The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 313: what you’re looking at

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

282 REYNOLDS’ WORKS liqueurs, and all those little luxuries which are invariably to be found in a housekeeper’s room in a wealthy mansion. Christian, however, declined the proffered refreshment, for it was still early in the forenoon, and, moreover, his heart was full at being separated from his beloved sister. “ Well, then, Mr. Ashton,” said the dame, ‘‘ let me show you at once to your quarters, and when you have arranged the contents of your boxes, you can report your arrival to the duke.’’ Mrs. Calvert accordingly conducted the young secretary up a back staircase to a chamber, which, though on one of the upper stories, was nevertheless a most comfortable little apartment, looking upon a small garden that there was at the back of the mansion. She then led him along a corridor, down the upper flights of the principal staircase, as far as the first floor, and there she showed him the entrance to the picture-gallery, assuring him that he was perfectly welcome to lounge in there and amuse himself whensoever he might think fit. Descending thence into the entrance- hall, Mrs. Calvert conducted Christian to the library, which was on the ground floor, and the windows of which looked upon the garden. It was a spacious apartment, containing handsome mahogany cases, the shelves of which were crowded with elegantly bound volumes, all protected by glass doors. By the side of the library was a little parlour, | — a narrow slip indeed, — with one window, also looking on the garden, and this was denominated the cabinet, the free use of which was placed at Christian’s disposal. Having thus far initiated him into the geography of the mansion, Mrs. Calvert returned to her own sitting-room, while Christian ascended to his chamber to unpack his boxes and arrange his clothes in the drawers. He then made him- self look as neat as possible, and descending to the entrance- hall, requested a footman to announce his arrival to the duke. In a few minutes Christian was desired to attend his Grace in the library, and thither he accordingly repaired. ‘“ Well,” said Marchmont, with a half-smile, ‘‘ so you made up your mind to come and live in the house? ” ‘“ Your Grace was kind enough to leave me to my own choice in the matter,” replied the youth; ‘“ and having con- sulted with my sister, I called yesterday afternoon — ” “Yes, yes, your message was delivered to me,’ said the GOMiGdooks (E(0)