The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 114: what you’re looking at

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

98 THE COURT OF LONDON of wine in order to keep up an artificial gaiety; but the nearer the moment arrived for the grand act in the drama, the more nervous and apprehensive did he in reality become. At length the cloth was drawn, the dessert was placed upon the table, and the domestics retired. It was now about eight o’clock in the evening; and Mr. Plumpstead, the butler, opening the front door, looked up and down Great Marlborough Street, by the light of the lamps. In a few minutes three persons descended from a private carriage at a little distance; and, having directed that the vehicle should wait for their return, they hurried to the door at which the butler was standing. These three persons were Venetia, Captain Tash, and his man Robin. ) The lady was elegantly dressed and looked enchantingly beautiful, as if she had even derived a more brilliant love- liness from matrimony. Captain Tash was in full evening costume, with dress coat, white waistcoat and cravat, and kid gloves. His aspect was uncommonly fierce as usual, but blended therewith was an air of supreme importance. As for Robin, he was decently attired; but the purple robes of Napoleon could not have imparted dignity to his shambling gait and sneaking looks. “Hush! ”’ said the butler, putting his finger to his lips in a knowing manner, the instant Venetia and her two com- panions ascended the steps; ‘‘ it is all right. Mr. Sackville has told me of your coming, and he’s a real gentleman. He wouldn’t owe two years and a half’s wages to a poor butler, I’ll be bound.” Having somewhat relieved his feelings by this indirect cut at his master, Mr. Plumpstead admitted Venetia, Captain Tash, and Robin into the house, gently closing the front door. ‘““ Now, ma’am, what can I do for you next? ”’ he inquired of Venetia. ‘‘ Mr. Sackville has done what’s right toward me.”’ ‘‘He has proposed to take you into his service? ’”’ said Venetia. ‘He has, ma’am; and therefore I already regard you as | my missus.” ““Can you manage to leave the dining-room door a little CORNICLOOOKS (E(@)