The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 152: what you’re looking at

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

THE ROYAL BROTHER AND SISTER © 1381 position. I wish him to be removed from that grade of life where he is constantly liable to be either tempted or neces- sitated to do evil. In a word, I wish that he may have a chance and opportunity given him to retrieve his character and to become an honest member of society.”’ ‘“ But how, in the devil’s name,’’ cried the prince, impa- tiently, ‘‘ am I to accomplish all this? Would you have me send for him, tell him I have heard of his merits, and at once appoint him to the post of valet in my household? Such an idea is ridiculous. He would be coming to my bedchamber in the middle of the night to cut my throat — ” ‘Cruel, heartless brother! ’’ shrieked forth the Princess Sophia, ‘‘ you are speaking of my own son! ”’ ‘‘ And a pretty son, it seems by all accounts, you have allowed him to grow up,’’ retorted the prince, brutally. ‘“Come, come, let us have no more whining, crying, and whimpering on this point. What you have permitted the boy to become so he must remain.” “ Never! ’’ ejaculated the princess, starting from her seat and flinging glances of fiery indignation upon the prince regent. ‘‘ No, by Heaven!” she exclaimed, ‘“‘ I will sooner peril discovery and run the risk of disgrace than allow that boy to remain in the vile companionship to which he has been too long abandoned. My conduct ag a mother has been execrable to a degree, and I swear that some atonement shall be made now. Assist me if you will, and if not, then, disguised in humble apparel, I will myself visit.the abode of infamy and horror where that poor boy now dwells.” “You are mad, Sophia, you are mad!’ exclaimed the prince, in mingled anger and alarm. ‘ Such a proceeding on your part would be attended with the most serious risks; indeed, discovery would be almost inevitable, and if you are once in the power of such a desperate villain as the public executioner,” he added, bitterly, ‘‘ God help you! ’’ “Then, George, dear George,’ said the princess, the excitement of anger suddenly experiencing a complete reaction as she saw the truth of her brother’s reasoning, although she little conjectured how feelingly he spoke relative to the Hangman, “ pray assist me to save this boy from utter, utter ruin. Succour me to rescue him ere it be too late. Conceive, only fancy the horror, the ineffable, illimitable horror, that would seize upon my soul were he to be drawn cConnicloooks (C(O)