The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 279: what you’re looking at

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THE AMOROUS CONSTABLE 245 ungrateful Caroline Walters has vilified me and my establish- ment — I see it all.” ‘‘Well,she did tell me a few plain truths, my dear creatur’,”’ observed Grumley; ‘‘ but not more than I had guessed be- forehand. For the instant that you made me go with you to the prince, and when I found that his Royal Highness was so very much interested in you and so anxious that them young gals should be got off, oh! oh! thought I to myself — ”’ ‘“ Enough! enough! ”’ cried Mrs. Brace, in a tone of almost abject entreaty. ‘‘ Tell me what sum of money you now require to induce you to leave me at once.”’ | “Lord bless your dear heart,’’ returned Mr. Grumley, ‘‘ what a mercenary son of a gun you must take me to be! But I should be ashamed to receive another suverin at your hands, whereas I do mean to help myself to no end of kisses.” ‘““ Dare not approach me again, or I will alarm the house,” said Mrs. Brace, in a hoarse, thick, and rapid tone, while her hands were clenched until the nails of her fingers almost penetrated the plump white flesh. ‘‘ My dear angel, a chap as is accustomed to grapple with thieves and the most desperatest waggabones isn’t likely to be afeared of a pretty woman’s anger,” said Grumley. ‘ So let us have no more nonsense; it’s only delaying pleasure, and my resolution’s fixed to pass the night with you — ” ‘‘ Good God! is it possible? ”? moaned Mrs. Brace, sinking back in her chair. But ere another word was spoken, the door opened hastily, and Harriet, the lady’s-maid, entered the room. ‘What is the matter? ’’ demanded the milliner, instan- taneously recalled to herself by the sudden and almost precipitate appearance of her faithful abigail. ‘A person wishes to see you, ma’am — nay, insists upon forcing herself into your presence,’ replied Harriet. ‘‘ She will take no refusal.”’ ‘“ But who is she? ”’ asked Mrs. Brace, relieved from the first dreadful fear that it was her husband who thus -de- manded an audience. “That woman, you know, ma’am, who came here one morning and sent up a letter, when you were engaged with Lord Florimel, ma’am — you remember,” added the lady’s- maid, speaking with hesitation on account of Grumley. “Here I am to answer for myself,” said a voice just out- (C(O) Anyi DOO