The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 48: what you’re looking at

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

THE LAWYER’S OFFICE ol “And yet, my lord — Mr. Redcliffe, I mean,” said the lawyer, thus suddenly correcting himself, “if the warfare itself be unnatural, it has been by the most unnatural cir- cumstances forced upon you.” ‘Yes, God knows it was not of my seeking,”’ rejoined Mr. Redcliffe, ‘“‘ or at least the original causes thereof — But no matter. Let us trust to the issue. Are you confident that Armytage will come? ”’ ‘Yes, he is certain,” replied Mr. Coleman. ‘“ He will come to sue for time, — perhaps he will even ask for further advances. ’’ | “Think you,” inquired Mr. Redcliffe, his countenance as- suming an expression that was half-gloomy, half-sad, — “‘ think you that the web has so completely closed in around him? ” ‘““T am convinced of it,’’ replied the lawyer. ‘‘I have watched his progress day and night, I might almost say; I have fathomed all his proceedings, I have penetrated all the desperate ventures in which he has embarked, and I know that his failure has been signal and complete.’’ At this moment the door opened, and a clerk entered, saying, “If you please, sir, Mr. Oxenden wishes to see you.” “Mr. Oxenden?’’ repeated the lawyer. ‘‘ Methinks I know the name, and yet I cannot recollect — ”’ “ Tt is that old gentleman, sir, who lives at Brighton,” said the clerk, ‘“‘ and against whom you were once employed by some creditor, when, if you please to recollect, sir, Mrs: Ox- enden called, —a fine, tall, handsome lady, — and she brought a cheque, which ale had received from Sir John Steward, to settle the business.”’ “Ah, I remember,” ejaculated Mr. Coleman. “ But I cannot see Mr. Oxenden now, I am engaged.”’ “ Wait one instant! ”’ cried Mr. Redcliffe, whose interest and curiosity had been awakened by the discourse, i You had better see this Mr. Oxenden ; I have reasons which I will explain.”’ ‘Then ask him to walk up,” said the lle turning to his clerk; ‘‘ and should Mr. Armytage call, bid him wait, — be sure to bid him wait.”’ ‘The clerk withdrew, and Mr. Redcliffe said, ‘‘ With your permission I will retire into the next room, — that room CORE Oe SS (C(O)