The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 289: what you’re looking at

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

262 REYNOLDS’ WORKS the reason’s clear enough. The government likes to give a certain colour to the working class meetings, because it frightens the middle classes and makes them stick all the closer to the aristocracy.” “To be sure. Now I understand,” said Madame An- gelique. “ But this mii i Cartwright of whom we were speaking — “He got into disgrace somehow or another with the government,” continued Shadbolt; “I think it was for not swearing strong enough at a political trial some time back, and so he got his discharge. Then he took to living on his wits again, and so the business we have lately put into his hand has been a splendid windfall for him.”’ While thus discoursing, the luncheon progressed, and when Madame Angelique had imbibed three or four glasses of the fine old Madeira she began to feel less antipathy toward Shadbolt than she was wont to experience at times when she was not under any artificial influence. The idea strengthened in her mind that though she already possessed riches, she might as well double their amount, and that as circumstances had thrown in her way so willing an in- strument as this man, she might just as well render him still more useful. Accordingly, after having partaken of another glass, Madame Angelique said, *‘ Well, Mr. Shadbolt, everything considered, 4 mean to adopt the proposal you made to me just now.’ “T knew you would,’ roe this individual, who, during a brief pause in the discourse, had been making immense inroads upon the comestibles as well as upon the fluids. ‘‘ The sooner we make a beginning, the better.” Madame. Angelique reflected for a few minutes, and after enumerating several names in her own mind, she at length stopped at one the recollection of which appeared to give her great satisfaction. ‘“‘ Yes, this is a sure card,” she said, now giving audible expression to her thoughts. ‘‘ You have nothing to do but present the note, which I will immediately write.” ‘‘ And who is the lady?’ asked Mr. Shadbolt. . Madame Angelique did not respond to the question, but placing herself at a writing-table near the window, she Were a note. “Now, Mr. Shadbolt,” she sald, when she had folded, ECORNICIOOKS (E(0)