The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 187: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XX ALFRED WE must now return to Mr. Rigden’s offices in Feather- stone Buildings. After Caroline Walters had taken her departure, the youth Alfredseized an opportunity to write thefollowing words upon a slip of paper: ‘‘ At last | have succeeded. You may expect me to-night.’”’? Then, still unobserved by the head clerk who sat facing him at the huge double desk in the front office, the boy folded up the paper in the form of a note, wafered, and addressed it. A few minutes afterward he found a pretext for slipping out; and, hastening to the nearest two- penny post, he dropped his letter into the box. He then returned to the office, resumed his place at the desk, and continued the work upon which he was engaged. Meantime Mr. Rigden, ensconced in the armchair at his own desk in the inner office, was once more deeply engrossed. in the study of the various deeds which lay spread out before him; until he was presently aroused by the entrance of his noble client, the Earl of Montgomery. ‘‘ Ah! I am glad your lordship has come,” exclaimed the solicitor, taking a pinch of snuff with his usual precaution, so as not to permit the slightest grain to fall upon his shirt- frill. ‘‘ I was most’ anxious to see your lordship — ”’ “Has anything further transpired? ’’ demanded the earl, with an accent and a manner that peppared to indicate a feverish impatience. “Nothing particular, my lord,’ Seine d Mr. Rigden, with his usual sententious coldness. “But your lordship is aware how awkwardly I am situated in respect to your brother, the Lord Raymond Montgomery; and, as matters are now coming to a crisis, I wish to know whether your 161 (E@) mn Doo cS (GO)