The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 118: what you’re looking at

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

THE BANQUET 99 ajar,’’ inquired Venetia, ‘so that I may overhear what takes place within? ”’ “Certainly, ma’am,”’ responded Plumpstead. “ Be so good as to remain here quite quiet; there’s no fear of any one coming out of the dining-room, and if any of the other servants should see you in the hall, they won’t say a word. I’ve given them a hint upon the subject.” Thus speaking, Plumpstead cast a glance upon the hall table in search of some object which should furnish a pretext for entering the dining-room; and taking up a crystal jug, filled with water, he threw his napkin half-round it in the true butler-fashion, and carried it in. As he placed it upon the table, Colonel Malpas said, ‘“ You need not come in any more until I ring.” ‘Very good, sir,’ replied Plumpstead; and he paused for a few instants to open a large screen and draw it around the door, apparently to keep out the draught, but in reality to hide the door itself. Then, issuing from the room, he caused the door to sound as if it were being shut, whereas he left it ajar. Captain Tash, Venetia, and Robin were thus enabled to overhear in the hall whatever took place in the dining-room. The critical moment had now arrived for Colonel Malpas to carry out the daring scheme which he had concocted; and when it became evident that he was about to rise and speak, the looks of his guests were fixed upon him with an expression of intense interest. Tossing off a bumper of port, he rose and said, ‘‘ May it please your Royal Highness, and you, my lords and gentlemen, it would ill become me to act as chairman or president at a meeting in which I am about to perform a somewhat prominent part. I therefore suggest that our esteemed treasurer, the Marquis of Leveson, shall preside over our proceedings.”’ “A very excellent suggestion,’ observed the prince regent. ‘‘ Of course you all agree. Good! Come, take the chair, Leveson.”’ Colonel Malpas accordingly resigned his seat at the head of the table to the marquis, and took the one which this nobleman had hitherto occupied next to the prince regent. “Now,” said Lord Leveson, as he drew forth his pocket- book and counted down six bank-notes, each for a thousand CONNICLOOO @) <S (CO)