering due acknowledgments to Mr. Page for his seeming devotion to their cause; and then the three nobles began to converse together for a few minutes in their own native language, but not without having previously apologized to their Eng- lish companion for this temporary exclusiveness in the deliberations. “Mr. Page,” at length said the Marquis de Saint Croix, when the discussion in French was brought to a conclusion, ‘“‘ their lordships and myself have come to the determination to solicit, through your medium, a particular favour of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. I have recommended this proceeding in order to convince his Royal Highness of my deep repentance for having persecuted him with demands for the repayment of the amount due to me at a time when the prince was really unable to meet my claim; and the Duke of Villebelle is anxious to afford his Royal Highness a proof of the importance which we attach to his countenance and codperation in the projects now under discussion. In a word, then, Mr. Page, do you think that his Royal Highness would consent to become the guardian of the Duke of Villebelle’s funds, until such time as we may have settled all our plans in La Vendée? ”’ ‘‘ T could not possibly take it upon myself to return a posi- tive answer,’ replied the ex-bagman, shaking his head cravely. ‘‘ But if your lordships be anxious to have the point cleared up without delay, I will hasten to Carlton House at once and endeavour to obtain a few minutes’ audience of his Royal Highness previous to the dinner hour.” This proposal was welcomed with thanks; and Mr. Page immediately took his departure. But instead of repairing to Carlton House at all, he entered the nearest tavern, where CORNIELOOLKKS (E(0)