The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 149: what you’re looking at

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

128 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘‘ That is the assurance he gave me,”’ replied Mrs. Oxenden, “but placed as I am in circumstances so dreadful, how do I know whom to believe? ”’ Here there was a knock at the outer door of the elegant dressing-room, and the voice of the lady’s-maid was heard, saying, “‘ If you please, ma’am, the post-chaise is arrived, and Mr. Coleman is waiting.’’ “You must go, Alexis,’’ exclaimed Mrs. Oxenden: ‘I have but a few minutes left for my toilet.’’ Then as she embraced him, she said, ‘‘ I forgive you for whatsoever mis- chief you have occasioned. Do not distress yourself about it. Let us hope that things will end well, and that I shall soon return. But for Heaven’s sake be cautious in future. You know that I love you, my dear Alexis, and for my sake, oh, for my sake, be prudent.”’ He vowed and protested that he would follow her advice; she placed a sum of money in his hands, and he departed by the secret staircase. Ten minutes afterward the post-chaise, containing Mr. Coleman and Mrs. Oxenden, drove away from the front door of the house. GOmicdoc <S (E()