The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 79: what you’re looking at

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

60 REYNOLDS’ WORKS than the preceding ones. The domino then withdrew, walking as steadily as if he had only been drinking water, and not tumbling down dead with apoplexy ere he reached the door, as the astounded butler thought that he assuredly must. He disappeared from the view, and a prolonged sigh emanated from the heart of the miserable butler. It was now about half-past one o’clock, and the company quitted the refreshment-room to return into the other apartments, to hold themselves in readiness for the general un- masking that was shortly to take place. Once more was the butler left in that room with only the attendant domestics. But he could not keep his eyes away from the gilded portals, and though every instant he really expected to behold the reappearance of the unconscionable supper eater, yet he en- deavoured to persuade himself that such an event was beyond the lmits of all human possibility. At length some one did appear, but not the domino; it was Prince Albert. ‘“ Well,”’ said his Royal Highness to the butler, “ has everything gone off well? Have the company enjoyed themselves? ”’ ‘““Admirably, may it please your Royal Highness,” responded the butler, with a profound bow. ‘“T am glad of that,’ said the prince, glancing toward the supper eater. ‘ I am desirous that on such occasions all restraint should be thrown off, and that her Mayjesty’s guests should do ample justice to that which is provided for them.”’ ‘““T can assure your Royal Highness,’’ responded the butler, “‘ that the most ample justice has been done — especially by one — ”’ ‘‘ Ah!” said the prince, ‘‘ I am glad of it.” Then glancing at the butler, he thought he beheld something strange in his look, and he observed, ‘“‘ But about this one to whom you specially alluded? ” ‘“May your Royal Highness forgive me if I am really mad,’’ rejoined the butler, ‘‘ but as I live, there is one guest, wearing a domino, who has eaten three fowls, a pigeon pie, three parts of a perigorde pie, and cleared six dishes of ham and tongue. He has drunk five bottles of champagne, about three of sherry and port, and not less than a couple of dozen glasses of liqueur.’’ ECORNICLIIOOKS (E(0)