The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 304: what you’re looking at

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

MATRIMONIAL STORMS 271 no longer excited, fear not to speak. What discoveries have you made? What proofs have you obtained? ”’ ‘“ Happening to glance, my lord, over Emmerson’s cheque- book,’’ continued Theodore, ‘‘ I was struck by observing on the counterfoil the name of Lady Curzon for several sums of considerable amount — ”’ “Ah! she has had much money lately,’’ exclaimed the earl, the mystery now suddenly being cleared up, ‘‘ but she told me she had it from her sisters. Go on, what next? ”’ ‘“ Considering that this was somewhat strange, inasmuch as I knew that your lordship had also obtained loans from Mr. Emmerson, my curiosity was piqued; and on minutely examining the contents of a private drawer in Emmerson’s desk, which I opened by a skeleton key, for you perceive, my lord, that I am systematic, persevering, and methodical in following up my vengeance — ”’ ‘““ Yes, yes,” said the earl, impatiently. ‘ But what found you in the secret drawer? ”’ ‘‘ A letter, my lord, from Lady Curzon to Mr. Emmerson,”’ answered Theodore; ‘‘ a letter the contents of which leave no doubt as to — ”’ ‘““Go on, go on; you hesitate? ”’ -“ Qh, it is natural to hesitate when about to assure a husband of his wife’s infamy. And now, my lord,” added Varian, “‘ | cannot speak more plainly.” ‘“Heavens! then I am indeed dishonoured,” said the earl, in a deep and ominous voice, while his cheek blanched, his brows became corrugated, and his hands clenched involun- tarily. ‘‘ But that letter — what said it? Where is it? Have you brought it? ” “No, I have not, my lord,’’ replied Varian. “I dared not abstract it; for if 1t were missed, the whole current of Emmerson’s suspicions would be turned upon me. But that the contents of that letter are damnatory enough, your lord- ship may judge when [ tell you that allusion is made therein to the meetings of the countess and Mr. Emmerson at an infamous house in Soho Square.” | ‘““ Mrs. Gale’s! I know it well,’”’ exclaimed the earl. ‘‘ But is it possible that my wife has abandoned herself to that erovelling muck-worm, that base-born money-grubber? ”’ “It is possible, it is true, my lord,’’ returned Theodore, impressively. ‘“‘ But the reason that I have come to you ) (C(O) Gomicbooks