The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 365: what you’re looking at

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

362 THE COURT OF LONDON to agreement,’’ exclaimed the wretched woman; “ and it was an understanding between us that you would trouble me no more.”’ “Never mind the understanding,” said the Magsman. “ Half of the blunt went to my pal, the Big Beggarman, who was with me here t’other night, and as I’ve an un- fortunate itch for gambling, I’ve lost all my share. So I thought I would just drop in this evening, to inquire after your dear health and request a further supply.” “How much do you require? ’’ gasped Mrs. Brace, in a faint tone, while all the anguish which this interview excited in her soul was betrayed in the workings of her countenance, hard though she struggled to conceal her emotions. “ Another five hundred will answer the purpose — at least for the present,’ returned the Magsman, with the tone and air of one who felt that he had the power, if not the right, to command. “For the present! ’’ repeated Mrs. Brace, almost starting from her seat. “‘ Then am I to expect periodical visits from you?’’ she demanded, in a voice which she vainly en- deavoured to render firm and even defiant. “Well, we shall see about all that, my dear,” said the Magsman. ‘ You wouldn’t surely be so cruel as to refuse your own-—”’ ‘“ Silence! ’’? almost shrieked the wretched woman. ‘ The money shall be sent to you to-morrow,” she added, her tone suddenly changing and sinking to a hoarse whisper. ‘‘ Now will you have the kindness to leave me? ” “ What! you don’t so much as ask me to wash my mouth out with a drop of something short! ”’ exclaimed the ruffian. “ But I see how it is. You look upon me as a low fellow, a vulgarian, the scum of the earth, while you're a fine lady, pranked out in silks and satins, living in a beautiful house, enjoying every comfort — ss In the name of God, let us terminate this interview at once,’ interrupted the milliner, fixing a look of earnest appeal upon her terrible companion. “ You can come to- morrow night yourself to fetch the money, if you choose, and then we will have some conversation together. But this evening — ”’ | “You expect company —eh?” said the Magsman. Well, I don’t think I’m exactly in full costume,’’ he added, ECORNIELOOOKS (EO) m