The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 146: what you’re looking at

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

UNPLEASANT VISITORS 127 “Thank your ladyship for that acknowledgment,” said the officer. ‘Be seated, Mr. Sampson,’’ continued Ernestina, affably motioning toward a chair, but principally exhibiting this courtesy in order to gain sufficient time to enable Daniel Coffin to effect a safe retreat from the house; then, as she herself took a seat, she said, ‘ And now, Mr. Sampson, you can explain the purpose of your visit.”’ As Ernestina spoke, she affected a profound mournfulness; and now she held her handkerchief to her face as if to conceal her tears on account of her husband, but really to veil the emotion which she might experience in case Sampson ad- dressed her upon any unpleasant topic. And it was well that she took this precaution; for the very first words which he proceeded to utter in explanation of his visit sent the blood with an ice-chill to her heart and made her entire form thrill with horror and alarm. ‘Your ladyship is probably aware that in the month of June last Sir Archibald Malvern, a baronet living in Hanover Square, disappeared suddenly and in a most mysterious manner. His son, Mr. Valentine, — or Sir Valentine, as he ought perhaps to be called, — entrusted to me the duty of making all possible researches to ascertain the fate of his parent; but my proceedings and inquiries in the matter have hitherto proved completely abortive. This evening, however, an incident has transpired which seems to throw a glimmer of light, faint and feeble, it is true, upon the occurrence.” “But how can this possibly regard me, Mr. Sampson? ”’ inquired Ernestina, anxious to be relieved from the tortures of an excruciating suspense; and removing her handkerchief from her face, she threw a hurried glance upon him; then, perceiving that there was nothing ominous in his looks nor manner, she felt her courage revive. “It does not regard your ladyship,’’ was the answer; “but it may regard Mr. Dysart.” “Good heavens! surely you would not attribute to him the perpetration of such a crime!’’ exclaimed Ernestina. “Is he not sufficiently crushed — ”’ ‘Pardon me, my lady,” interrupted Sampson; ‘ but no suspicion of the sort has been excited with respect to your ladyship’s husband. Grant me a few minutes, and I will explain myself. I must inform your ladyship, in the strictest } COUN (A) LOOKS (CO)