The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 133: what you’re looking at

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

ae ee SS SS + THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT 127 “Consider, Armytage—fifty thousand pounds is no small debt to contract.” “T am aware of it,’ responded Zoe’s father: “but I have no fear in respect to my ability to refund it in due time. I bave numerous sums to receive from noblemen and gentlemen in the course of the year _ “Then wherefore not render those securities available for your purpose?” ejaculated March- mont, clutching greedily at the idea which he hoped might save him from haying to yield to Armytage’s demand. ** Because, my lord,” was the reply, “if I were to part with those securities, I should lose my clients. The money-lenders into whose hands they fell, would take away my patrons from me.” * But really, Travers Hy “That name again !” ejaculated Armytage. “Well, well—you have yourself to blame for it, inasmuch as you ere now recalled those times when you bore that name, and when you were very differently situated from what you are now. Consider all I have done for you és “In one word, my lord,’ interrupted Army- tage, “am I to have this money? or am I not ?” “And if I say that I cannot possibly accom- modate you?” inquired the Duke. “Then I am a ruined man—and I blow my brains out,” was the unhesitating rejoinder given by Zoe’s father. “But, my lord, in such an extreme and frightful case,” he added, in a voice so low that his words only just reached Christian’s ears,—“ I should not pass out of this world with- out leaving behind me a written history of my life, and all my experiences of whatsover sort they may have been.” There was a long pause in the discourse; and it was at length broken by the Duke of March- mont, who said, “At what time to-day must you have this money ?” : “Tt should all be paid into my bankers’ hands by five o’clock this evening,’ responded Army- tage. “Tt shall be there!” said the Duke: and almost immediately afterwards Zoe’s father took his departure. Christian instantaneously quitted the cabinet, for fear lest the Duke should happen to look into that room; and he at once ascended to his own chamber. There he sat down to reflect upon what he had heard. He was sorry that he had listened: remorseful feelings arose within him, in- asmuch as none of the discourse which had thus reached his ears, bore the slightest reference to the horrible conspiracy in progress against the peace and reputation of the Duchess of March- mont, Christian could not hide from himself the fact that he had done an unhandsome thing: in sooth, he was ashamed of his own conduct. He did not know whether to report all he had learnt to Mr. Redcliffe, or not. But still he thought that as he had in the first instance set himself to listen with a special object, he had better com- municate the results to that gentleman. And this reflection led him on to another—which was that it was probable Mr. Redcliffe’s plan of proceeding was to gain possession of some secrets in respect to the Duke, for the purpose of wielding them as a means for compelling him to do justice to the unfortunate Duchess. “And if this be Mr. Redcliffe’s aim,” thought Christian to himself, “it is perhaps fortunate after all that I did listen to the conversation between his Grace and Mr. Armytage. I am fighting in a good cause and on the side of justice. The cause is that of an inoffensive, a virtuous, and an excellent lady, against whom the foulest of con- spiracies has been set on foot; and all weapons which Mr. Redcliffe and myself may use to frustrate the odious scheme, are fair and legitimate.” These reflections cheered the youth’s spirits; and immediately after dinner he repaired to Mor- timer Street, Cavendish Square. He had never been there but once since he and Christina re- signed their lodgings in the house; and that once was on the oecasion when he and his sister called upon Mrs. Macaulay to inquire whether she could give them any advice towards extricating them from the difficulties wherein they were placed at the time. Christian knocked at the door, which was speedily opened by Mrs. Macaulay in person: for she had seen him pass her parlour-window. Per- ceiving that he was well dressed and was evidently in comfortable circumstances, the prudent land- lady gave him a hearty welcome,—which she could safely do, as his appearance relieved her of the idea that he was possibly coming to borrow money —in which case she had an excuse in readiness. She would have been extremely sorry—nothing would have given her greater pleasure—but she had only that very morning paid her rent—and what with this disbursement and her Christmas bills, she was drained quite dry. But fortunately Mrs. Macaulay was spared this tissue of false- hoods, inasmuch as Christian came for no money- hunting purpose whatsoever. ‘And how do you do ?” she exclaimed, shaking him by the hand; “and how is that dear sister of your’s? Ihave often and often thought of you, and wondered why you never dropped in to take a friendly cup of tea. I had been thinking that I would call on Mrs. Giles to learn if you were still with her, and how you were getting on: but I have been so busy! For the rooms you used to occupy were let—immediately after you left—to an elderly couple. Though between you and me,” she added, lowering her voice to a whisper, and putting on a look of mysterious confidence, “ they are no great shakes: for Mr. Johnson—that’s the name—locks up his wine and brandy; and Mrs. Johnson never by any accident leaves the key in the tea-caddy. Now isn’t that mean P” While thus speaking, Mrs. Macaulay had led the way into her parlour; and Christian, in order to avoid the necessity of giving an answer to the question with which she had so indignantly con- cluded her speech, inquired if Mx. Redcliffe was at home. “ No—but he will be in almost directly,” replied Mrs. Macaulay. “Do sit down and take a glass of wine.” “No, I thank you—not in the middle of the day.” ‘ Well, and you are quite right,” exclaimed the landlady. “ Never drink wine in the middle of the day—lI never do—unless it is at a neighbour’s, or a lodger happens to leave a drop at the bottom of a bottle. Not that the Johnsors do! No— bless you! they even decant their Port down to DOO COM (C S CO)