The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 143: what you’re looking at

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

120 REYNOLDS’ WORKS the balcony; and this individual happened to be the bearer of the letter, as indeed he was also the leader of the troupe. ‘“Do you purpose, my good man,” inquired Mrs. Oxenden, ‘to remain in this neighbourhood for a day or two? ”’ ‘Well, ma’am,” replied the fellow, with the ready-witted impudence which, harmless enough, characterizes his class, ‘““we had a particular engagement to be at Canterbury to- morrow, to perform in the presence of the archbishop, his clergy, and all the surrounding nobility and gentry; but if it is your pleasure, ma’am, that we shall attend here again, I’m sure we would put off all the archbishops in the world rather than disappoint you and the young lady.” ‘“In that case,’’ rejoined Mrs. Oxenden, smiling, “* you must come hither again to-morrow at the same hour, and here is your retaining fee.”’ Another silver coin found its way to the hand of the mounte- bank, and he shortly afterward departed with his comrades, —of course including Baron Raggidbak. On their return into the town, the mountebank at once put off his profes- sional costume, dressed himself in his plain clothes, and pro- ceeded to the Royal Hotel, where Edgar Beverley and Chris- tian were anxiously awaiting his arrival. He communicated to them the result of his mission, and gladdened them still more by the intelligence that circumstances were so far fa- vouring their views that his mountebank troupe had actually been engaged to return to perform in front of Verner House on the morrow. The heart of Edgar Beverley was now elate with hope, and fervid indeed were his expressions of gratitude for the counsel and assistance afforded him by our young hero. The mountebank was liberally rewarded, and he took his departure, promising to fulfil his engagement on the morrow, Lieutenant Beverley was careful to keep indoors throughout that day, for fear lest the old baronet or Mrs. Oxenden might happen to pay a visit to Ramsgate and en- counter him in the streets if he were imprudent enough to leave the hotel. Christian kept hinr company for the greater portion of the day, merely issuing out to take a walk for an hour or two; but during his ramble he saw nothing of either Sir John Steward or Mrs. Oxenden. The two young gentle- men dined together in the evening, and the result of the morrow’s proceedings was awaited with some degree of sus- pense, in which, however, hope was predominant. ECORNICLIOOKS (E(0)