The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 182: what you’re looking at

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

THE WITNESS 157 that wherever the Hangman might be concealed, he would hear the signal previously concerted for his appearance. While Sir Douglas was lighting the candles, Venetia took a seat upon the sofa and Lady Ernestina placed herself at a little distance. The marquis leaned his elbow on the mantel, and gazed with evident uneasiness upon the baronet, who thus so coolly but yet so appropriately acted as master of the ceremonies in the proceeding which he himself ap- peared to have so strangely got up. “Now, my lord,’’ said the baronet, throwing himself negligently upon the sofa, “ it is time that we should come to an understanding together upon a‘certain subject. This subject is the claim which you assert with regard to Lady Sackville, — a claim which I cannot denominate as one of love, nor which I need particularize at all. Suffice it to say that now, this night and for evermore, must a settle- ment of the matter take place. But how stands the affair? Let us see. Accident has made your lordship acquainted with certain circumstances which Lady Sackville does not wish revealed, whereas your lordship threatens her with a revelation of those circumstances unless she will consent to listen favourably to your overtures. But in me behold the sincere, conscientious, and resolute friend of Lady Sack- ville, — once the friend of your lordship, and still disposed | to continue your lordship’s friend provided we come to an amicable understanding this night.” “And that understanding? ’’ demanded Lord Leveson, impatiently. } “ A treaty of peace,” responded Huntingdon, “as Lady Sackville herself hinted ere now, but with such guarantees for its inviolable maintenance on your lordship’s part — ”’ “And those guarantees? ’’ exclaimed the marquis, in- terrogatively. ‘“ Listen,’’ rejoined the baronet, ‘‘ and a few words will explain them. On the one side, you are acquainted with certain secrets relative to Lady Sackville, and you hold them in terror over her; but, on the other hand, Lady Sackville is acquainted with certain secrets relative to you, and therefore she balances her power against yours. The consequence is, that if you expose Lady Sackville she will expose you, and therefore Lady Sackville and yourself stand upon equal terms.” ) CoORnnicloooks (C(O)