The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 328: what you’re looking at

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o22 Sycamore was very negligent in allowing his cor- respondence to lie about on the table in his sitting- room. Mr. Sycamore hired horses and equipages, and lived altogether in the style of a man of fortune. He picked up acquaintances—if he had not pre- viously formed them—at Ramsgate: a lord or two dined with him—two or three baronets joined him at champagne breakfasts—he received invita- tions to parties—and by the time ten days had expired, he was the perfect star of the place. He seemed determined likewise that the tradespeople of Ramsgate should benefit by his presence: for, as he observed to Christian, *‘ What was the use of having money unless to diffuse it fairly and do good with it P” Acting upon this admirable principle, the Hon. Mr. Talbut Sycamore was lavish in his orders. The jewellers, the tailors, the boot-makers, the per- fumers, and the livery stable-keepers were speedily honoured with his patronage. But so far as the liberality of his custom went, the landlord of the Royal Hotel had no reason to complain: for the ' handsomest suite of apartments was retained by Mr. Sycamore—the costliest wines were daily put in ice for his table—the markets of Ramsgate did not furnish suitable dainties for his repast; and theretore the landlord was compelled to send large. orders to London, and get down the choicest pro- ducts of Billingsgate and Covent Garden for his customer’s use. Christian’s misgivings had almost entirely disappeared: and he honestly thought that he must have wronged his employer by them. For if My. Syeamore were not everything he seemed and represented, would he not be at once detected? would he be allowed to lead such a life as this without molestation P One day, at the expiration of about a fortnight, the landlord of the Royal Hotel requested Chris- tian to step into his private parlour; and begging him with the utmost civility take a seat, he said, “TY entreat your pardon, Mr. Ashton, for the course | am adopting: but from what I haye seen of you, [ have formed an opinion that leads me to it. Might I ask how long you have known Mr. Sycamore P” ‘““T was only introduced to him the very day before we came down to Ramsgate. I advertised in the Times for a situation as private secretary to a nobleman or gentleman: Mr. Sycamore answered the advertisement—letters were exchanged be- tween us—I called upon him—and received the appointment.” ‘““ And where was he staying, sir, at the time P” inquired the landlord. Christian mentioned the hotel in Piccadilly ; and he thought it right to add that Mr. Sycamore had lived there upwards of three months—that he had spent a vast amount of money—and that he had paid all his bills with the utmost liberality ere leaving the metropolis. The landlord’s ecuntenance brightened up; and after a little reflection, he said, “I am sure you will pardon me, Mr. Ashton, for thus boldly ques- tioning you; but the truth is, we do get bitten sometimes by gentlemen who cut a dash and live extravagantly. Mr. Sycamore however does seem a regular gentleman: but there are one or two little circumstances which did cause me some un- easiness, The first is that in my waiter’s hearing, S THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. EO — — — ———————EeeeeeeeEeeeeeeeeSeSeSeSSFSFSS SCO Orr rC'™'™-vOC1COVOvO and on the very first morning after his arrival, he dictated a letter to his London bankers, ordering them to remit him a considerable sum: and I happened to learn by inquiry at our Ramsgate bankers, that they have as yet received no advices to any such effect. Another circum- @ance is that none of the friends who visit him here were ever acquainted with him before. I ventured to ask Sir William Gregory this morning who Mr. Sycamore is. Because of course as he is an Honourable, he must be a peer’s son; but Sir William himself seemed struck by the question, declaring that he had never thought of the matter before. Perhaps you can tell me, Mr. Ashton, who Mr. Sycamore’s father is—or to what noble family he belongs ?” “Really,” replied Christian, “I can only say as Sir William Gregory appears to have an- swered you, that I never thought of the matter before.” * You see, Mr. Ashton,” continued the land- lord, “there are two noblemen and three or four baronets who visit Mr. Sycamore: but between you and me, they are not at all likely to trouble themselves as to who or what he is, so long as he gives splendid champagne breakfasts and din- ners.” “IT can assure you,’ responded Christian, in some degree of affright, “that if there be any- thing wrong I am totally innocent 3 “I know you are,’ interrupted the landlord; “and that is the reason I took the liberty of questioning you. I saw at once that you were a well-conducted young gentleman— you live so quietly—you never take any wine—you do not avail yourself of your employer’s permission that you are to have whatever you choose. Mind, I don’t say there is anything wrong; and ail you have told me about Mr. Syeamore’s mode of life in London at the Picadilly Hotel, has eased me consi- derably. Prudence however suggests that i should make alittle further inquiry. By the bye,” ex- elaimed the landlord, “ what if I were to write up to those London bankers of his? At all events, Mr. Ashton, you will not tell him that I have been questioning you.” “Not for the world!” responded our young hero. At this moment the parlour door opened ; and Mr. Sycamore lounged in with his wonted fashion- able ease; and perceiving Christian there, he said, “Ah! Mr. Ashton, having a little chat with the landlord—eh ?” * Yes, sir,” to leave the room. “Don’t go—don’t go,” exclaimed Mr. Syca- more; “it’s no secret. You are acquainted with all my affairs,” he added with a laugh, “ in your capacity of my private secretary.” Still Christian was moving towards the door, as he thought that the business might not concern him: but Mr. Sycamore, with an appear- ance of kind playfulness and urbane familiarity, said, “ Really you need not go: tor Lrepeat, 1 have no secrets that you are not acquainted with.” Christian was therefore compelled to remain ; and Mr. Sycamore, depositing himself with easy indolence upon a chair, said, “ Landlord, this is an admirable hotel of yours, and I have been doing my best to recommend it—but all to tiptop (E00) 9)(0)(0) ANG stammered Christian: and he rose ©