The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

48 REYNOLDS’ WORKS reference to the present proceedings, and as the former con- tinued to write, the latter went on revolving the ideas that were in his mind. The cheque was completed, and then Armytage, stooping over Marchmont’s shoulder, whispered in his ear, ‘‘ At the same time your Grace must give me the draft for the eighty thousand that remains to be paid, so that everything may be now settled at once.’ ‘‘ And why not presently, or to-morrow? ”’ asked the dies likewise speaking in a whisper, but hurriedly and even angrily. ‘‘ Because, I repeat, everything must be settled at once,”’ returned Armytage, with a resolute air. ‘‘ The alternatives are before you; you have chosen your own course — ” ‘‘ Well, be it so,’ interrupted the duke; and taking an- other slip of paper, he began to write the second cheque. Meanwhile Mr. Coleman had read the letter which the clerk had placed in his hand, and a gleam of satisfaction mingled with the expression of astonishment which appeared upon his countenance. The duke and Armytage were too much absorbed by what was then taking place between them to notice the effect produced on the attorney by the letter he had received, and he himself for a few instants appeared irresolute how to act. That indecision was, however, of only transient duration, and suddenly laying his hand upon the shoulder of Armytage, the lawyer exclaimed, ‘“‘ Stop, the matter cannot be settled thus! ”’ ‘‘ What,” cried the Duke of Marchmont, springing up in terror to his feet, “‘ what mean you? ”’ ‘“T mean,” responded Mr. Coleman, fixing his eyes upon Armytage, although answering the question put to him by the duke, — ‘‘ I mean that the bills which I hold in my pos- session are forgeries, and you, Mr. Armytage, have been guilty of a felon’s crime! ”’ It was acry of anguish which rang from the lips of Army- © tage, at the same time that an ejaculation of dismay burst from the Duke of Marchmont, as the frightful conviction flashed to his mind that the ruined speculator was now com- pletely in the power of the attorney and his unknown client. At the same moment hasty footsteps were heard ascending the stairs; the door was burst open, and three other persons appeared upon the scene. CORNIELIOOKKS (E()