The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 233: what you’re looking at

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

202 THE COURT OF LONDON Mr. Northwitch, who is likewise a stone-mason, was much surprised and vexed that Chapman, who is altogether un- connected with the church, should have had the job. How- ever, such were the earl’s instructions to his agents; and as the vault was opened and examined under an order of the Court of Chancery, upon an affidavit put in by the earl, there was no use in Northwitch’s making any objection. Chap- man accordingly did it for the earl’s agents.”’ ‘‘ And now continue your list of the suspicious characters who speak against me and are wedded to the interests of the Montgomerys,” said the marchioness. ‘“T have mentioned Chapman,” resumed Mr. Roberts, “and the next in the catalogue are the Austins, — an old couple who live in a cottage about two miles off, on the road to Malden Farm. They are nasty people, I can assure your ladyship; and although they apparently live very retired and seem to keep themselves quiet, yet they are known to be anything but saints. The man Austin has a sister —a widow — who lives in a cottage near Congleton, and of whom report likewise speaks disparagingly. Her name is Bushman. She is a very old woman, but of astonishing activity and bustling habits — ”’ “But Congleton is fifty miles away,” interrupted the marchioness. ‘‘ How, then, can this Widow Bushman’s character and attributes be so well known in the village of Bellenden? ” ‘‘ Because she was a resident here, my lady, until within the last year or eighteen months,’ answered Mr. Roberts; ‘“and she was one of the most staunch of Karl Montgomery’s partisans.”’ ‘““Any other names to particularize?’’ asked the noble lady. “None,” was the reply. ‘‘ Chapman, the Austins, and Widow Bushman are the principal. But, by the way, l recollect that I have not informed your ladyship of what Lord Montgomery said to me upon the occasion of his visit to this place three months ago.” “Speak slowly, Mr. Roberts,’’ observed the marchioness, ‘“ as I shall write it all down. Now, proceed.” ‘‘ His lordship called upon me at the rectory just before he left the village,’’ continued the clergyman, “ and, aiter the usual interchange of compliments, he said, ‘ Mr. Roberts, GOmicsdooks (E()