The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 256: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXVI THE RAISING OF THE STONE . It was about seven o’clock on the following morning that the Marchioness of Bellenden came forth from the homestead of Malden Farm, where she had passed the night, and pro- ceeded on foot toward the spot where the bridge was being built. She was attended by the faithful Margaret, her steward and housekeeper from the adjacent hall, together with Mr. and Mrs. Brooks and their daughter. The noble lady, clad in the mourning garments which so much became her, walked a little in advance of the rest, but every now and then turned and spoke to them with that courteous manner and truly gracious affability which seemed to constitute a part and parcel of her very nature. On nearing the works, it was perceived that the massive poles had been raised over the buttress and the stout winch- rope already rigged for the purpose of lifting up the crowning stone; and in fact every preparation was completed by the masons who had risen at a very early hour in order to ac- complish them. The steward was provided with a large earthen vase filled with old and new specimens of coins, and the housekeeper carried a bottle of wine which her noble mistress was to break over the head of the buttress. But there were no spectators present in addition to the persons already mentioned, inasmuch as it was not known beyond this circle that the marchioness had even arrived at Malden Farm, — much less that she contemplated any ceremonial of the nature which was about to take place. But just as Lady Bellenden and her followers were within a few yards of the river’s bank, the sounds of an approaching vehicle met their ears; and in a few instants a post-chaise emerged from the by-lane which has before been alluded to 226 COnnICloOoKS (S©)