The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

REUNION OF THE PARTY OF SIX 91 concomitant alternatives of flight to the Continent or a debtor’s gaol. Such was the position wherein Colonel Malpas was placed, and the reader requires not to be assured that it was far from an enviable one. Indeed, that self-sufficient survey of his person in the mirror and that complacent caressing of the moustache were only the sickly attempt of an agitated mind to persuade itself that it was not so restless as it really was, in the same way that a guilty person who trembles at every knock at the door endeavours to tranquillize his fears by constantly saying, ‘‘ After all, it is impossible I can be found out.’”’ Thus do men, in difficult and dangerous circumstances, invariably strive to reason themselves out of their most settled convictions, and persuade themselves that the feelings which torture them are really not felt at all. But to return to the thread of our story. Precisely at six o’clock a carriage dashed up to the colonel’s house, and in a few moments the footman flung open the drawing-room door, announcing, in a loud voice, “ Sir Douglas Huntingdon! ” The colonel hastened forward to receive him; and as they shook hands, the baronet said, with a gay laugh, “Well, upon my word, Malpas, I was never more surprised in all my life than when I received your note of invitation to this banquet.”’ “Is there anything so very remarkable in my having company? ’”’ observed the colonel, affecting a happy and good-humoured smile. ‘‘ Methinks,’’ he continued, with his wonted drawing-room drawl, “‘ this is not the first time I shall have had the pleasure of entertaining you, Hunting- don; and I am sure I hope it will not be the last.” ‘““And so do I,’’ exclaimed the baronet, flinging himself upon a seat. ‘ But your note enjoined me to lay aside any other engagement I might have formed, inasmuch as this banquet was in pursuance of the agreement entered into a month ago at Leveson House. What, then, could I imagine, but that, after all, you have been the successful candidate for the favours of the lovely Venetia? ”’ “Well, you shall see presently,’’ observed Malpas, assum- ing a pleasant look of mingled significancy and triumph. “ Allin good time, you know; the banquet first, and business afterward.” Com | eDoOo <S) (C(O) mM