The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 156: what you’re looking at

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

EDGAR AND CHRISTIAN 133. in its contents. Christian glanced at him for a moment, to assure himself that all was right, and the look which he thus flung led to a satisfactory conclusion, inasmuch as his friend’s countenance was radiant with joy. ‘Yes, my dear Ashton,’ exclaimed Beverley, grasping our hero’s hand, when the perusal of the letter was finished, ‘the hopes you have held out will be realized. Here, read for yourself.”’ _““No,” responded Christian, “a communication of that kind is sacred.”’ ‘But, my dear friend,’”’ rejoined Edgar, quickly, ‘“‘ I have no secrets from you. Besides, should I not be wanting in a proper confidence, — would it not be unkind, ungener- ous — ”’ , ‘“‘ Lovers,” interposed Christian, ‘‘ write to each other in that fond, endearing strain which constitutes the sanctity as well as the charm of their correspondence. I can assure you that I have a delicacy in reading the letter. Pray sit down and tell me all that it is necessary for me to know for the furtherance of the plans in which I am so heartily and so gladly succouring you.” “You shall have your own way,’ answered Beverley. ‘‘ But perhaps you will be surprised that I am thus happy and joyous when I tell you that this very note, which gives me the assurance of my Laura’s unwavering love, and of her readiness to be rescued by me from an odious captivity, likewise acquaints me with the fact that I am nought but a poor lieutenant, who henceforth must look upon himself as having nothing but his pay.” “IT can of course understand,” said Christian, ‘ that if you run away with Miss Hall — whom, by the by, you de- nominated Neville in your history —”’ ‘Because her name is Laura Neville Hall,’’. remarked Edgar. ‘“T was about to say,’ resumed Christian, “ that I can well understand how your uncle will at once stop your allow- ance; but he cannot alienate from you your rightful heritage if he should die without lawful male issue.”’ “Yes, but he has that power,”’ answered Beverley; “ this note conveys to me the fact. Some old document, which a lawyer has just disinterred from amidst dusty, mouldering papers, establishes the right of breaking off the entail. What, GOMINIGIOOKS (CO)