The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 376: what you’re looking at

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

MR. SHADBOLT 359 appointed to look into the little matter, for if it had been any other of the detectives, you would have found yourself in Queer Street, and no mistake. But, I, my dear madam, am an exception to the rule; I know what gentility is, and I wouldn’t think of acting harsh toward a lady of your —”’ he was about to say “ respectability,” but he thought he had better use the word “ generosity,” and he substituted it accordingly. “T cannot be too.grateful to you,’ exclaimed Madame Angelique, to whose mind an immense relief was imparted by the praises which Mr. Shadbolt sang of himself. ‘You see, ma’am,” continued this individual, who was most impartially dispensing his attention to all the wines, fruits, and cakes upon the table, “‘ the information which was sent to the commissioners described how your neighbour, the French tailor, has a pleasant little understanding with you, and how a well-dressed person, by whispering a word in Monsieur Bertin’s ear, to the effect that he has got an appointment with a lady in your house, could at once ob- tain admission, and I must do you the justice, ma’am, to observe that of all the neat, compact, and useful contri- vances I ever saw, that looking-glass door beats them all into fits.”’ “Good Heaven, then, the secret is known to the com- missioners? ’’ gasped Madame Angelique. “You ought to console yourself,’’ replied Mr. Shadbolt, “by the reflection that it is a wonder it should have been kept a secret so long.” “And what will you do to help me? How will you serve me as a friend? ”’ asked the Frenchwoman, eagerly. “Tt all depends, ma’am,’’ was the response. ‘“‘ Every- thing has its price. No reflections, ma’am, but you have your price for the pleasant little accommodation you furnish here, and without being more personal than is absolutely necessary, I may add that I, Isaac Shadbolt, — or honest Ike, as I am generally called, — have my price also.” “ Anything, everything, if you will only shield me,’’ said Madame Angelique, in a flutter of mingled hope and suspense. “ Come, ma’am, fifty guineas won’t hurt you? ”’ ) “A hundred,” exclaimed Madame Angelique, her gener- _ osity becoming lavish in proportion to the amount of peril that was to be averted. CORnNICOOOKS (CO)