The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 146: what you’re looking at

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

DUCAL RECEPTIONS 123 ‘Tt is perfectly true,” replied Mr. Armytage, accentuating his words into the significancy of a reproach, “ that your Grace seldom condescends to appear at my parties, and it is unfortunate that on several occasions for the last two or three years, when I solicited your Grace’s presence, you always had prior engagements.’’ “Well, Armytage, that was not my fault, you know,” responded Marchmont. ‘“‘ But about Miss Zoe? You were speaking of her. She is a very beautiful girl — ” “And I flatter myself, my lord,’’ interjected Armytage, ‘“‘ that she is well brought up. I have spared no expense on her education and accomplishments.”’ ‘I recollect that she plays and sings admirably,” said the duke. ‘“ But now, pray come to the purpose.”’ ““T will explain myself in as few words as possible,’’ con- tinued Mr. Armytage. ‘“‘ Your Grace is aware that my poor wife, Zoe’s mother, died when she was young, and it therefore devolved upon me to superintend my daughter’s training and rearing. I am therefore proud of her, not merely as the personification of feminine beauty and ac- complishments, but likewise as a specimen of my own good taste. I mean that the developments of her intellect do credit to the presiding influence — ”’ ‘““ Really, Armytage, you might leave others to sing your praises,’ interrupted the duke, somewhat impatiently. ““ What in the devil’s name is the use of your talking all this nonsense to me? Let it be taken for granted that your daughter is all you represent, and now tell me what service I can render you, for it 1s a service, I see plainly enough, that you have come to ask.”’ ‘““ My lord, I am solicitous for the welfare of my beloved and only child,’’ returned Armytage. ‘“ To speak the truth - with frankness, I have given the most brilliant parties ever since she came out, in the hope of procuring for her a suitable alliance. Several young noblemen are happy enough to feast themselves at my table and to flirt in my drawing- rooms, but, my lord, as yet not one — ”’ “Has paid his suit to your daughter,” said the duke, anticipating his visitor’s meaning. ‘“‘ But what would you have me do? You don’t for a minute imagine that I have it in my power to find a patrician husband for your daughter? ”” Com (-) LOOKS (C(O)