The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 395: what you’re looking at

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

360 REYNOLDS’ WORKS You will leave London by the first coach on Wednesday morning, and you will bring the box amongst your own luggage. Put upon it a card with your own name, and when you arrive at Oaklands, let it be taken up, together with your other boxes, to the chamber which will be allotted to you there. Do you understand? ”’ ‘“‘ Perfectly, my lord,’’ responded Christian. “And you will see the necessity of keeping the matter profoundly secret,’’ rejoined the duke, ‘“‘ because, as I tell you, I mean to divert myself a little with the distribution of the presents which the box contains. I know that I can rely on your discretion and fidelity. Mr. Calvert will pro- vide you with the requisite funds for your travelling ex- penses, and you must be sure to arrive at Oaklands in the course of next Wednesday.” Christian bowed, and quitted the library. Sallying forth, he proceeded at once to Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square, and communicated to Mr. Redcliffe everything that had just taken place between himself and the duke. The address of the house at which he had to call was Madame Angel- ique’s, and Christian having purposely passed it by in his walk up to Mrs. Macaulay’s was enabled to report that it was a milliner’s establishment. Neither Redcliffe nor him- self for a moment believed that Marchmont’s explanation of certain intended gifts was otherwise than a pretext for some ulterior design; but what this design might be, young Ashton could not for the life of him conjecture, while Mr. Redcliffe volunteered no surmise. “You must perform exactly, my young friend,” he said, ‘the mission that is entrusted to you, but upon obtaining possession of the box, come direct hither to me before you take it to Marchmont House. I may then tell you how we will act. Besides, it is necessary that I should see you again ere your departure for Oaklands.” Christian promised to fulfil Mr. Redcliffe’s instructions, and took his leave of this gentleman. He stepped into Mrs. Macaulay’s parlour to shake hands with the widow, who bade him be sure and not forget to bring his sister to take a friendly cup of tea with her on the first convenient evening. He was about to depart, when Mrs. Macaulay beckoned him back, and in a tone of mysterious confidence, she said, ‘““ By the bye, I remember I have got a little party on Sat- Gomicbooks (elo)