The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 199: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XX A MAGNANIMOUS WOMAN WHILE the preceding incidents were occurring at the. police office in Bow Street, a scene which we must interrupt our narrative to describe was taking place at Carlton House. For it was a little after twelve at noon on this memorable day, and the prince had just achieved his morning toilet, when he was startled by a knock at the door leading to the private staircase. Dismissing Germain, his Royal Highness hastened to answer the summons, and the Amazon entered the magnit- icent apartment. ‘Ah! my sweet and mysterious visitress of the dark hours,” ejaculated the heir apparent; but he stopped short suddenly, for the handsome countenance of the lady wore an expression of severity verging upon sternness, and she made an impatient gesture as much as to imply that she was in no humour for jocularity. The prince closed the door, and drawing himself haughtily up to his full height, he said, ‘‘ May I ask what has procured me the honour of this second visit from Lady Lade within a few hours, and what is the reason that she wears a gloomy aspect? ”’ ‘‘ Has your Royal Highness nothing wherewith to reproach yourself? ’? demanded the Amazon, fixing her large dark eyes full upon him. ‘Doubtless I am culpable of many small vices, in which, if I recollect, your ladyship has borne a share,” responded the prince, now assuming a tone of irony: ‘ once in yonder bathroom, and last night — ”’ | “Oh, you may affect satire to your heart’s content, prince,” exclaimed the huntress, her splendid countenance 173 IKS (C(O)