The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 325: what you’re looking at

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

294 REYNOLDS’ WORKS With these words Marchmont hastened away; but scarcely had he entered the next street, when he beheld Mr. Armytage proceeding slowly a little way in front of him. The duke immediately overtook him, but ere he spoke a word, he caught a sufficient glimpse of his countenance to indicate that the speculator was occupied in no very agreeable re- flections. ‘“T am afraid the world goes not well with you, Travers? ” began the duke. ‘Travers? ’’ echoed Armytage, starting. ‘“‘ How impru- dent you are, my lord.”’ “TI forgot,’ said the duke, “it was indeed imprudent. But is my surmise correct? Does the world still go indiffer- ently with you? I need however scarcely ask,” added his Grace, with a slight accent of vexation, “‘ for you did not keep faith with me, Armytage, though I plainly told you that it would inconvenience me seriously if you were to fail.”’ “And perhaps I have been inconvenienced still more,” said Armytage, gruffly. “It was not altogether well of you,’’ resumed the duke. ‘“‘ Upwards of five weeks have elapsed since you borrowed that last sum of twenty-five thousand pounds, with the as- surance that in a few days you would be enabled to return it, as by taking up certain bills your credit would be good for fifty thousand. Was not that the way in which you put the matter to me? ” ‘““T daresay it was, my lord,’ replied Armytage, in a manner much less respectful than he was wont to observe toward his patrician patron. ‘“‘T suppose that Mr. Coleman — the gentleman whom you mentioned — disappointed you? ”’ proceeded the duke, adopt- ing a more conciliatory tone than at first. “ If it were so, there is certainly some excuse.”’ Armytage continued silent as he walked in seeming moodi- ness by the Duke of Marchmont’s side along the street. ‘“Yes, there would be an excuse,”’ continued his Grace, “and therefore I could make allowances for you. But who is this Mr. Coleman? ”’ ‘A solicitor. Your lordship knows it already,” rejoined Armytage. ‘I have told you so.” ‘‘ And did he fly from his word? ”’ inquired the duke. Again Armytage was silent, but only for a few instants, ) CORMICLIOO KS (E(0)