The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 234: what you’re looking at

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

WESTMINSTER BRIDGE 209 and I was fearful you might have forgotten that this is the night — ”’ “No, I had not forgotten it,’ interrupted the prince, taking the lady’s hand and pressing it warmly. ‘ But the truth 1s, my dear Ernestina, I have made some other arrangements. Indeed, on maturer reflection, I could not think of allowing you to perform so ignominious a part as to meet that rufhan for the purpose of giving him the money — ”’ “Ah!” ejaculated Ernestina, “‘ then I presume you have entrusted some other messenger with the requisite amount? You are sure you have not neglected it? ”’ ‘“ Not for the world!” cried the prince, anxious to get back to the dinner-table. ‘‘ Everything is arranged, and you have nothing to fear.”’ ‘A thousand thanks for this assurance!’ exclaimed Ernestina. ‘‘ And now farewell. I will not keep you an- other moment away from your guests.” The prince pressed his lips to Ernestina’s, and they separated, his Royal Highness returning to the banquet which he had quitted so reluctantly, and his frail friend issuing forth again from Carlton House. But as, with her veil closely drawn down, she retraced her steps to Albemarle Street, Ernestina said to herself, “ It is all right! My mortal enemy will be there, and opportunity will consequently still serve the resolve I have taken. ’Tis for me to anticipate the messenger whom the prince will send with the money. Yes, the path is clear enough. One bold deed, one energetic act, one tremendous crime, and I am safe! But, ah! better even that crime than live in constant terror of this dreadful man. And, after all, it can be no crime to rid oneself of a mortal enemy. It is merely striking a blow in self-defence.’’ Such were Ernestina’s dreadful musings as she hurriedly retraced her way to Leveson House. At half-past ten o’clock the prince regent, once more muffled up in his ample cloak and wearing the hat with the slouched brims, issued forth from Carlton House, entered St. James’s Palace, and repaired to the apartments of the Princess Sophia. Almost immediately afterward, he came forth again, accompanied by his sister, who was likewise enveloped in a capacious mantle besides wearing a thick veil attached to her bonnet. Clinging to her brother’s arm, © CoOnniclooolkks (C(O)