The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 304: what you’re looking at

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

MR. PAGE AND His’ WIFE 3O1 ‘ Just so,’ said Julia; and, to use a parliamentary phrase, the subject then dropped. Having completed their chemical purchases, and likewise a little “‘ shopping ”’ for the behoot of Mrs. Page, the worthy couple entered a tavern, where a private room and a good dinner were immediately ordered. They did ample justice to the repast; and when it was over, a hackney-coach con- veyed them back to the borough of Southwark. It was dusk when they reached their lodgings; and as soon as the candles were lighted and the curtains were drawn in the parlour, they seated themselves by the cheerful fire and began to compound the chemical wash in accordance with the receipt. This employment occupied nearly half an hour; and when the preparation was made, the pocketbook was once more produced. The blank sheet of paper already so often referred to was then spread out upon the table; and, by the assistance of a large camel’s-hair brush, the wash was carefully laid on. With feelings of acute suspense did Page now hold the paper in front of the fire; and as the moisture slowly exhaled, he observed with satisfaction that lines of writing gradually appeared upon the sheet. “ By Jove! it is Just as you described!’’ he exclaimed, glancing triumphantly toward Julia. ‘“‘ The receipt fulfils all you have told me. Look —the contents of the letter are standing out, as it were, from amidst the misty vapour. And ’tis just the same neat female handwriting as that in the little note signed ‘ L. L.’ Yes, this is the letter which was to follow by the next post — there’s not a doubt of it! We’re on the point of penetrating into some strange mys- teries, ’ll warrant! Holloa! I do believe that the document contains a copy of the other half of the certificate.”’ “To be sure it does!’ said Julia, bending down so as to obtain a nearer view of the letter as her husband held it before the fire. ‘‘ There’s a short passage running down the right-hand of the page — and I can read the name of “Hannah Lightfoot’ in it! Come — that will do —it is dry enough now. Let us examine it at once.” “We will,” returned Page. “‘ I am even more impatient than you are. Because, U the certificate should prove that your aunt was really married to the present king, our for- tunes are made. Even if it should be otherwise, we are in possession of papers which the government will cheerfully buy.” COME OOO SS (GO)