The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 155: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XI EDGAR AND CHRISTIAN It was about two o’clock on the following day, and Edgar Beverley was pacing to and fro in his apartment at the Royal Hotel in an agitated and anxious manner. Christian was seated at the table, and every now and then he enjoined his friend to be composed, for that everything would be sure to go right. ‘It is two o'clock,” said Beverley, consulting his watch, “and our friend the mountebank ought to be back by this time.”’ ‘How can we tell in what manner he may be delayed? ”’ asked our hero. “ But what if Laura should not have an opportunity of slipping the note into his hand? ”’ exclaimed the lieutenant, who was conjuring up all kinds of misadventures, and, in ordinary parlance, was actually meeting them half-way, — a weakness which is common and yet natural enough on the part of those who love. But before Christian had time to give him an answer, the door opened, and the friendly mountebank made his appearance. Edgar surveyed him with the intensest anx- lety, but it only lasted for a few instants, inasmuch as the man drew forth a billet which he presented to the lieutenant. ‘“Heaven be thanked!” ejaculated Beverley, and recognizing the handwriting, he pressed the letter to his lips. “You had better withdraw now,” said Christian to the mountebank; ‘“‘ but come back presently, in case there be aught else wherein your services may be rendered available.”’ The juggler retired, and in the meanwhile Edgar Beverley had torn open the precious billet and was deeply absorbed 132 EORMICLIOO KS (E(0)