The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 204: what you’re looking at

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

186 REYNOLDS’ WORKS “Why were you not here at the moment?’”’ demanded the ayah, angrily, and though she spoke in broken English, yet her language was perfectly comprehensible. ‘“‘T was fearful of approaching too close up to the fence,” was the well-dressed female’s response, and she likewise spoke the English tongue in a manner which proved her to be a foreigner. “ And yet I sent word by your spy this forenoon,” re- joined Sagoonah, “ that you were to be here punctually at a quarter past three. However, it is of little consequence since you are here. Go around boldly to the front door —I will give you admittance. You are certain to obtain an interview with her ladyship, and you must then manage ac- cording to your own ingenuity.”’ As she uttered these last words, Sagoonah’s eyes flashed again with a fierce, unnatural brilliancy, as if from the present proceeding she anticipated some grand triumph for her- self. “Is there nothing to be apprehended?” inquired the female with the parcel. ‘“‘ Nothing,”’ responded Sagoonah. ‘ As I sent you word in the morning, the men servants were sure to be out with the carriage, and Mark had arranged to go up into London to make purchases.” Having thus spoken, Sagoonah glided away from the vicinage of the fence, and reéntered the house, while the woman with whom she had been conversing passed around to the front door. Her summons thereat was promptly answered by Sagoonah, who admitted her into the hall, and pretended to remain conversing with her a few minutes, as if to learn what her business might be. Then the ayah pro- ceeded to the drawing-room, where her mistress was reclin- ing upon one of the luxuriant ottomans, and with the wonted graceful inclination of her form when addressing the princess, or any other person whom she had to regard as a superior, she said, “ May it please your ladyship, the milliner has called.” “The milliner, Sagoonah?”’ exclaimed Indora. “I do not expect any such person. It must be a mistake.” “‘ It does not appear to be a mistake, lady,” rejoined the ayah, “‘ for the woman speaks with the confidence of one who knows that she is right.”’ . ae ee . “ aA 7, ~b l p S a aitg Pity CORMNICLOOOKS. Goin