The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 312: what you’re looking at

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

THE FOUR SIRENS 281 “ Yes, and you know,” interjected Madame Angelique, eagerly, ‘‘ I was to give you a hundred a year, and I am sure, Mr. Shadbolt — But perhaps you have got bad news? Perhaps something else has turned up? ”’ ‘““ Well, ma’am, I am sorry to say that such is the case,” rejoined the officer. ‘‘ There isn’t a more delicate-minded man in all the world than honest Ike Shadbolt, or one who has more regard for a lady’s feelings; I am as tender as a chicken in that respect But there’s persons higher in authority than even Ike Shadbolt.”’ ‘“T understand,” said Madame Angelique, with a shudder. ‘‘ You mean the commissioners of police? ”’ ‘““ Well, ma’am, I did just allude to those gentlemen,” answered the detective. ‘‘ Now, the long and short of the matter is, they have received another intimation about your house — ”’ “Oh, Mr. Shadbolt,” cried the Frenchwoman, wringing her hands in despair, “‘ I offered to wall up the unfortunate door, or to give up my business in respect to the young ladies, and attend only to the millinery — or even — But you told me so positively that I need do nothing of the sort.”’ ‘And I only told you, ma’am,” interrupted Shadbolt, “what I thought at the time. But circumstances may alter, and they have altered. Immediately after my former visit, I reported to the commissioners that you had faithfully prom- ised to do all you have just been saying, and they appeared satisfied. I thought that it would all end pleasantly, that they would leave the matter in my hands, and that as long as I made no additional report, they would take it for granted I was keeping a lookout on you, and you were doing all that was necessary. But behold you! this afternoon I was sum- moned to Scotland Yard, — that’s the office of the commis- sioners, you know, — and was desired to see how you were getting on, but without holding the slightest communication with you. Now, don’t flurry yourself, ma’am — you’ll see I’m acting a friendly part toward you; but the truth is, the commissioners have been in private communication with the parochial authorities, and — and — these authorities are go- ing to —to— prosecute you. So I’m come to get evi- dence — ”’ , A half-stifled shriek came from the lips of the wretched Frenchwoman, and as she fell back in her chair as if she were EOMINIGIOOKS (CO)