The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 184: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRINCE OF WALES 153 repeater set round with brilliants, and, finding that it was close upon ten o’clock, he rang a bell by means of a silken cord which hung between the curtains and the wall. A French valet, dressed in plain black, but with the greatest neatness and precision, and whose age was about thirty, instantly answered the summons. “Germain,” said the Prince of Wales, “ the morning is very cold — is it not? ”’ “Very cold, your Royal Highness,’”’ answered the de- pendent, who spoke English without the slightest foreign accent. “ Then light the fire,” continued the prince. This command was immediately obeyed, and in a few moments the flames went rushing up the wide-mouthed chimney with a cheerful sound. “Tell me, Germain,” said George, after a pause, ‘‘ was I very particularly drunk last night? Speak candidly now — and without any nonsense.” “Your Royal Highness was certainly not sober,’ re- sponded the valet, in a submissive tone. ““ Damn the sobriety! ”’ ejaculated the prince, impatiently. “I know perfectly well that I was far from sober — but I wish to be informed whether I was helpless or incapable.”’ “I had the honour of supporting your Royal Highness hither,” said Germain. “And of putting me into bed — eh? ”’ cried the prince. ‘““T experienced that honour likewise,’ answered the valet. ‘Then I must have been damnation drunk — and there is no longer any doubt upon the point,” said George. ‘ But this soda-water lies disagreeably cold upon my stomach. Give me a little drop of brandy, Germain.” This order was obeyed, and the prince swallowed the dram with a relish. ‘Now unlock the door leading to the private staircase,’’ continued the prince. ‘‘ I am expecting Mr. Meagles, and he will breakfast with me.” “Your Royal Highness will take breakfast in bed?”’ observed the valet, interrogatively. “No; I shall rise and have a bath first,’ was the reply. “But you will not serve up breakfast until eleven, and in the meantime I shall not want you.” (C(O) il 0) Oy 0) S (C(O)