The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 322: what you’re looking at

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

THE MILLINER AND THE DUKE 291 the first place, I believe that Marion dislikes me, — you re- member I have complained to you of her refusal — ”’ ‘“ Mere coyness on her part, or else artifice and stratagem to render herself all the more acceptable when she might choose to surrender.” ‘‘ But there is another reason,’ exclaimed the duke. “Ts this your friendship? ”’ cried Madame Angelique, with a great show of indignation, and half-starting from her seat. ‘““ Do not be angry, — we were but discussing the point — ”’ ‘““ And it is no longer open for discussion. Take Marion or not, as you think fit,”’ continued the Frenchwoman, “ but if you refuse, I shall know what value to set upon the friendship of your Grace.” Marchmont bit his lip almost till the blood came. Madame Angelique’s look was resolutely decisive, and not daring to quarrel with her, he affected to laugh, saying, ‘‘ Well, well, I suppose, like all ladies, you must have your own way. So let it be the particular beauty whom you have thus allotted to me.”’ ‘““ Be it so; it is settled, my lord,” replied Madame An- gelique. ‘‘ I have not the slightest doubt that Marion, who has been under the protection of an earl, will feel proud in the long run to own the tender friendship of a duke.”’ There was a slight accent of sarcasm in the milliner’s tone, for she was avenging herself, as far as she thought fit, for the conduct of Marchmont in having duped her into becoming the instrument of his own designs, incomprehensible to the Frenchwoman though they were, in respect to Indora. The duke, comprehending Madame Angelique’s meaning, again bit his hp with vexation, but bowing to conceal it, he issued from the room. On leaving the milliner’s house, the Duke of Marchmont walked slowly along the street, plunged in a deep and painful reverie. He had numerous sources of bitter vexation as well as of alarm, and amongst the former the arrangement just made, or rather just enforced, in respect to Marion, was not the least. He knew that she had been the mistress of the Earl of Beltinge, and he by no means relished the idea of taking up with that nobleman’s discarded paramour. The expense of keeping Marion entered not for a moment into his consideration, for he was wealthy enough to gratify any such phantasy if he had the inclination. But even in the sphere ECORNICLOOOKS (CO)