The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 337: what you’re looking at

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

306 REYNOLDS’ WORKS good in my place and in my way to put at your dispo- sal? ”’ : ‘“ That is speaking like a true Chris — I mean like a woman of the world,” said Mr. Choker, thus very properly correcting himself. ‘Tt is a long, long time, my dear sir,’”’ continued the mil- liner, “‘ since the light of your countenance shone within my humble habitation; and therefore I thought that I might take the liberty, under peculiar circumstances, of inviting you here on the present occasion.” ‘The truth is,” answered Mr. White Choker, “ that hypo- critical scoundrel, Obadiah Snufflenose, the vice-president of our society, frequents your house, and as he and IJ are at daggers-drawn — ” ‘‘ And yet,’ exclaimed Madame Angelique, with some de- sree of astonishment, ‘‘ I saw the other day a published letter of yours to the gentleman you name, and commencing, ‘ Dearest and best-beloved brother in the good work, Obadiah Snufflenose — ’ ”’ ‘‘T tell you once more,” said Mr. White Choker, with con- siderable asperity, “‘ that we are not sitting in committee upon the distribution of that last new tract addressed to all savoury vessels. But d—vn the vessels! My dear madam, let’s get to business. Why did you send for me?” “Tf you were to hear, Mr. White Choker,’ continued Madame Angelique, “‘ that I have the loveliest German girl beneath this roof, who has only gone astray once — once, upon my honour, and no more — ”’ ‘* Ah, if I thought I could rely upon you,” said Mr. Choker, whose curiosity, as well as a stronger passion, was consider- ably piqued. “‘ But it was not altogether on account of Snufflenose that I have stayed away from your establishment for the last three or four years; it was because that young creature — you remember her well — that you furnished me, with the solemn assurance she was chastity herself, presented me with — a — a — thumping boy four or five months after- ward, and threatened to expose me if I did not provide for the brat. Ah, madam, that was a sad, sad affair — ”’ “ But, my dear friend Mr. Choker,” interrupted Madame Angelique, “‘ we are all liable to error — ”’ ‘‘ But such an error as that, my dear madam! Only con- ceive a thumping boy! ”’ and the white-cravatted gentleman’s CORMIELIOO KS (E(0)