The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 152: what you’re looking at

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

MRS. OXENDEN 129 inquired Mrs. Oxenden, impatiently, “ since the final consent has just been given? ”’ ‘ Ah! my recommendation that the old negress should be placed in attendance upon her doubtless went for something,”’ observed Sir John, with a complacent air. “ It was a sort of terrorism which mingled usefully with your arguments and with my attentions; so, you perceive, there was a blend- ing of influences under which the sweet girl could not help yielding. Well, as you say, the final consent is given, and I am satisfied. But now we come to the point. I want you to understand that I have done all this with my eyes open, and that I have not been led into it by any intrigues or designs on your part. I wanted a wife, and you have found me one. It has saved me a world of trouble in respect to courtship; and besides, I might have travelled all over England without finding a young creature so completely to my taste. Then, as to the bargain which was settled be- tween us, it was clear and specific enough, and shall be faith- fully kept. You are to receive ten thousand pounds as a sort of acknowledgment for having conducted the affair with delicacy and success, I am to settle three thousand a year upon your sister, — and all these things shall be done. I have, moreover, promised to make my will in her favour so far as the residue of my property is concerned, and that like- wise will I do. My attorney will be here by the first train the day after to-morrow. That will be at noon, and every- thing shall be at once settled. But again I tell you that you must not run away with the idea you are dealing with an old dotard.”’ ‘““For shame, Sir John, to impute such a thing to me, or to pay so ill a compliment to your own self! ’’ and there was a most artfully devised commingling of apparent vexation and complimentary cajolery in Mrs. Oxenden’s look and manner as well as in her words. “Now, are you sure,” asked the baronet, ‘‘ that Edgar Beverley could not possibly get upon your track when you left Brighton? ”’ “ Totally impossible,’’ answered Mrs. Oxenden, ‘‘ the pre- cautions which I took were so well arranged. But why did you ask the question? What fear can you entertain con- cerning him? You have it in your power to disinherit him; he cannot therefore assume a menacing or dictatorial atti- CORnNICLOOOKS (CO)