The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 334: what you’re looking at

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

AN ADVISER 303 Marchmont, and in no very comfortable mood reflecting on the scene of the preceding night, when he beheld a tall gentleman approaching. He was enveloped in a cloak, and Christian immediately knew him to be Mr. Redcliffe. The youth was walking slowly in one direction; Redcliffe was advancing as slowly from the other. The latter was evidently absorbed in thought, as was the former. The air was chill; his mantle was closely wrapped around him, the collar reached high up, indeed almost to his cheek-bones, and his hat was drawn somewhat over the upper part of his coun- tenance. He did not at first see Christian, and was about to pass him, but the youth addressed Mr. Redcliffe in cour- teously becoming terms. ‘“‘ Ah, I did not perceive you,” said this gentleman; ‘‘ and I am glad you spoke.” At the same time he proffered the youth his hand. ‘It is a long while since we last met.”’ ‘It is nearly ten weeks, sir,’’ replied Christian. ‘TI recollect,’”’ observed Redcliffe. ‘‘ It was when you and your sister had been performing a generous act of charity toward that poor creature — ”’ ‘‘ Whose rapid pathway to the grave was smoothed by your bounties,’”’ added Christian, who experienced an illim- itable admiration for the character of Mr. Redcliffe. ‘‘ And where are you living now?” inquired this gentle- man, with his characteristic abruptness. ‘“‘How is your amiable sister? I have thought of you both sometimes, and indeed have been going to ask Mrs. Macaulay concerning you, but something has always occurred to put it out of my head.” : ‘‘T am grateful, sir,” answered Christian, “‘ to learn that my sister and myself have enjoyed your consideration. Christina is living with Lady Octavian Meredith — ”’ ‘“‘ Ah, then you no longer dwell together, — you and your sister? ’”’? exclaimed Mr. Redcliffe, now surveying the youth with an increasing interest. ‘“No, sir; circumstances compelled us to separate. We have to earn our own living, but, thank Heaven! my sister is comfortably provided for.”’ “And you? ” asked Redcliffe. ‘“‘I am for the present private secretary to the Duke of Marchmont,”’ responded Christian. “Ah!” ejacutated Mr. Redcliffe, and then he hastily GOMIGIOOKS a (C(O)