The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 119: what you’re looking at

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

100 THE COURT OF LONDON pounds, afterward placing a purse full of gold upon them, ‘here are the six thousand guineas which I have held as treasurer, and which I am prepared to pay into the hands of the fortunate individual who shall prove his right and title to the same, according to the terms of our compact. But I must observe, as your chairman, that I hope our pro- ceedings will be conducted with the utmost good-humour, and that each and all will preserve a calm temper, no matter what may transpire.’’ ‘‘“A bumper to ratify that most judicious sentiment! ”’ exclaimed the dissipated Sir Douglas Huntingdon. ‘‘ And now,” resumed the Marquis of Leveson, when the glasses had been filled and emptied, ‘‘ it becomes my painful duty to ask our young and esteemed friend, Mr. Sackville, whether, as the husband of the lady whose name will have to be mentioned presently, and whose image is doubtless in all our minds, he has any remark to make ere our proceed- ings continue any further? ”’ “For the moment I have only a suggestion to offer,’ replied Horace, speaking in a firm tone; “ which is, that your lordship shall take the names in the order they issued from the ballot, and each shall answer yea or nay, as explanatory of the result of his suit in respect to the lady alluded to.”’ ‘“‘ Be it so,” said the Marquis of Leveson; “ and I think the suggestion is a good one. According to the ballot, the names stood in the following order: Monday, the Earl of Curzon; Tuesday, Sir Douglas Huntingdon; Wednesday, Colonel Malpas; Thursday, the prince regent; Friday, the Marquis of Leveson; Saturday, Mr. Sackville. Accord- ing, then, to this category, I call upon the Earl of Curzon to speak first.’ “T am bound to admit, frankly and candidly,” replied this nobleman, ‘‘ that I experienced no success in the matter alluded to.” “Sir Douglas Huntingdon!” exclaimed the Marquis of Leveson. ‘With equal frankness and candour, I declare that I was as unsuccessful as Lord Curzon,” answered the baronet. ‘“ Colonel Malpas! ”’ exclaimed the marquis. “My lord,” said that individual, rising from his chair, and speaking in a voice which borrowed its calmness from ECORNICLIOO KS (E(0)