The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 109: what you’re looking at

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

86 THE COURT OF LONDON “Certainly not,’’ exclaimed the milliner, who was now considerably interested in a proceeding which promised a handsome recompense. ‘‘ But wherefore all this mystery — this privacy? Why should not the ceremony take place at Lord Florimel’s own mansion? ”’ “Simply because the world must not know that any of that extraordinary mystery and privacy has characterized the affair,” returned the sable page. ‘‘ When once it is all over and the necessity for that secrecy shall have ceased to exist, Lord Florimel may bear home his splendid bride; and the fact that they are married will be sufficient for society to learn, without suffering any of the contingent circumstances to transpire. Now do you comprehend the motives for pushing the observance of the darkest mystery up to the very last instant that such mystery is absolutely necessary to the circumstances in which the lady is placed? ”’ ‘““T understand your explanations well enough,” replied Mrs. Brace. ‘‘ But how is it possible for Lord Florimel to espouse a lady without previously becoming acquainted with her name? The officiating clergyman must know it. It must likewise appear in the special license — ”’ “Not at all, madam,’ interrupted Rao. ‘A feigned name may be used for the purpose, and the marriage is not invalidated thereby. To-morrow morning I shall procure the license for Lord Florimel, and a portion of the services required at your hands is to secure the attendance of some clergyman who in consideration of a handsome fee will do what he is told without asking any questions.” ‘Yes, I am acquainted with a minister who will answer the purpose in all respects,’’ said Mrs. Brace, after a few moments’ reflection. ‘Lord Florimel was certain that you would not be at a loss in this matter,” remarked the sable youth. ‘“‘ And now, madam, if you will undertake to secure the attendance of a clergyman at nine o’clock to-morrow evening, the re- mainder of the assistance required at your hands is com- paratively nothing, for all you will have to do is to place a suite of apartments in your other house at Lord Florimel’s disposal, — I mean in your establishment that looks upon — St. James’s Square — ”’ ‘Ah! I see that his lordship has been tolerably explicit with you relative to my houses and so forth,” observed Mrs. EOmicsooks (E(0)