The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 239: what you’re looking at

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

212 REYNOLDS’ WORKS the window of that ground floor room you used latterly to occupy in the old earl’s time, and I shall have no difficulty in finding my way to where you will receive me with open arms. Or, what will be better still, you can shift your quarters back to that room and save me a world of trouble. Take care, my lady, that you follow my injunctions and do exactly as I bid, or else — ”’ The villainous valet threw a look of dark and menacing significancy upon the countess, who had some difficulty in so far subduing the sense of loathing and abhorrence which she felt toward that man as to be enabled to give him a calm response in accordance with all he demanded at her hands, and he issued from the room. Between this time and the dinner-hour Adolphus and the countess had no opportunity of exchanging a word in private together. When the dinner was over, Mr. Slater and Adolphus adjourned to the library, where they deliberated upon the plan which they had in view for the complete detection of Makepeace; for it is scarcely necessary to inform the reader that the tale of so much im- portant business being in hand that would extend deep into thenight was a mere pretext, having two purposes to serve, — the first to prevent Makepeace from suspiciously regarding the lawyer’s presence at the mansion, and the second to afford Ethel an excuse for breaking her appointment with that same infamous person. The twilight was deepening into the shades of night when Adolphus issued from the library, and sought the grounds. for the purpose of cooling his brain, which was fevered and excited by the incidents that were now in progress. He had not been in the garden many minutes before he encountered Ethel, for she had come forth to walk for the very same pur- pose. She now told Adolphus all that had taken place be- tween herself and Makepeace during the hour which preceded dinner; for though Mr. Slater had been made acquainted with every detail of the valet’s insolent hopes and intentions, yet the topic was too delicate a one for the countess to touch upon in that gentleman’s presence. ‘‘ Everything progresses well,” said Adolphus. ‘‘ Make- peace is entirely off his guard, — or, rather, he is lulled into the utmost security. But, ah, what sound was that? ”’ ‘Hush! ” said Ethel, in a low voice. ‘‘ Let us listen.” They stopped short, and it appeared to them as if they ECORMICLIOOKS (E(0)