The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 322: what you’re looking at

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HB MYSTERIES. ee) on 7. “ Your commission, Miss, shall be executed with- out a moment's unnecessary delay,” responded the man, who immediately quitted the house, Ten minutes elapeed before it strnck Camilla that she had forgotten to communicate her name to the in- dividual who had thus undertaken to convey her mes- sage to Meagles; and she almost felt surprised and annoyed that the man himself had not asked the quetion She however consoled herself with the re- ction that Meaglea would be certain to guess who it was that thus sent for him—and if not, the de- scription which the messenger would give of her per- sonal appearance could not fail to recall her to his on. At the expiration of an hour the man returned, Wearing a mournfal ion of countenance; and Cantilla instantly perceived that something was Wrong. “Mr. Mcagles isn’t at home, Miss,” he said; “and I regret to inform you that he wont return for the next six weeks. He's gone to Scotland, it appears, on very particular ‘business — for the Prince of Wales, I think the woman of the house wid me-——” “ Yes—most probably,” murmured poor Camilis, in a stifling tone: “I know that he ts very fre- qeently employed in transacting the business of his Royal Highness.” * Well, cheer up, Miss—don't take on about it,” sidtheman. “ You're quite welcome to stay here, you know, till your friend returns: and as for money—I'm sure neither me or my missus will ever ask you for a farthing —— "The young lady is not without fands,” observed the woman, as if giving a piece of information to her husband. “Oh! well—I'm giad of that for ther sake, poor dear ” exclaimed thre latter. “But how could I know it unless you told me, my Jove ?” he added, matone of bland and gentte remonstrance to his wife. “My good friends,” saddenly exclaimed Camilla, eRer a few moments’ deep thought; “my mind is made up how to act. It is true that I possess a few hundreds of pounds in the Bank of Engiand, which sum I had hoped to leave there to aecumu- late while I subsisted by the earnings of my needle. Tam éetermined not to seek for another situation : bet I will hire and furnish a neat lodging in a re- spectable nefghbourheod and endeavour to form a connexion asa dress-maker. For this purpose I propose to repair to the CRty—inquire forsome re- spectable solicitor or stock-broker——” “If you want a lawyer, Miss,” interrupted the wo- man, “my husband's attorney is one in whom you ean place implteit trust. Ah! we were better off curselves once, Miss, 1 can assure you—and then we had our regular professional adviser, who has mack Hike a friend to us ever since.” “He has mdeed !” ejaculated the man. “There fon't a better fellow in the world than Sammel Sim- monwds, Eequire—though I say it. And what is more extraordinary still, I’ve got an appointment with him this forenoon——” “I shall be thankfol,” said Camilla, “if you will al Tae to accompany you to Mr. Simmonds’ “'Wel—I have got to call at several places first,” remarked the man: “but my missus shall go with you into the City presently—and 111 mee you both in Tokenhouse Yard. at ‘oretv o'elovk pre- cisely.” With this understanding, to which the orphan thankfully assented, he took his departure.. 8 CHAPTER LXXXVIL THE OBPHASN’S FRIENDS. PREcisELy as the clock of the Royal Exchange was striking mid-day, Camilla Morton and the wo- man alighted from a hackney-coach in Lothbury, whence they passed into Tokenhouse Yard, which is a blind alley the houses whereof are chiefly let out as offices and business-premises. With the little money which Camilla had in her possession when she fied from Mrs. Brace’s house on the preceding night, she had purchased a bonnet and scarf; and the excitement of having her mind now actively enployed had brought back the colour to her cheeks. Her appearance was therefore Indy- like, pleasing, and interesting—and, as the woman kept close behind her, it seemed as if a genteel young person was walking out attended by her servant. Scarcely had they entered Tokenhouse Yard when the woman exclaimed, “How fortunate ! Here comes my husband with the lawyer ° And Camilla, raising her eyes, beheld the man advancing in company with a short, stout, red-faced, but respectable-looking individual, dressed in black, and who was immediately introduced to Miss Mor- ton as Mr. Samuel Simmonds. “ Hizhly honoured to make your acquaintance, Miss,” said the attorney. “ What can I do for you in the way of business? But had we not better walk back to my offices?” he demanded, glancing over his shoulderia the direction of the farther ex- tremity of Tokenhouse Yard. “JI don’t think it’s necessary, sir,” suggested the man. “This young lady only wants to sell out a few pounds———” “Indeed! Oh! well—it happens that I am just going over to the Bank to meet ny broker, who is to sefl out twenty thousand for a certain noble lord— my best client in fact,” observed Mr. Samuel Sim- monds, assuming a confidential tone and air, as if he would not tell everybody that the nameless peer was his most generous patron. “ Well, Mise—and how rmouch do you propose to sell out ?—and what's the stock? Be so kind as to tell me all about ft, Miss—and your business shall be done in a jiffey— ahem! I mean in a moment.” Camilla, taking the abruptuess of the lawyer's manner for the off-handedness of business, drew from the bosom of her dress a Bank receipt; and presenting it to the attorney, she said, * This will give you all the necessary explanations, sir: and I am desirous to sell out a hundred pounds.” “Very well, Miss—a hundred pounds,” repeated Mr. Samuel Simmonds, “Just be so kind ss tose over to the Bank with me. Oh! you~ too—both of you, if you like,” he afitied; vaing with a patronising smile to the man and his wife. The whole party accordingly crossed ove¥ the street to the Bank, and entered that court-yard which communicates with Lothbary. *Stop here one moment, Miss—stop here with the young lady, my good friepds,” said Mr. Samuel ‘807 Comite boo S COMM