The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 61: what you’re looking at

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

44 THE COURT OF LONDON only that I knew you, but that I was actually appointed by the prefect to wait upon you. At these tidings he was perfectly overjoyed; but with a reasonable regard for caution, he would say nothing more unless I took him back from you some token to prove that you believed me to be trustworthy. And that you may be enabled to do this if you choose, I have brought a token from the Englishman.” ‘Give it to me,’ exclaimed Loftus, now utterly unable to subdue or conceal his eagerness; and clutching at a scrap of paper which the old woman handed him, he hastily read the following lines: “Clara Stanley has seen her sister Louisa, who is safe. This is a token that you have friends outside. Send a token to prove that the bearer may be trusted.”’ A fervid joy now flamed up in Jocelyn’s eyes and glowed upon his countenance, for a thousand thrilling and ecstatic ideas swept through his brain. Louisa was safe, and Clara, had seen her since the adventure in Paris. But were the sisters now interesting themselves by means of some trusty agent to effect his hberation? And if so, was it not a proof that his well-beloved still cherished his image, was still devoted to him? And if she still clung to his memory and still considered herself his betrothed, was it not an evidence that she no longer believed him unfaithful? And did it not appear as if the wheel of fortune had begun to turn in his favour? Such was the first gush of delicious thoughts that were excited by that scrap of paper; but now came the more serious reflection: was he to put faith in this seeming token, or was it the first step in some new intrigue to destroy him? ‘“ Describe to me the person of this Englishman whom you have met,’ he said, once more resuming a tone of caution and a look of reserve. “Rather stout, of middle height, and about forty,” returned the nurse, “ great black whiskers and mustachios, red face and fierce-looking, dressed in a military style, and carries a great stick with a large knob.” ‘“ T have not the slightest idea who he is,”’ observed Loftus, thinking that the description was much more suitable to a Frenchman than to an Englishman; and again he hesitated as to the amount of reliance he ought to place upon the old woman’s tale. Gomicbdooks (E(0)