The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 337: what you’re looking at

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

306 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘“‘ Called on business at such an hour and on such an occa- sion,’ said the merchant. ‘‘ Who is this person? ”’ | ‘“ The same, sir,’’ was the footman’s response, ‘‘ who called the other day, when you questioned me — ”’ ‘‘ Ah! the person who gave the name of Shadbolt? ” said Sir Frederick, and though his countenance continued coldly impassive, yet was his mind inwardly troubled, for he had not forgotten the confusion shown by his wife immediately after that former visit of Shadbolt’s, and which indeed had led him to question the footman as to who the individual was. ‘ And on what plea did this person solicit an interview at such an hour? ”’ he asked. Again the domestic looked confused; again did he meet the cold steady searching gaze of his master, and thinking he had better tell whatsoever he knew, he said, ‘“‘ I informed this Mr. Shadbolt that there was a large party at the house, and that her ladyship was particularly engaged, but he in- sisted upon seeing her ladyship, — and in short, sir, he said it was something about a debt for which he had to claim payment.”’ Now did all the proud blood of the City merchant rush to his cheeks; his lips quivered, his eyes glistened, he even made a gesture of rage, and for that one instant he betrayed more emotion in the presence of his domestic than he had ever before done. But in another instant it had passed, and in a voice that was perfectly cold and firm, he said, “‘ Do you know to whom this debt is due, or what is its amount? ” “No, sir,’ replied the footman. ‘“ Mr. Shadbolt said nothing upon these points, and it appeared to me that when he did let drop something about a debt which he had to claim, it slipped out inadvertently, because, sir, to tell the truth, the man 1s the worse for liquor.”’ Again did the blood rush to the merchant’s countenance; he too felt humiliated, as his wife had ere now done, that such a thing should become known to the menials of the household, but again quickly recovering himself, he said, ‘This must be some mistake; it is impossible her ladyship can Owe any money. However, you will do well to keep your own counsel upon the point,” and Sir Frederick placed a couple of guineas in the servant’s hand. The man bowed, and was about to retire, when his master said, “‘ Go and tell your mistress that I wish to speak to her ECORNICLIOO KS (E(0)