The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

THE INTRUDERS 19 manded his Royal Highness, who had stamped his foot with vexation when the red-haired young woman’s words showed that he was recognized by the intruders. ‘“‘ You want money, doubtless? Well, I will give you a few guineas — ”’ ‘“No, we want to have a conversation with your Royal Highness on very particular business,’’ interrupted the Gallows’ Widow. “With me? and to-night? Impossible! ”’ ejaculated the prince, glancing toward the bed, on which Pauline Clarendon still lay steeped in unconsciousness. ‘“'We mean with you, and we also mean to-night,” said the Gallows’ Widow, in her quiet but resolute tone. ‘‘ In plain terms, our presence here just at the very moment when you thought of being happy,” — and she flung a significant look toward Pauline, — ‘‘is not a mere accident. It is altogether a planned and prearranged thing.” “What! has that scoundrel Page been playing me false? ”’ cried the prince, now trembling for the safety of the other secrets of which the ex-bagman was the depositary. ‘ By Heaven! I will be signally avenged for this! ” ‘““Nonsense!’’ exclaimed Carrotty Poll, petulantly. “‘ Page has got nothing at all to do with it. On the contrary, he and his wife are safely and securely locked in the parlour down-stairs, and their own servant-girl is mounting cuard over them with a horse-pistol. So your Royal Highness perceives that all proper precautions have been taken.” ‘‘ But once more, who are you? And what do you want? ” demanded the heir apparent, every instant becoming more and more troubled by the mysterious words and self- sufficient manner of these intruders. ‘“‘ T’ll speak fust, most illustrious prince,” said the Kinchin- Grand, taking off his hat with mock ceremony. ‘“ Know, then, that I’m a sort of prince in my way: that is, I’m captain of as jolly a pack of juvenile rogues and rascals, prostitutes and thieves, as ever was met together in this blessed country. They call me the Kinchin-Grand; and I’m wery much at the service of your Royal Highness, if you ever want anything done in my way.” “Enough, sir!’ ejaculated the prince, turning from the young reprobate in loathing and disgust. ‘‘ Now, my good women, who are you? And what do you require of me? COnnNICLOOOKS (S©)