The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 282: what you’re looking at

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RESPECTABILITY 250 Shadbolt, with a loud, hilarious laugh. ‘‘ That was my idea, and it was I also who found Cartwright to carry out the business.”’ “Yes, there is no denying that the affair was capitally managed,” said Madame Angelique. “ But —”’ “ Ah, Cartwright is a clever fellow, is he not?’ proceeded the visitor. ‘‘ In some respects he beats honest Ike Shad- bolt. Only think of that young fool Augustus Softly marry- ing Armantine, and being so eager to display the certifi- cate to Cartwright the next time he called.” “Well, Armantine is excellently provided for, at least for the present,’ observed Madame Angelique. ‘‘ She will of course ruin Softly in process of time.” “Oh, that’s a matter of course!’ ejaculated Shadbolt, with another hilarious laugh. ‘‘ But I’m sure I don’t know which to admire most, the way in which Cartwright managed with that fool Softly in respect to Armantine, or the manner in which he dealt with old Lord Wenham in respect to Eglantine. At all events we have done well for the two girls. Armantine is married to an honourable, Eglantine to a lord. And as for Linda, she is happy enough with Cartwright himself. Ah! but you should have seen that miserable fellow Choker’s countenance when I personated Mr. Downy of the firm of Catchflat, Sharply, Rumrig & Co. —”’ ‘““T have no doubt of it,’”’ said Madame Angelique, rather impatiently, ‘‘ but we have discussed all these subjects before.”’ ‘““ Yes, and we have divided the spoil too,’’ exclaimed Mr. Shadbolt with a laugh. ‘“ I must say that Armantine came down very handsome with five hundred pounds the moment she had married Softly, and Eglantine with five hundred also when she became Lady Wenham. But it was also generous on our part to let Cartwright keep all he got by Linda for himself, you and me remaining content with five hundred apiece, the very identical sums we got from the girls —I suppose we must now call them the Honourable Mrs. Softly and Lady Wenham. Nothing like speaking respectfully of ladies in high condition,’’ and again Mr. Isaac Shadbolt laughed hilariously. “And you have made a good use of your share of the money, as well as of all the other little emoluments you CORNICLOOOKS (CO)