The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 364: what you’re looking at

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

THE FIRST ORDEAL 330 “Yes, his lordship had that with him also,’”’ responded Austin. | ‘‘ And what was the inscription upon it? ’’ pursued Lady Bellenden. ‘It gave the year 1743 as the date of the death of the last marquis’s father,’’ was the response. “That will do,” said the marchioness. ‘‘ You may retire, and send in the next witness.’’ Throughout the preceding examination, Lord Montgomery had remained leaning back in his chair, with his arms folded across his breast, and his eyes gazing up toward the ceiling; while Fernanda assumed a lounging posture upon the sofa, and appeared to treat the whole affair with sovereign con- tempt. Austin retired, and forth from the inner room came a very aged woman, but who nevertheless walked with a wonderful agility. “Ah! and Widow Bushman also!” ejaculated the earl, who had turned his head to glance at the new witness. Then instantly resuming his former attitude, he seemed to be intent only on contemplating the chandelier which was suspended from the ceiling. “ Do you know this gentleman and lady?”’ demanded Laura; “ and if so, what can you tell me about them?” “I know Earl Montgomery and Lady Holderness, late the Honourable Miss Fernanda Aylmer,” replied the crone. “Three months ago Lady Holderness came all in a hurry to my cottage near Congleton, and ordered me to prepare to receive the earl and two men who would arrive within the ensuing twenty-four hours. She likewise bade me go into Congleton and purchase a couple of trunks, each of which was to be filled with a quantity of apparel suitable for working men about to emigrate. This I did, and her lady- ship went away. Next morning at daybreak the earl and two men came. The latter were the most murderous-looking villains I ever saw; but their appearance was a little im- proved when they had shaved, washed, and put on their new clothes.”’ “While the earl and the two men were at your cottage,”’ asked Lady Bellenden, ‘‘ did you commit any oversight of which you have a recollection? ”’ ““T remember addressing the earl as ‘ My lord,’ ”’ replied CORNNICLOOKS (E(©)