The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 249: what you’re looking at

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

220 THE COURT OF LONDON which burst from his lips. On observing Joux, Sellis instan- taneously endeavoured to assume an air of composure, and he began to apologize for his awkwardness in running against him. But Joux saw plainly enough that something had transpired not only to disconcert his fellow page, but to agitate him profoundly. Nevertheless, as Sellis did not volunteer any explanation, but, on the contrary, sought to veil his excited feelings as much as possible, Joux did not think it right to question him upon the subject. In the - midst of the apologies that Sellis was making for his awk- wardness, he suddenly broke off to inquire whither Joux was going. ‘To speak to Neale,’ was the response. ‘ No, you cannot see him; he is engaged,’ exclaimed Sellis, with a strange wildness of look and a most unaccountable abrupt- ness of tone. ‘Come along with me,’ and clutching Joux by the arm, he led him into his lodgings. There he became more composed, or else put on a forced composure, and taking wine and brandy from the cupboard, he invited Joux to help himself. The invalid child was asleep at the time, and Mrs. Sellis joined her husband and Joux in the parlour. Sellis mixed her a little brandy and water, Joux took some liquor also, but Sellis himself abstained entirely, as was his habit. Joux remained there for about an hour, during which interval Sellis seemed to recover his wonted cheerfulness and self-possession, or if not, he at all events concealed his emotions so successfully that his wife failed to observe anything peculiar about him, beyond the anxiety which he expressed on account of his child. ‘Presently the surgeon returned, and pronounced the little invalid to be better, assuring Sellis that there was not the slightest danger. Joux then took his departure, won- dering what could possibly have been the cause of that extraordinary excitement which he had witnessed, and of that singular ejaculation which had burst from the lips of Sellis, when rushing so precipitately along the passage. It was now past eight o’clock in the evening, and Sellis remained with his wife until ten. During this interval he was engaged in reading, and Mrs. Sellis did not observe anything peculiar in his manner. Embracing her and the children with his wonted affection, and observing that he should be up early to ascertain how the invalid little one had passed the night, he withdrew to his own room.”’ Gomichboo cS (E(0)