The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

22 REYNOLDS’ WORKS not have a thorough understanding together at the outset. If not, let us have it now.” ‘There is moderation in all things,’ replied the Duke of Marchmont, “‘ and you ought to be reasonable. Frankly speaking, I have not the means to support such marvellous extravagancies as these.”’ ‘“ And I tell you, my lord,” exclaimed Mrs. Oxenden, her dark eyes now flashing angrily, ‘‘ that you do possess the means, and that you shall furnish me with them. You are immensely rich, and I am positively ashamed of you for daring — yes, I will use the word daring — to come and plead pauperism in my presence.”’ ‘“Mrs. Oxenden,’” exclaimed the duke, making a des- perate effort to assert his own empire over her imperi- ousness, “ I cannot and will not minister to your boundless extravagancies. If you choose to be reasonable henceforth, we will say nothing more of the past. Two or three thousand a year will keep you in affluence, and this amount I do not grudge — very far from it.” “Enough, my lord,” ejaculated the lady, “it is high time for me to speak. Not many weeks have elapsed since a young Hindu woman was nearly murdered — ’’ “Why refer to this?’’ demanded the duke. “ Did you not promise — ”’ ‘That the seal of secrecy should remain upon my lips,” continued Mrs. Oxenden, ‘‘ so long as you remained faith- ful to your own side of the compact. In one word, my lord, you are in my power, and you know it. Recollect, I overheard everything which took place between yourself and the ruffan who was your hired bravo. It was the Lady Indora whose life was aimed at — ”’ ‘‘For God’s sake, be quiet!’’ moaned the wretched Duke of Marchmont, rising from his seat and pacing the room with the most feverish agitation. ‘Nay, since we are upon the subject, and you yourself have compelled me thus to refer thereto, it were better that' you should hear me out. The Duke of Marchmont must have very potent reasons for desiring to take the life of the Lady Indora, and perhaps her ladyship herself would be thankful were I to give her such information as would prove that it is none other than the said Duke of Marchmont — Gomiicbdoc <S (E(0)