The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER II THE HEIR APPARENT AND HIS AGENT—SHICKSTER SAL Ir was now eight o’clock in the evening, and the Prince of Wales had just quitted the dinner table, for he was aware that Mr. Page was to call upon him at that hour. The ex- bagman was accordingly at once shown into the presence of his Royal Highness, whom he saluted with a bow that was as profoundly reverential and as servilely low as an eastern salaam. ‘“ Well, Page, what news?’ demanded the prince, pointing to a chair near the sofa on which he himself was seated in a reclining posture. ““T have two pieces of excellent tidings for your Royal Highness,”’ answered the busy, bustling, obsequious indi- vidual who had managed to thrust himself into the service of the prince. ‘‘ But first, may I be permitted most humbly to inquire whether your Royal Highness is at liberty this evening for a few hours? ” “ Your letter of this morning contained a promise which induced me to put aside every appointment,’ returned the prince. ‘ Tell me, then, in a word, will Pauline be mine to-night? ”’ ‘‘ Beyond all question, may it please your Royal High- ness,’”’ was the immediate response. ‘““ Egad! it does please me infinitely, I can assure you, friend Page,’’ observed the heir apparent. ‘‘ And now, what of the refugees? ” ‘They have fallen completely into the views which I have studied to develop to them, your Royal Highness,” answered Page. ‘It is not proper for a man to sing his own praises; _ but I flatter myself that I may take credit for having managed this business with no ordinary degree of tact and judgment. 9 3 com 0)(6)(6) SS (GO)