The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 390: what you’re looking at

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

THE SECRET EXPEDITION Bay | readiness to be fetched at a moment’s warning to attend upon her, that you will consent to be conducted blindfold to the place of destination, that you will remain blindfold within its walls — ”’ ‘““ Unless,”’ said Maravelli, ‘‘ the life of the patient should be in a predicament calculated to set aside all considerations of precaution, in which case I must act according to cir- cumstances.”’ ‘Precisely so,’ observed Mrs. Ranger. ‘‘ But suppose that all goes on well, — as we may hope and trust, — you will then remain blindfold at the house during the short time your services may be required, and you will come away blindfold afterward. Moreover, you pledge yourself most solemnly and most sacredly — as a man and as a gentleman — that whatever may transpire, you will avail yourself of no circumstance to obtain a glimpse of this lady’s counte- nance?.”’ | ‘““ Agreed!’ exclaimed Maravelli, ‘‘ and since you have already given me a right noble fee in anticipation, and have promised me a future recompense on equally liberal terms, I have no wish to prove treacherous.” ‘The next portion of our agreement,’’ continued Mrs. Ranger, “is that the child, should it survive — ” ‘‘ Ah! ” interrupted the doctor, his countenance suddenly assuming a look diabolically sinister, “‘ then it is resolved that the child may live if it can? ” ‘“ Oh, was the contrary ever mooted? ”’ exclaimed Agatha, the horrible comprehension of the man’s meaning flashing to her mind. ‘““ Don’t be silly, my dear,’’ said Mrs. Ranger, impatiently. ‘“* Doctor Maravelli has only treated the matter in a business- like point of view. Besides, on the Continent they are not quite so particular as they are in England. It is therefore agreed,” she continued, ‘‘ that if the child lives it is to be brought hither immediately after its birth, by you, doctor, and to be duly entrusted by you to certain persons of good character, though humble means, who will rear the child tenderly and properly. And in consideration thereof, the said persons are to receive twenty-five louis d’or, annually. Lastly, be it observed that I have already placed in your hands, doctor, a retaining fee of fifty louis d’or, and a further fee of the same amount is to be paid you on the occasion CoOnniclooolks (C(O)