The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 247: what you’re looking at

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

MALDEN FARM 217 return to London, and that it therefore becomes a matter of consequence to save every mile of road and minute of time. The farm is two miles nearer than the hall to the new bridge, at which point, you know,” she added, significantly, “‘ we have such important business to transact; and, moreover, by staying at the farm, we at once obtain the opportunity of making inquiries concerning Lord Raymond Montgom- ery — a “For what earthly purpose, Laura?’’ demanded Mar- garet. ‘‘ Since you are confident that you have not been misled respecting that young nobleman’s fate, wherefore ask any questions regarding him? ” “To prevent others from suspecting that we are already so well informed on that head,’’ returned the marchioness. “Then you mean that the discovery which is to be made either to-night or to-morrow morning shall have the appear- ance of hazard or accident?’’ continued the dependent, interrogatively. | ) ‘“‘ Precisely so,’ answered the noble lady. ‘‘ Indeed, I do not purpose to proclaim to the world all I know or all I may yet glean relative to my opponents, unless they force me to extremes.” ‘“‘T understand, and I approve of the course which you intend to adopt,” said Margaret. At this moment the carriage entered an avenue of ever- greens, the great gate leading into which was held open by a stout, sun-burnt, middle-aged man whose countenance was the picture of good-humour and vigorous health. This was Farmer Brooks, the occupant of Malden, and therefore one of the numerous tenantry of the marchioness, inasmuch as she held possession of the estates during the progress of the Chancery suit. He had observed the carriage approaching, and having ordered his wife, who was a comely woman of four and forty, “ to see that all was comfortable and tidy indoors,’ he had run down to the end of the avenue to open the gate. , | Mrs. Brooks was one of those simple-minded and well- meaning bodies, one of those ingenuous and honest creatures, that are rarely (at least at her age) to be met amidst the con- tamination of cities and great. towns, but which are often found in the small farmhouses or secluded cottages of agri- cultural districts. The receipt of a letter in the morning to EONNIELIOC Go “eS