The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 161: what you’re looking at

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

134 THE COURT OF LONDON has exercised, through the agency of Miss Foster, the desired influence upon the mind of Mr. Woodfall. It needs no ghost to afford us this explanation, or enable us to gain this insight into the matter.” “You appear to be admirably well acquainted with all that is passing in certain quarters,’ said Mr. Rigden, sur- veying the disguised young woman with mingled curiosity and wonder. “ But who could have supposed that the Mar- chioness of Bellenden possessed such a really petty nd and mean disposition? ”’ “ Perhaps you will know more of her character some ja observed Miss Walters, drily. ‘‘ At all events I have now told you sufficient to make you aware of the influence which has been exercised over George Woodfall. On my side, I have already adopted a measure which will perhaps induce the marchioness to change her policy in that respect; but I thought it better to give you the hint notwithstanding, because, should you observe a recurrence of vacillation or backwardness on the part of Woodfall, you may know to what cause to attribute the same. I suppose you are up to your neck in business? ’’ remarked Caroline, as she flung a look over the piles of papers which covered the lawyer’s desk. ‘Yes. What with the case of Montgomery versus Bellen- den and that of Woodfall versus Florimel, together with other important matters,’ said Mr. Rigden, “‘ I have scarcely time to take either food or rest.”’ ‘‘ And who will gain the former suit, think you?” asked Caroline. “Tt is hard to say — hard to say,” replied the cautious attorney, taking snuff. ‘I am sadly perplexed with it, I can assure you. The presence of young Lord Raymond Montgomery, the earl’s brother, is absolutely necessary to the favourable progress of the cause and I cannot get him up to London. He does not even reply to my letters. But he is a singular character, disappointed in love, and living, I believe, in a most secluded manner. However, I shall take a run down into the country in a few days and ferret him out.” ‘““Tsee that you have got the Florimel documents all before you,’ observed Caroline, as she rose to take her departure. “Hush! ”’ said the attorney, tapping his snufi-box, for while the young woman was yet in the middle of her remark, 2) Gomicsdooks (E(@)