The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 58: what you’re looking at

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

THE LAWYER’S OFFICE 41 thing I can for Madame Angelique, not merely for old ac- quaintance’ sake — ”’ ‘‘ My lord,’’ interrupted the attorney, coolly, ‘‘ pardon me for expressing my surprise at the circumstance of such phrases of sympathy and friendship dropping from your lips in reference to such a woman.” ‘‘T know very well,’’ responded the duke, drawing himself up haughtily for a moment, “‘ that it may appear strange to any one who is exceedingly particular. But,’’ he added, in- stantaneously unbending and assuming an urbane demeanour once more, ‘‘I hope you will treat the matter as between men of the world. You can very well understand that if any proceedings were instituted against Madame Angelique, she might possibly give publicity to the names of some of her principal patrons, and as this would seriously affect the repu- tation of many individuals highly placed, I venture to ex- press a hope that for their sake — ”’ ‘“ One word is sufficient, my lord,” interrupted Mr. Cole- man, “* and I hesitate not to declare that the topic is fraught with infinite disgust forme. Iam at present taking no legal proceedings against Madame Angelique, but let me tell your Grace that if I were doing so the chance of involving all the titled names in the kingdom would have no weight with me.”’ “Setting aside the species of reproof conveyed in your words,’ said Marchmont, for an instant biting his lip, ‘‘ and which may be more consistent with morality than courtesy, I thank you for the assurance you have given me. I wish you good afternoon, Mr. Coleman,” and the duke was walk- ing toward the door when, as if suddenly struck by a recol- lection, he ejaculated, ‘‘ Ah, by the bye, what about Army- tage? I know him well; he is a worthy man, but foolishly speculative, and he has always got his brain full of ideas about making a fortune. I hope that his affairs — ”’ ‘* My lord,” interrupted Coleman, with a glacial reserve, “TI never speak to one person unnecessarily of the affairs of another.”’ Again the Duke of Marchmont bit his lip; he hesitated, and lingered as if about to say something more, but thinking better of it, he bowed with a haughty coldness and quitted the room. The opposite door on the landing was half-open, and Armytage, appearing upon the threshold, said, in an COMniicloooks (C(O)