The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 168: what you’re looking at

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

THE LAWYER 145 the dining-room on account of the excitement of the scene. “Who can this be? ” ejaculated Sir John. ‘‘ The present business must be suspended for a moment. I may be wanted — it is possible that it is some one for me. Keep the prisoners in secure custody — And I would advise you, Edgar, to retain a still tongue in your head if you wish me to show you any mercy.” Beverley flung a scornful look upon his uncle, but he made no verbal remark; he felt that he ought to do as much as he possibly could to procure the release of the young friend whose generous services on his behalf had involved him in the present dilemma. Sir John Steward issued from the room, accompanied by Mrs. Oxenden, Edgar and Christian remaining in the custody of the domestics. As the baronet and his female accomplice passed forth into the hall, a footman was just opening the front door and giving admittance to a middle-aged gentleman, from the side-pocket of whose overcoat peeped forth some parch- ments and other deeds. This was Mr. Andrews, the London attorney, whose arrival was not expected until the morrow. He was an active, bustling individual, talked with great volubility, and though really of good manners, was never- theless inclined: to be somewhat too servilely obsequious toward his wealthy clients. He was not exactly an un- principled person; he would not of his own accord perform a dishonest action, but he was what might be termed a sharp practitioner, — doing everything that the law allowed for the side that he espoused, and believing that it was per- fectly consistent with the character of an honourable man to avail himself of whatsoever quirks and chicaneries might be evolved during the course of his professional proceedings. Such was the attorney who now received a hearty welcome from Sir John Steward, and in a few rapidly uttered words Mr. Andrews explained how it was that he had come on the eve of the day when he was expected to arrive. The deeds were all finished, he found that there was a late train, and he thought that he might just as well run down from London at once, instead of waiting until the morrow, as he saw by the tenor of Sir John Steward’s letters that he was anxious to get the business settled as soon as possible. Mr. Andrews was duly complimented by the baronet for EGOMINGIOOKS (CO)