The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 194: what you’re looking at

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

ANOTHER SCENE AT LEVESON HOUSE 169 had concluded, it had settled down into a stern and inflexible resolution. “The prince, you say, intends me to become the bearer of a large sum of money for you next Wednesday night? ”’ and as she spoke, she assumed an air of comparative inditf- ference. “Yes, I have already told you so,” returned the Hang- man. ‘‘ Middle recess, Westminster Bridge, next Wednesday night, at eleven o’clock, punctual to the instant, — that’s the appointment.”’ “And you will be there?’”’ said Ernestina, with a rapid sidelong glance at the man. “Yes, trust me for that,’ he answered. ‘ I should think so, when five hundred guineas are to be got.”’ “You will be there in person?’ repeated Ernestina, evidently with a deepening preoccupation of thought, “and you will not send anybody else? ”’ “No, not I,’”’ ejaculated Daniel Coffin. ‘“‘ But why are you putting all these questions ? ”’ ‘““ Because, because,” faltered Ernestina, the blood again rushing to her cheeks and then leaving them pale as death once more, so that it was evident she was swayed by some powerful emotion, or else perhaps by the sudden apprehen- sion that the resolution which had ere now settled in her mind was suspected by the Hangman. ‘“‘ Because what? ”’ he demanded, impatiently. ‘““ Because,’ she repeated, instantaneously recovering her self-possession, and now speaking with apparent earnestness and without hesitation, ‘‘ because if we are to meet that night, in the way you have described, you can in mercy accord me a delay until then, so that I may bring my mind to reflect with less aversion upon the sacrifice you demand.” “Ah!” ejaculated Coffin, ‘‘ I understand your ladyship’s tricks. You think to induce me to leave you now, and then you will trust either to the chapter of accidents or to the cooling down of my desires to save you from what I am now seeking? But I don’t mean to be trifled with in this manner. Mine you shall be to-night, by fair means if you will, if not, by foul.” And as he thus spoke, Daniel Coffin advanced toward Ernestina, his eyes flaming with lascivious passion. “Stand back!” she cried, suddenly armed with the ) CoOnniclooolks (C(O)