The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

CHRISTIAN AND ALEXIS 133 on account of the affliction into which it would plunge those who were so devotedly attached to him. A note received from Captain Stanley before he reHita for the night had conveyed to Christian’s knowledge the arrangements made by that officer with the Honourable Wilson Stanhope for the hostile encounter. Christian ac- cordingly rose at half-past five in the morning, and while performing his toilet, he moved about the room with the utmost care, so as to avoid disturbing the landlady and her servants, Having secured his letters about his person, he softly descended the stairs, and at six o’clock issued from the house, unperceived by either of its inmates. Obtaining a cab at the corner of the street, he repaired at once to Captain Stanley’s lodgings. This officer was ready dressed to receive him, and breakfast was upon the table. Christian partook of some slight refreshment; his demeanour continued calm, com- posed, and firm, and Stanley therein recognized the eviden- ces of a courage suitable for any emergency, but which, on the other hand, was utterly apart from recklessness or bravado. Captain Stanley’s phaeton was speedily in readiness to convey himself and his young friend to their destination. A case of pistols was placed by the captain’s valet in the vehicle, and they stopped on their road to take up the sur- geon who was to accompany them, for Stanley had commu- nicated with this gentleman on the preceding evening. The equipage drove to Wimbledon Common, and almost imme- diately after this destination was reached Mr. Stanhope and Alexis Oliver made their appearance upon the scene. Captain Stanley advanced toward Mr. Stanhope, and tak- ing him aside, said, “‘ Have you thought of what: passed between us last evening? ”’ ‘“‘ T bore in mind the representations you made me, Captain Stanley,’”’ was the response, “‘ and I spoke to Oliver, but he is determined to fight.” : They are, after all, two mere es: ’” observed Stanley, ‘and it is really a pity that this affair should go to such a length.” _“ Oliver is furious against your principal,” said Mr. Stam hope, ‘‘ and though he has not acquainted me with the cir- cumstances, yet if I may judge by the general tenor of his — conduct, the _ agoneevagien he received must have been im- mense.’ COnniicloookks (S©)