The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

THE SECRET CONCLAVE 3 “‘ Your lordship has stated the matter exactly as it stands,” replied Mr. Page, assuming the grave and solemn air that was proper to the deliberations. ‘“‘ Not only does his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales feel the necessity of restoring order in France and rebuilding a legitimate government,” he continued, adopting the detestable cant terms and smooth- sounding phrases which are used as a cloak for the most damnable tyrannies and a pretext for all anti-democratic proceedings, ‘‘ but the whole royal family of England and our blessed aristocracy partake in the sentiments of the prince. Under these circumstances his Royal Highness instructed me a fortnight back to throw myself in the way of the most eminent French refugees now residing in London, and sound their views and intentions. Accident led me in the first instance to address myself to his lordship the Marquis of Saint Croix, and secondly to my lord the Marquis of Bellois — ”’ “ And then we communicated with your lordship,” added Saint Croix, glancing toward the Duke of Villebelle; “ and your lordship, with characteristic patriotism, hastened to respond to our appeal.” . ‘‘ God speed our aims, my friends,” said the duke, his pale but handsome countenance flushing with ardent hope. “The interest which his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales takes in the affairs of our unhappy country,” con- tinued the Marquis of Saint Croix, “‘ is not only most grateful to our feelings, but likewise prompts us to behold the charac- ter of his Royal Highness in a new and very favourable light. I must confess that until I became acquainted with Mr. Page, I had experienced some cause to mistrust his Royal Highness and doubt his integrity; but after all the explanations which Mr. Page has given me in his wonted honest and straight- forward manner, and especially after hearing how deeply the prince is interesting himself in the affairs of distracted France, I have learned to form a better opinion of the prince.” *“ Your lordship had been tutored to think ill of him by that infamous and notorious character, Lady Lade,’’ observed the ex-bagman; “and the statements she made to your lordship appeared to receive confirmation from the fact that his Royal Highness did not immediately restore the money your lordship had placed in his hands. But when I assure your lordship that the prince will in a few days — ”’ GoM Doo eS (EO)