The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 362: what you’re looking at

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

ANOTHER FIVE THOUSAND GUINEAS — 329 ‘‘T shall never dare look him in the face to ask him such a thing,’’ said Editha, wringing her hands. “Then entrust the matter to me,’’ exclaimed Gertrude. ‘‘ Write his lordship a note, stating that you have the most urgent, the most imperative, and, indeed, the most cruel need for five thousand guineas, and I will take it myself to Carlton House.”’ ‘But suppose that Sackville has not such a sum at his command? ”’ observed Editha. ‘‘'Then he can procure it,’”’ rejoined Gertrude, who never would allow herself to recognize difficulties in her path if she could possibly see beyond them. The Countess of Curzon sat down to her desk and penned a hasty note to Lord Sackville in the sense which Gertrude had suggested, and when it was duly folded and sealed, the indefatigable abigail sallied forth again and betook herself to Carlton House. But here we must leave her for a few minutes, in order to see what was passing within the walls of that palatial residence. It was now verging toward seven o’clock. Venetia was dining téte-d-téte with the prince, and her husband, Lord Sackville, was entertaining Captain Tash also at a téte-d-téte dinner in his own room. The reader will remember how it was that the gallant captain had been led, in the afternoon, to pay his respects to Lord Sackville, and although Horace had no very high opinion of that gentleman, he nevertheless could not help entertaining a grateful remembrance of the manner in which he had come forward to vindicate Venetia against the representations of Colonel Malpas. Lord Sack- ville had therefore received Captain Tash with an appear- ance of cordiality, and luncheon being ordered, the gallant officer became so enamoured of the Madeira and port that he did not offer to move till he had emptied a couple of decant- ers. Just then Horace received a message from Venetia to the effect that the prince wished her to dine alone with him, and not having anything particular to do, he invited Tash to stay and pass the remainder of the day with him. Such a proposal was by no means to be refused, and as Robin had been con- signed to the hospitable care of Lord Sackville’s valet, the gallant officer found himself altogether placed in circum- stances the most congenial to his sense of enjoyment. The reader may be well assured that he did as ample justice to CoOnniclooolkks (C(O)