The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 314: what you’re looking at

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

THE FOUR SIRENS 283 “Did you not tell me the last time you were here,”’ in- quired Madame Angelique, quickly, ‘‘ that the information was given to the commissioners by an Indian lady — ”’ “‘ Tf I did, then I was drunk,” interrupted Shadbolt. ‘“ Ah! by the bye, I do recollect now that you pressed me upon the point. You had got some crotchet in your head, and per- haps I thought it best at the time to leave you in the dark, — or more likely still, I was really in total ignorance myself — ”’ “ Then it is not the Lady Indora who is persecuting me? ” exclaimed the Frenchwoman, eagerly. ‘‘T don’t believe the lady you speak of has anything to do in the business,” interjected Shadbolt. ‘‘ The truth is, a lawyer in Bedford Row, Holborn, one Coleman by name, but who has a private house in this parish, is at the bottom of the whole affair; and from all I can learn, he has addressed the commissioners most seriously on the subject. Indeed, there’s no use disguising the fact, he says he is employed for a wealthy client of his who also lives in the parish, but who chooses to keep in the background.”’ “Mr. Coleman, a solicitor? ”’ said Madame Angelique, mu- sing reflectively. ‘‘I never heard of him. But then it is true, gentlemen often come to my house under feigned names.” ‘“ And gather a great many particulars,’’ added Mr. Shad- bolt, significantly. ‘‘ Now, you see, ma’am, I am dealing candidly with you. The truth is, the commissioners know that you are not very particular how you entice young girls away from their homes, or even have them carried off by force. They also know that a certain Lettice Rodney who was tried at Liverpool belonged to your establishment — ”’ ‘“‘Good heavens! ”’ ejaculated Madame Angelique. ‘“ They know too,’’ continued Shadbolt, ‘‘ that at the time when she got into all her troubles she was going to Ireland on your business, — to wheedle back a certain Eveleen O’Brien — ”’ ‘Then Lettice must have betrayed everything! ”’ cried the Frenchwoman, bitterly. ‘““T can’t say who betrayed it,’’ proceeded Shadbolt; “‘ all I know is, that this is the information given to the commis- sioners by Mr. Coleman the lawyer. But there’s more still to come. It is known you have agents in different parts of the country to look out for young girls and pick them up for your customers who may themselves reside in the country. CORNICLOO© cS (CO)