The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 123: what you’re looking at

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

THE DUCAL SECRETARY 105 at your hands; and, in course, if in taking another lodging you refer to me I shall say all that’s good and proper. Pray don’t press me any further, there’s a dear young gentleman, but see about moving at once.” } “ Tt is totally impossible that I can find another lodging this evening,’ answered Christian, cruelly annoyed and perplexed, ‘‘ but, after the way in which you have just spoken to me, I certainly feel myself bound to leave to-mor- row.” ‘“‘ Well, sir, I must make that do,” responded Mrs. Chubb, “and thank’ee kindly.” | Thereupon she quitted the room, and Christian was left to deliberate upon all that had occurred. Was it on Isabella’s account that he had received this notice? Was that man whom he had encountered at the street door in any way con- nected with her? He hoped not, for there was something in the look of that individual which he by no means liked, — a certain sinister expression which appeared to indicate hypocrisy, cunning, and other debasing sentiments. He now longed to obtain a few minutes’ private discourse with Isabella. The thought of separating from her had led him to the sudden comprehension of the feeling which he enter- tained on her behalf. He saw that it was not a mere friendly interest; a secret voice, whispering in his soul, told him that it was love. But how obtain a private interview with Isabella? And even if he succeeded, what did he purpose to say? He knew not, and yet he felt how impossible it was for him to go elsewhere without exchanging another syllable with that beauteous creature. He sat with his door ajar, in the hope that he might hear her issue forth from the front parlour, in which case he would go and meet her in the passage at any risk. But no, the opportunity served not, the time passed, and at ten o’clock he heard Miss Vincent ascending to her own chamber, Mrs. Chubb closely following. Christian passed an almost sleepless night. He rose early in the morning, and at nine o’clock was compelled to sally forth and search for another lodging before he proceeded to Mivart’s Hotel to enter upon his day’s duties. He was not long in finding suitable apartments; he gave a reference to Mrs. Chubb, and intimated that he should take possession of the rooms in the evening. Then, with a heavy heart, he repaired to the hotel; but during the hours that he was CORNICLOO (CO) im