The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 338: what you’re looking at

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

MADAME ANGELIQUE’S THREE BILLETS 307 countenance became so elongated at the bare thought that at the moment it could have vied with the length of her bright poker itself. “ Well, my dear sir, I admit the thumping boy was a great nuisance, a very great nuisance. But in this case, with my beautiful, charming Linda, who has only fallen once, there cannot be possibly any such apprehension. If you were just to see her — But what do you think? ” ejaculated the mil- liner, thus suddenly interrupting herself. ‘‘ Old Lord Wen- ham was here just now, and he actually and positively drew me out a cheque for four hundred guineas for this sweet German. And what did I say? ‘No, no, my lord; I have the honour of being acquainted with a gentleman who will give five hundred.’”’ That’s what I said, Mr. Choker.” —“ But you mentioned no name? ”’ said the saint, anxiously. ‘Not for the world!’’ responded Madame Angelique. ** And this dear Linda, who is discretion itself, she will never betray you; but she will go to Exeter Hall when you are to speak, and she will wave the white handkerchief. She will weep, too, at your most pathetic passages, — in fact, she will set an entire benchful of the audience whimpering and sob- bing.” “Oh, bother take Exeter Hall at this present moment! ”’ cried the saint, and his interjection was accompanied by a most unsaintlike oath. ‘‘ You want five hundred guineas for this Linda? Hum! ha! But is she so very beautiful? Is she well formed, stout, luxurious? ”’ ‘‘ A superb bust, my dear Mr. Choker. But come, here are writing materials, draw up the cheque, and I will go and fetch the charming Linda, so that you may arrive at a speedy decision.”’ With these words Madame Angelique quitted the boudoir, and ascended to the chamber of the German girl, who having, like Miss Kglantine, recently dismissed an admirer who regu- larly visited her twice a week, was finishing her toilet by the aid of a female dependent. The maid was dismissed from the room, and Madame Angelique, having intimated her in- tention of retiring into private life, proceeded to address the young lady in the following manner: ‘It is therefore my duty as well as my pleasure, dear _ Linda, to provide for yourself and companions. You know what I have just done for Eglantine, and now it is your turn. CORNICLOO© SS (CO)