The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

THE LAWYER’S OFFICE 39 shall be cleared up. Think you that if I were not in pos- session of a certain clue I should be speaking as I am now addressing you? Think you that so much trouble would have been taken and so much money ventured if there were not in the first instance a degree of certainty as to the result which was to be produced? Look at your position. The abyss of ruin yawns to receive you, whereas, on the other hand, you may be restored to the enjoyment of affluence, and all your adversity may be turned into prosperity.’’ ‘““ My debts will be forgiven me?”’ said Armytage; “‘ my daughter’s money which I have lost will be restored to me? ”’ ‘* All — everything,” replied Mr. Coleman. “‘ And now—”’ At this moment the door was thrown open, and a clerk announced, ‘‘ The Duke of Marchmont.”’ The lawyer started, and an expression of mingled aa ment and annoyance passed over his countenance. He was astonished that this nobleman should have so suddenly made his appearance at such a crisis, and he was vexed because he fancied that his interview with Armytage might now take a turn different from that which he had anticipated. Army- tage himself likewise started; he became exceedingly agi- tated; he looked first at Mr. Coleman and then at the duke, as 1f hardly knowing whether to think that the appearance of his Grace was an unexpected or prearranged event. But his uncertainty on this point was speedily dispelled on ob- serving the look of surprise with which the Duke of March- mont regarded him. ‘““ What, Armytage, you here?” exclaimed the duke. ‘" Ah! by the bye, now I recollect, you have pecuniary affairs with Mr. Coleman? I hope they are progressing satisfac- torily? Mr. Coleman, perhaps I ought to beg your pardon for this intrusion. Your clerk told me that you had some one with you, but the instant I gave him my card he ex- pressed his conviction you would see me without delay.” ‘Yes, my lord,” said the attorney, “‘ I will attend to your Grace at once. Mr. Armytage, have the kindness to step into another room. My clerk will show you thither. We will finish our business presently.”’ The clerk, who had lingered at the door, led Mr. Armytage across the landing to another room, and the Duke of March- mont remained alone with the solicitor, — at least so: far alone as they could be said to be, considering that Mr. Red- GomilGcaooks (SO)