The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 318: what you’re looking at

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

THE LORD AND THE MERCHANT 287 Viscount Rushbrook grew more and more embarrassed, con- fused, and annoyed. “Well, about this little business of mine,’ he said, at length mustering up his courage anew. ‘“‘ It’s only a couple of thousand pounds. I don’t exactly know when I can repay it, but of course I would give my bond, — and if you, my dear Sir Frederick, would put mae in the way of raising it amongst any of your friends — “My lord,” interrupted the merchant, with an almost chilling dimnity, “T have no money_lenders amongst my friends nor acquaintances — for I never borrow.”’ ‘To be sure not!’ ejaculated the viscount, affecting to laugh, ‘‘ that would be too ridiculous. A firm that can lend millions to a foreign government to borruw at home! No, no, I didn’t mean that. But I was only thinking that per- haps you could put me in the way of raising this cursed little sum, for I cannot think of asking you for such a favour, after all that you have at different times done for me — ”’ ‘““ Now listen, Lord Rushbrook,”’ interrupted Sir Frederick Latham, settling himself in a businesslike manner in his chair, and speaking with a dignified sententiousness. ‘‘ You want two thousand pounds, and, what is sini you want me to give you that money? ”’ | | ‘““ Give? Oh, no, no!” ejaculated the viscount. ‘‘ I mean lend — ” ‘“‘ Give, I repeat,’’ continued the merchant, with a slight emphasis on the word, for it was rather his look than his voice which rendered that word impressive when thus re- iterated. ‘‘ Well, my lord, you shall have this amount — ”’ ‘“ My dear Sir Frederick, ’pon my soul, I hardly know how to express myself. You’re a true brother-in-law.”’ ‘And you likewise,’ added Sir Frederick. “ I told your sister so just now in the drawing-room. But I beg that you will listen to me, for it is absolutely necessary we should have some serious conversation.’ ' ““To be sure! This wine’s excellent,” exclaimed the vis- count. “I could sit and talk over it all night.”’ “You will not think it amiss,’? resumed the merchant, whose lips for a moment expressed mingled contempt and disgust for the reckless dissipated flippancy of the viscount, “if I enter upon certain recapitulations.”’ “Do whatever you like, my dear Sir Frederick,” ex- EORNICLOOOKS (CO)