The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 204: what you’re looking at

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

THE TWINS 177 “Tt is a dreadful thing, Christian,’’ she responded mourn- fully, as the tears started into her beautiful dark eyes, ‘“‘ to reflect that lives have possibly been risked, and even lost, by this time, and entirely on my account.” “ But did not Mr. Percival promise that you should be made acquainted with the result?’’ asked the brother; “and depend upon it, that if anything fatal had occurred we should know it by this time. Mr. Percival did not tell you where he resided, I think, — for if he had, I would go and make some inquiry in his neighbourhood.”’ ‘‘ No,” responded Christina, “* he suspected that I purposed to inform the authorities and prevent the duel.’’ “Ah, my dear sister,’’ exclaimed Christian, “‘ it was the first time you ever went out alone during the whole six months we have been in London, and it shall be the last.”’ ‘You were so occupied with your drawing, you know, Christian,’’ answered his sister, ‘‘ that I did not like to take you away from it; and as the Regent’s Park is so near, I thought there was no harm for me to go alone as far as Mr. Preston’s. Besides, you had forgotten that it was the day for receiving our monthly money, and so you were not ready dressed to go out. The hour had arrived when the money was to be called for, and you are aware how severe and particular — indeed, how cross and stern Mr. Preston is, and how particular he was in enjoining us always to come to the very day and to the very hour, otherwise he should be offended.”’ “Well, my dear sister, another time,’ responded Chris- tian, ‘I will be sure to recollect when pay-day comes around, and I will be ready to go out with you to the very hour. But I forgot to ask you, did Mr. Preston prove more com- municative — ”’ “Than on former oceasions?’’ asked Christina. ‘“ No, not at all. He was abrupt and hurried as he always is, — curt enough, without being absolutely rude. I lingered with the intention of asking him a few questions, but he quickly bowed me out, and the servant was in readiness to open the front door.” he AO “ How I dislike all this mystery! ’’ exclaimed Christian, the natural sweetness of his temper being for a moment ruffled by a vexation which may be understood from the EORNICLOOOKS (C(O)