The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 155: what you’re looking at

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

134 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘“‘ Then it is impossible,’ said Captain Stanley, “ to avoid an exchange of shots? ”’ ““ Impossible,’’ rejoined Stanhope. “* But you will bear in mind,’’ resumed Stanley, ** that if I have just now spoken, as well as last evening, in pacific terms, it has been entirely without the knowledge of Mr. Ashton. I would not for the world you should conceive that it was at his instigation — ”’ “ Your word, Captain Stanley,” interrupted Stanhope, “‘ is sufficient on the point. I might have said that the only way of settling the matter amicably is by means of the amplest apology on Mr. Ashton’s part.”’ ‘‘ And that apology,” said Captain Stanley, ‘‘ he would not make, even if I proffered my advice in such a sense, which, however, I should not do, for as I myself am acquainted with all the circumstances, and, indeed, was more or less impli- cated in them, I do not conceive that Mr. Ashton has acted improperly.”’ | ‘“'We will now, with your permission,” said Stanhope, ‘‘ proceed to measure the ground and load the pistols.” These portions of the ceremony were soon accomplished, and Stanley, accosting Ashton, said to him, ‘“‘ My dear young friend, have you any instructions to give in addition to those with which I am already acquainted? ”’ ‘““ None,’”’ replied our hero, in a voice that trembled not. “Tf I fall, Stanley, certain letters will be found upon me, as I have already informed you; and should that result com- pel you to take charge of them, you will execute your mission with all possible caution and delicacy.”’ ‘Rest assured, my dear friend, that such shall be the case,’ and Captain Stanley’s voice trembled with emotion, while with fervour he shook Christian by the hand. In the meanwhile Wilson Stanhope had conferred with Alexis Oliver, and these preliminaries being settled, the seconds gave the weapons into the hands of the principals. Christian had at first thought of receiving his opponent’s fire and of discharging his own weapon in the air, but maturer reflection had determined him to abandon this plan. He felt that it would be a complete prevention to the possible demand of Alexis Oliver for a second shot, and might there- fore be deemed an act of cowardice rather than of magnan- imity on his own part. But, on the other hand, our young Gomicdoc 6S (E()