The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 135: what you’re looking at

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114 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ceedingly handsome, and, what was better still, of remark- ably honourable character. His companion was our young hero, Christian Ashton. Christian had met Stanley after he left Mr. Coleman’s office, and in the course of conversation it transpired that Stanley had some slight acquaintance with Alexis Oliver. Christian told him enough to make him comprehend that it was of vital importance to Lord Clandon’s ultimate interest that certain measures should be carried out in reference to Alexis, and Stanley— who was himself a firm believer in the innocence of him whom he had known as Mr. Redcliffe, and who had saved his father’s life in India — readily assented to succour our hero in his present enterprise. He entertained a thorough contempt and aversion for the character of Oliver, but he had no difficulty in temporarily crushing his scruples in order to further the interests of that imprisoned and accused nobleman to whom his father was indebted for his life. He and Christian had with little difficulty succeeded in tracing Alexis to this West End hotel, which was one of the dissipated young man’s favourite haunts, and the two now lounged in together, as if totally unconscious of whom they were to meet in that coffee-room. ‘Ah, Captain Stanley,” exclaimed Oliver, pe ke up from his seat, “‘ I am delighted to see you! Come to dine here, I suppose? Well, you could not do better. The turtle is first-rate, the venison excellent. As for the iced punch, commend me to it.” Captain Stanley shook Mr. Oliver’s hand with far more cordiality —or at least the appearance thereof — than he had ever before displayed, and presenting Christian, he said, ‘‘ Allow me to introduce my friend Mr. Craven.”’ The introduction was accordingly effected, and then Captain Stanley said, ‘‘ Had we known of the excellencies of the turtle and vension at this house, we would assuredly have proved them. But we have dined, and it was at a place where they gave us dreadful bad wine, so we deter- mined upon coming hither to take just one bottle of claret.” _ “ By all means join me,” exclaimed Alexis Oliver, who was charmed with Captain Stanley’s urbanity of -manner. ‘“T shall be delighted, Mr. Craven, to make your better acquaintance.” CORNIELYOOLKS (E(0)