The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 40: what you’re looking at

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

22 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘and then we shall drive back to Carlton House. I am engaged to dine with his Royal Highness to-day,” he added, in a still louder tone, so that the passers-by should not fail to catch the magnificent announcement. Having thus spoken, while poor Robin looked as if he would have given the world to melt away out of the green livery and top-boots, and sink into the earth, the redoubt- able Captain Tash stalked with an awful swagger into the mansion, the front door of which was opened by the hall- porter the moment his cab had dashed up to the house. The marquis was at home, and the captain was accordingly introduced into a parlour, where he was almost immediately joined by his lordship. *‘ Sit down, captain,’”’ said Leveson, in an affable manner, for he had good reason to be contented with the way in which the gallant officer had carried out the little commission entrusted to him. “ Devilish hot, to be sure, isn’t it, Leveson? ’”’ exclaimed Tash, as he flung himself upon a sofa. The marquis looked severe for a moment on being ad- dressed thus familiarly, but smiling the next instant at the captain’s impertinence, he said, ‘‘ Very hot indeed, my dear Tash. What news?” ‘“‘ Sackville has been going on at a glorious rate within the last two or three weeks,” replied the captain. ‘‘ He has taken such a fancy for the gaming-table that I could not possibly keep him away from it even if I wished.”’ ‘“¢ Ah, well,’’ said the marquis, rubbing his hands gleefully, ‘“so much the better, so much the better. Is he in want of cash again? ”’ “¢ When I left him, half an hour back,” replied the captain, “he was just screwing up his courage to go and tell his wife that if he didn’t have twenty thousand to-night by eight o’clock he shall be a ruined man.” ‘Capital, excellent! ’’ exclaimed Leveson, rubbing his hands harder than before, while the supremest satisfaction was expressed in every lineament, line, and wrinkle of his face. ‘‘ How have you managed this? ”’ : ‘‘He has been borrowing money on promissory notes, payable at sight, of the fellow who keeps the Golden Hell in St. James’s Street, and I’ll tell you what I have done,” continued Tash, with as sly a look as could possibly beam comllclooolks (CO)