The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 235: what you’re looking at

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

210 REYNOLDS’ WORKS versation proposed a visit to Oaklands, Indora readily ac- cepted the offer, for though she comprehended the treach- erous reason for which it was made, she had no fear of being unable to combat against the designs of the Duke of March- mont. Besides, she wished to meet that man face to face, that she might form her own idea of his disposition, and judge to what an extent it might subsequently be worked upon through the medium of his conscience. Now, it happened that Bertram Vivian himself, in adopt- ing measures for the demonstration of his innocence, paid occasional stealthy visits to the neighbourhood of Oaklands, —rather perhaps to trust to the chapter of accidents than with any precise and settled plan of action in view at the time. On the occasion of one of those visits, and being con- cealed amongst the trees, he to his astonishment beheld Indora walking in the grounds with the old steward. He fancied that she must have been beguiled thither by some treachery, especially as he knew that Madame Angelique had conceived designs against herself and Sagoonah, — those designs of which he had given her a hint, and against which he had warned her in a brief note written from Morti- mer Street. Therefore, on finding Indora at Oaklands, Bertram Vivian was resolved to watch over her safety, and he beheld her take her departure. His brother had in the meantime come to Oaklands, and Bertram could not resist the temptation of endeavouring to work upon his fears as one of the first steps toward the accomplishment of his aims. He had no difficulty in effecting a stealthy entrance into the mansion, and he happened to conceal himself in that very room to which his brother and Purvis penetrated that they might ascertain whether Indora had replaced the dagger in the drawer whence she had taken it. Bertram was fearful of being discovered, for he knew that his brother was villain enough to hand him over to the grasp of the law, and he at that time was totally unprepared with any proof of his in- nocence. He therefore dashed the candle from his brother’s hand, and he effected his escape from the spot amidst the utter darkness in which he thus suddenly involved the room. But he had previously overheard the conversation which took place between his brother and Purvis in respect to the dagger, and the motive of Indora’s visit to Oaklands began to be apparent to his mind. He saw that she had Gomicsooks (E()