The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 67: what you’re looking at

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

46 THE COURT OF LONDON you would arrive in town yesterday evening; and as I was passing this way, I thought I might as well give you a call.” ‘Thank you, sir; I am really much obliged to you for this kindness, sir — very much obliged, sir,’’ stammered the commercial traveller. ‘‘ How is Mr. Morley, sir?” ‘He is quite well,’ responded Mr. Hodson; “ that is to say, well in health, Mr. Page, but in regard to spirits, I cannot give an equally satisfactory account.” ‘Indeed, sir?’ exclaimed Page, interrogatively. “The fact is,’ continued Mr. Hodson, “ Berkeley and Trent have stopped payment, and the result is that our house experiences a very heavy loss.”’ ‘“ Berkeley and Trent of Friday Street, sir!’’ cried the commercial traveller. ‘I thought they stood Al in the trade? ”’ ‘And so did we,’ observed Hodson. ‘ The contrary, however, has been made sadly apparent; and this very day have we two of their bills thrown back on our hands.”’ ‘“ JT — am extremely sorry to — to hear it, sir,”’ faltered Page, now feeling convinced that his employers would re- quire the documents contained in the pocketbook. ‘I hope that the loss does not put you to any serious incon- venience, sir?’ he added. “ Why, I think we can get over it,” answered Mr. Hodson, his countenance now relaxing into a species of grim smile; for the man was worth thousands, and could have stood up against the bankruptcies of a dozen correspondents or agents. “ But we require at once all the securities we can get together, to pay into our bankers; and as I am going direct to them, I thought I might as well look in and obtain from you the bills which you received at Aylesbury and elsewhere, and of which you duly advised us.”’ Mr. Page poured the milk into the sugar-basin instead of his teacup, in the confusion which attended his endeavour to look unabashed; and then raising his eyes furtively toward his employer’s countenance, he beheld that gentleman sur- veying him with an intensity which suddenly became exceeding painful to endure. ‘‘ And therefore,’ continued the merchant, “ you may at once hand me over those bills; and you can call at your leisure in Wood Street to settle the other matters with Mr. Morley.” COMnnicloOokKS.Ce@)