The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 24: what you’re looking at

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

THE SECRET CONCLAVE D day when a Villebelle, a Saint Croix, and a Bellois put them- selves at the head of the movement.” ‘‘ But if we were to resolve upon quitting England and passing into La Vendée,” said the Duke de Villebelle, “ we should not be so rash as to take all the available funds with us. We must leave them deposited with some trust- worthy individual in London, to be sent after us by the best possible means, so soon as we found that we were really certain of recelving the support of the leading men in La Vendée.”’ ‘‘His Grace speaks wisely and prudently,” observed Mr. Page. ‘‘ That is the proper course to pursue.”’ ‘Well, my lords,” said the Marquis de Saint Croix, ‘‘ are we resolved upon making the attempt? Shall we at once come to the decision of repairing without delay to our own native land, at all perils and at all risks? For my part, I will be the first to give my vote in the affirmative.” ‘‘ And I have already intimated my readiness to join in the expedition,’’ observed the Marquis de Bellois. ‘‘ We will either restore the throne or give our heads to the guillo- tine.”’ “Amen,” said the Duke of Villebelle, solemnly. ‘‘ And now, my lords, we have two points to determine upon. The first is, when shall we set off? And the second is, to whom shall we entrust the money which I have at present lying in a London bank? ”’ ‘With regard to the first point,’’ said De Bellois, ‘ I should advise that no unnecessary delay take place. In fact, I am prepared to start to-morrow morning.”’ ‘“T may as well observe,” exclaimed Mr. Page, ‘‘ at this stage of the proceedings, — I mean, since the money question is about to be touched upon, — that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales authorized me this very day to assure the Marquis de Saint Croix that the twenty thousand pounds due to his lordship shall be paid in a week’s time. I was about to mention this fact just now, when his lordship bade me speak no more upon the subject. But the incident be- comes of importance at this stage of the proceedings, inas- much as I shall cheerfully hold myself bound to undertake a trip to La Vendée and convey to his lordship the marquis the sum of money to which I am referring.”’ “Your conduct, Mr. Page, is most admirable,” exclaimed COnnICLOoOkKS (©)