The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 335: what you’re looking at

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

304 REYNOLDS’ WORKS observed, ‘‘ But why do you speak as if your sister only was comfortably situated, and you were not? Is it because you feel your present position to be a mere temporary one? ”’ “Yes, sir, for that and another reason — ”’ But then Christian stopped short, sorry even that he had said so much. ‘Has the Duke of Marchmont cause to be dissatisfied with you? Has he given you notice to leave him? ”’ ‘Oh, no, sir,’’ exclaimed Christian, speaking with a sort of ardour, in the consciousness that he was giving complete satisfaction to his ducal employer, and that the tenure of his office depended entirely upon himself. ‘Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your situation? ” said Mr. Redcliffe inquiringly, and Christian perceived that his dark eyes were fixed keenly upon him. ‘Frankly speaking, sir,’’ responded the youth, ‘‘ I am not well pleased with the post which I occupy, and though for a time I may keep it — ”’ But here again he stopped suddenly short, as the idea flashed to him that possibly Mr. Redcliffe might be ac- quainted with the duke, in which case it would be the height of imprudence for him (Christian) to enter into any expla- nations with regard to the point whereon he had begun to touch. ‘You need not be afraid to speak frankly and candidly to me,’”’ observed Redcliffe, who seemed at once to fathom the motive of the youth’s hesitation. ‘‘I have not the slightest acquaintance with the Duke of Marchmont, and even if it were otherwise, I should not betray anything that you might in confidence reveal to me. I experience an in- terest in you, and if you think fit to regard me as a friend, you shall find me deserving of the title. If I remember right I have learned that you and your sister are twins, and that you are orphans; your own words just now gave me to understand that you are both dependent on yourselves for your support. In this case you may need the advice of a friend, even if at the moment you require no more substan- tial succour, but both should be cheerfully given by me.” Christian expressed his gratitude for these assurances, and he experienced a profound pleasure at thus becoming the object of proffered friendship on the part of one whose character he already so much admired. CORNICLIOOKS (EO)