The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 249: what you’re looking at

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

218 THE COURT OF LONDON the effect that the Marchioness of Bellenden would visit Malden Farm in the evening, and perhaps pass the night there, had put the worthy woman quite upon the qui vive; and during the whole day she had been making preparations to receive the illustrious guest. In this task she had been duly assisted by her son and daughter, — the former a young man of two or three and twenty, and the latter a girl of eighteen or nineteen. The comely matron and her two good-looking, sun-burnt, healthy auxiliaries presented a picture of domestic cordiality and perfect love such as the eye does not often contemplate beneath the roof of rich men’s dwellings. Sincere and honest was the welcome which the mar- chioness therefore experienced at Malden Farm; and, finding that so much pains had been bestowed upon the repast which was just ready to be served up, she did not choose to give any offence or wound sensitive feelings by not partaking of it at once. She accordingly resolved to postpone until the ‘morning her walk to the bridge which was being constructed ; and having laid aside her bonnet and scarf, she sat down to table in company with the farmer’s family and Margaret, all of whom she insisted on making her companions for the time, and not her servitors. ‘“T am sure, my lady,’ said Farmer Brooks, during a pause in the progress of the festivities, ‘‘ I am more hon- oured and much happier than I can well express in words, on account of this visit which your ladyship has condescended to pay my humble abode. I know that your ladyship’s steward and housekeeper up at the hall will be much annoyed that your ladyship did not proceed direct to your own seat instead of tarrying at Malden Farm, which certainly is your own likewise, though tenanted by me. And I can add with truth and sincerity that although young Lord Raymond did lodge at our house for a considerable time, and not only behave munificently but also in a most friendly manner toward us, yet I unfeignedly hope that your ladyship will beat the Montgomerys and the Aylmers in the long run, and continue our mistress and our landlady.” ‘‘ I am sure we should never get a better,’’ exclaimed Mrs. Brooks, in a tone of unaffected fervour. “ But I hope your ladyship was not offended with us for letting Lord Raymond come to lodge at the farm — ”’ Gomicbdoc <S (E()