The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 169: what you’re looking at

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

AT LASCELLES’ MANSION 151 a part in the nobleman’s toilet. On entering the room, Make- peace found that the earl was not as yet there, but he knew that he would come, consequently he did not go to search for him in any other part of the mansion, but began putting away the divers articles above referred to. In a few minutes the door opened, and the earl entering, flung himself upon a chair with a countenance so truly comical in its misery that it was difficult for Makepeace to suppress a smile. But with the air of one who seemed to fancy that nothing unusual had taken place, the valet went on with his work, while the old earl sat literally gasping in continued bewilderment, as if -still quite at a loss to persuade himself that what he had seen had positively and actually taken place. ““ Makepeace,” at length he said, ‘‘ I do verily believe that I am —a—a—” | ‘“‘T know that your lordship is the most enlightened noble- man of the age,” observed the valet, with an air of profound respect. ‘““'Yes, yes, Makepeace, I am aware that the world does entertain such an opinion of me. But that does not prevent me, all the same, from being a — a — ”’ ‘““The most modest and unassuming nobleman, my lord, that could possibly be,” rejoined the valet. “‘ Well, yes, I think that in this respect,” said the old earl, “I possess the qualities of all great minds. But still some of the greatest men that ever lived have been what I fear I am now. I mean a—a—’ “A little too diffident in respect to your lordship’s own powers,” interjected Makepeace, still with an air of respectful gravity the most complete and‘the most imperturbable. “For instance, your lordship might have been Prime Minister if your lordship had thought fit to take ad- vantage of the occasion when you made that wonderful speech — ” “ Well, I think I was rather forbearing at the time,” said the earl, “ but I did not like to be too hard upon the government, and oust them completely. But I feel very queer, Makepeace, very funny indeed. I could not have believed that such was the sensation when a man finds him- self out to be a — a —”’ | “ Popular author — as your lordship will assuredly be- come,” said Makepeace. “ It is already whispered abroad ECORNICLOO@ SS) (E() im