The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 233: what you’re looking at

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

206 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Emanuel behaved in the handsomest manner, relieved the poor father’s feelings to the utmost of his power, and has undertaken to provide for the boy for the rest of his life, — noble trait, that, in the character of Mr. Samuel Emanuel, the great clothier, outfitter for the colonies, army and navy tailor, ete.”’ ‘Yes, sir, these are the best ways of keeping yourself properly before the public,’”’ said Mr. Solomons. ‘But what letter is it that you have got in your hand there,’’ inquired the clothier’s wife, ‘‘ and which you were reading just now? ”’ ‘Oh, it’s nothing, ma’am,” replied Solomons. ‘ Only a long rigmarole from that Mary Wright, you know — ”’ ‘“ Ah! the girl who worked so well, but who was in acon- sumption? ”’ interjected Mrs. Emanuel. ‘‘ And pray what does she want? ”’ ‘“‘Tt’s the old tale, ma’am,’’ answered Solomons. ‘ She declares she has worked herself to death in your service. She is now on her death-bed, without the necessaries of life, and begs and implores that you will — I think she says, for the love of God — send her a few shillings. She gives her address and courts inquiry into her case. Here itis! No. — Redcross Street.”’ ‘Ah! capital tale, no doubt,’’ exclaimed Mr. Emanuel, with flippant coarseness, ‘‘ but not a single penny will she get from us. Take no notice of the letter, Solomons.” ‘“ That is just the course, sir, I intended to adopt. Ah, by the bye, sir, I had nearly forgotten to mention that several of the slop-workers threaten to strike for an advance of wages. The women say they can’t go on making shirts at three-half- pence apiece, finding their own needles and thread.”’ ‘‘ What impudence,” vociferated Mr. Emanuel; “ let them strike and be hanged! There are plenty of others to take their place. Thank God there are thousands and thousands of poor devils of that class ever ready to come forward and fill up gaps. Ah! it’s a blessed country to live in, where the laws keep the labour markets flooded with these pauperized wretches who are glad to work for any pittance. Deuce a bit! no rise in wages. Let them stick to their three-halfpence a shirt or go about their business. Ah! when I think of it. Solomons, write out a check for Malachi Lewis, for those six cases of champagne that came in yesterday.” CORNICLIOOKS (EO)