The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 153: what you’re looking at

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

130 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Marchmont, with a laugh. ‘“ Are you really disposed to be serious? Come, shall we have luncheon? A glass of hock and some soda-water will do us good.” ‘“ Not now, I pray you,’’ responded Meredith. ‘‘ Give me the half-hour, and then I am at your bidding.”’ ‘“‘ Be it so, — the half-hour of serious discourse,’ said the duke, and he stretched himself indolently upon the sofa. “Now, Octavian, proceed; I am all attention.” ‘You know, my dear duke,’”’ resumed the young noble- man, “ how I am situated with my father — ”’ ‘Now, I will cut you short at once,” interrupted March- mont. ‘‘ You have temporary need of a sum of money? Tell me without another word how much it is, and my cheque-book 1s at hand.” “No, my dear duke, it is not that,” replied Meredith, his looks expressing his gratitude for the offer. ‘‘ Never- theless, I did come to solicit a favour at your hands. It is that you will use your interest to procure me a diplomatic post. I have an inclination to go abroad — ”’ ‘“‘ Ridiculous, Octavian,’’ exclaimed the duke; ‘“‘ we can- not spare you from amongst our own set. But seriously speaking, my dear friend, I have not the slightest interest with the present Ministry. You know that I belong to the - good old school of Toryism; I always vote against the gov- ernment on principle, and if there were a shoeblack’s situ- ation to be given away, I might vainly ask for even so paltry a post for a nominee of my own.” ‘“T feared that it would be so,” observed Octavian, his handsome countenance becoming deeply overshadowed, and sorrow clouding his clear blue eyes. ‘But what means this sudden resolve on your part? ”’ inquired Marchmont, — ‘“ this anxiety to get abroad? ” ‘You have treated me with so much kindness, I will be frank with you,’ answered Octavian. ‘‘ My means are limited, I am dependent on my father’s caprice, I have no profession, no position, and I long to improve my cir- cumstances in every respect.”’ ‘“‘T understand,” said the duke, ‘‘ and it is natural enough. But, ah, my dear fellow, a thought strikes me! You know I do not flatter, but a young nobleman of your personal appearance, fine intellect, fascinating manners— You should marry.” EORMIELNOO KS (E(0)