The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 209: what you’re looking at

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

184 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Marchmont, and so long as he had these prospects before him, he could raise money and satisfy his creditors. He therefore lost no time in putting his evil projects in a train of operation. He threw himself in the way of the duke, and insinuated himself into his Grace’s confidence. Thor- oughly versed in all the arts of hypocrisy, he affected a mild, submissive, and deferential manner while proffering his in- sidious advice, and at the same time he played his part so well that he seemed to be as much swayed by affection toward his brother as by a respectful esteem for the duchess and by love, gratitude, and veneration for his uncle. The duke listened to him with a thankful confidence, while Clandon affected to believe that the conduct of Eliza and Bertram toward each other arose from an excess of prudence on the part of the former, and an extreme sensitiveness on that of the latter. He proceeded to recommend that the duke should throw Bertram and Eliza more together, and that he should afford them opportunities of cultivating a friendly intimacy. The bait took; the duke followed his villainous nephew’s insidious advice, and the results were as Clandon had foreseen. He continuously watched the proceedings of Bertram and Eliza; he saw how their manner changed toward each other, and that all their love was reviving in their hearts. Then it was that he penned an anonymous letter, in a feigned hand, addressed to the duke, and the contents of which were to the effect that Bertram was dishonouring him. The duke watched the movements of his young wife and Bertram, and he beheld that embrace in which the latter passionately and impetuously folded the duchess. The reader will recollect the scene which ensued. Bertram fled to the village inn, having previously encountered his brother Lord Clandon, to whom he imparted what had occurred; and the inanimate form of the duchess was borne into the mansion. The duke ordered Mrs. Bailey’s carriage to be 1m- mediately got in readiness to take the duchess away. Lord Clandon inwardly chuckled at the success which was thus attending his schemes, but he affected the utmost sympathy with his uncle, and even spoke as if he were inclined to plead for his brother. The duchess sent a letter by one of her maids to Mrs. Bailey, with a request that she would present it to the duke, for whom it was intended. Lord Clandon vol- CORNIELIOOLKKS (EO)