The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 385: what you’re looking at

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

SHOOTER’S HILL 363 The moment she made her appearance in the lower apart- ment she threw a rapid look of intelligence upon Bencull, the Durrynacker, and the Mushroom Faker, who were boozing at one table, while she advanced toward the baronet, who was still seated at the other. The three villains under- stood by this look that she had some project in hand, and they therefore affected to take no particular notice of her. This was precisely what she wanted; her object was to divert their attention, or, at all events, cause them to look aside for a moment, while she had an opportunity of making a sign of intelligence to the baronet. Indeed, had she not by such a sign enjoined him to hold his peace, an exclama- tion of astonishment would have burst from his lips; for Nell Gibson was indeed no stranger to him, and he had instantaneously recognized her. Yes, her form was fuller and grosser, her looks were bolder, and her mien was more brazen than when he saw her last; nevertheless, he failed not to recognize in an instant that countenance which he had once admired, and that form whose virgin charms had been despoiled by him. The ejaculation, then, of amazement which was about to burst forth died upon his lips as he caught that signal which she made him; and instantly perceiving by her manner that she had in view some purpose which she wished to conceal from the ruffians at the other end of the room, he suddenly assumed an air of perfect composure, so as not to betray that any secret intelligence existed between them. ‘““ You are sure, sir,’ she said, holding up the letter, “‘ that this document will meet with proper attention to-morrow morning? ”’ “Iam certain of it,” he replied. ‘‘ The men who brought me hither overheard the instructions which I gave to my servants ere they departed with the carriage — ”’ But while Sir Douglas Huntingdon was thus speaking, Nell Gibson said, in a low, rapid whisper, “‘ Fly hence, I conjure you! ”’ Startling as these words were, inasmuch as they revealed to him in a moment all the dangers of his position, he never- theless had the presence of mind to continue speaking the sentence which we have recorded; and thus his voice drowned the whispered accents of the female. eComir | O\@)O) SS (GO) im