The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

THE NOBLE INTIMATES 67 had the appearance of a coffee-grinder, with the bowl to receive whatever was to be ground, and the handle to work the grinding machinery, but instead of having any visible opening for the ground material to run out of, that part of the mill where this opening ought to be was fixed in the pedestal. To complete the description of the several features which the interior of this room presented to the view, we must add that there were three or four bells hanging against the wall, having wires of communication with the various parts of the house, even up to the very roof, in order that those who were on the watch above, below, and outside in the back part of the premises, might be enabled to give timely warning at the first appearance of anything like alarm. There were upwards of a dozen persons around the table, occupied in playing, when Lord Harold and Edmund entered the room. Some of these individuals were sitting as quiet and composedly as 1f engaged in the most matter- of-fact proceeding; others were standing, and these were the feverish and excited players. But of those who were seated, two or three were mere “ decoys,” that is to say, persons actually hired by the proprietor of the place not only for the purpose of always keeping the game going, but likewise of encouraging the unwary and inexperienced to stake their money. This being what is termed “‘ a fashion- able hell,’’ only a certain class of individuals were admitted, namely, those who were known to belong to the wealthy circles; and thus, so far as apparel and outward appearances went, the company were in that sense “ respectable ”’ enough. But if their characters came to be closely scruti- nized and deeply probed, the investigation would doubtless have afforded an additional proof to the thousand and one already existing that the villainy and profligacy which broad- cloth and fine linen cover are far greater than the vice and depravity which lurk beneath fustian or downright rags. Neither Lord Harold Staunton nor Lord Saxondale had much money in their pockets at the time to play with, but still they had a few five-pound notes and sovereigns between them, and these they ventured upon the chances of the game. They had been thus occupied for about half an hour, and had lost the greater portion of what they had put down, when one of the bells suddenly rang furiously. CONNIE DOoOKS (SO)