The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 347: what you’re looking at

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

314 THE COURT OF LONDON “To be sure!’”’ observed Emmerson, much bewildered and trembling all over. ‘‘ As you say, it is natural indeed that his lordship’s suspicions should always be awake. But what will be the result of all this? I tremble to think of it. ‘There will be actions for crim. con., exposure, damages, and so forth.’’ ‘“Mr. Emmerson, I am ashamed of you,”’ said Gertrude, with indignation. “ I did not come hither to hear you whine and pine on your own account, but to listen to what you have to say relative to Colonel Malpas.”’ ‘Ah! the villain,’ cried Emmerson, “‘ he has written me a long letter, explaining his position. He says that I have been the means of ruining him by locking him up in gaol, that his creditors have seized all his furniture and plate, and sold off everything at his house, and that his wife has gone back to her relations, who will not do anything for him. He says also that he has four courses left open for adoption: one is to commit suicide, which he does not admire; the second is to stay in prison all his life, which he does not fancy; the third is to go to the Insolvents’ Court, from which he would be certain to be sent back; and the fourth is to turn rogue and rascal in right down earnest, so as to liberate himself in spite of all consequences. This last course is the one he proposes to adopt, and what do you think he means? ”’ ‘TI really cannot tell,’’ answered Gertrude. ‘“‘ Pray ex- plain.” “With all the cool impudence and brazen effrontery imaginable,’’ continued Emmerson, ‘“ he assures me in his letter that unless I choose to liberate him from the King’s Bench he shall send and inform the Countess of Curzon that he will make public all the particulars of his amour with her — ”’ “The villain!’’ ejaculated Gertrude, her whole frame trembling with indignation, for we have already said that she was accustomed to identify herself with the interests of her much-loved mistress. ‘‘ But what could he mean by thus writing to you his threats relative to the countess? Does he suspect that there is anything between her ladyship and yourself? ”’ “I fear so,’ responded Emmerson. “ He is very sharp, as all such rascals are. Remember, since you are acquainted with everything that regards your mistress, 1t was at Mrs. ) GComicboo CS (E(@)