The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

64 REYNOLDS’ WORKS bargain. However, there is nothing like trying. So here goes.” With these words, Lord Harold jumped up, fetched his writing desk from a side-table, sat down, and penned the following lines upon the best cream-laid paper: ‘“ JERMYN STREET, Monday, Noon. “ My DEAR Mr. Gunruorpe: — I had not an opportunity on Saturday evening of saying all the civil things I ought and meant, but perhaps you will do me the honour of dining with me to-morrow, at hali-past six. We shall be quite alone, with the exception of my very particular friend, Lord Saxondale. ‘“T remain, my dear Mr. Gunthorpe, “Yours very faithfully, ‘“ HAROLD STAUNTON.” ‘Now, what do you think of that? ’’ asked his lordship, as he handed the letter to young Saxondale for his perusal. ‘Nothing can be better,’’ was the-response. ‘“‘ You must give the old boy a capital dinner and plenty of wine, for he looks as 1f he loved good cheer and could take his glass; and then, when we have once got him nicely warmed over the bottle, we will see whether we can’t manage to draw him of a few thousands.” ‘On our joint security,’ added Staunton. “‘ It will be capital. I really do begin to think we are pretty certain to succeed. These trading, money-making people are always ready to worship a lord, and it’s clear that old Gunthorpe wants to get into good society, by bringing those letters of introduction. But how on earth he could have taken up his abode at such an outrageous place as the Bell and Crown is difficult to conceive. However, we will not trouble our- selves on that score, but will despatch the letter at once.” This was accordingly done, and Lord Harold then returned to his bedchamber to dress himself, while young Saxondale yawned over the newspaper. When the toilet of the former was accomplished, they strolled out and repaired to the biliard-rooms, where they played for about an hour. But at length Saxondale, flinging down the cue, declared his hand shook so he could not make another stroke; and though he took two or three glasses of neat brandy to steady it, CONNIE OO KS