 Section 86 of Mysteries of London Volume 4. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Matej Bratich. Mysteries of London Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds. A scene in a cab. Gentlemen, exclaimed the gallant Irishman, a man to introduce myself and friend to ye without any more brother or father. My friend then, gentlemen, is Mr Frank Curtis, descended from a fine family and once possessed of large estates, all of which by Jesus he's managed to ate up as clean as if dirty acres were plum pudding. My name, gentlemen, is Captain O Blunderbos of Blunderbos Park, Conmarra, where I shall be delighted to see ye any time ye may be after visiting old Ireland and I'm at home. Permit me to shake hands with you, Captain O Blunderbos, said the young nobleman, and with you also, Mr Curtis, you have rendered me and my friend a service which we cannot easily forget. And which we shall never seek to forget, added the baronet emphatically, and then there was a general shaking of hands inside the cab. Lord William Trevely in next precedence informed his new friends, who he and Sir Gilbert Heathcote were, and the reader may conceive a huge delight experienced by Captain O Blunderbos and Mr Frank Curtis, and they found themselves in the company of a real nobleman and a real baronet. And now, my lord, said the gallant officer, will ye be so obliging as to explain to us what house that was where all the Pother took place, and what was the meaning of the Pother itself? For, be the only poker, we can't make head or tail of it. That is, responded Lord William Trevely, it was a madhouse. A madhouse! ejaculated Mr Frank Curtis, starting as if stung by a serpent lurking in the straw at the bottom of the cab, while a combed tremor came over him, for it instantly struck him that he and his Irish companion had been instrumental in the escape of a couple of lunatics. A madhouse! repeated the captain, immediately entertaining the same idea, although not sharing the apprehensions of his friend. Neither more nor less continued Trevelyan, perfectly unaware of the impression which his words had produced upon the two gentlemen, for as the inside of the cab was quite dark, he could not observe the change that took place in their countenances. Ye, ye, ye don't mean to, to say, Stammered Curtis fidgeting uncommonly, and thrusting his hand outside the window to grasp the handle of the door. For he began to think that the sooner he emancipated himself in the cab, the better. Ye, ye, hold your tongue, ye spulpeen, versiferated the captain, who fully acquainted with the character of his friend, guessed pretty accurately all that was passing in his mind. For the worthy Irishman, on his part, determined not to separate from his new friends, whether they were lunatics or not, until he had ascertained if anything was to be got out of them, either in the shape of money or whiskey, or both. Hold your tongue, ye spulpeen, and let's hear what his lordship has to say upon the matter. Well, as I was informing you gentlemen, resumed Trevelyan, who considered that the proper explanation was fully due to those who had acted such a gallant part in the late proceedings, the house once you just now so effectually aided us to escape, is a lunatic asylum, and the men against whom you fought were the keepers, and those who were the, they, lunatics, asked Frank Curtis, perspiring at every paw, for the effects of the whiskey which had been drinking were completely absorbed in the terror that now influenced him. Be Jesus! And all you won't have such questions put to my intimate friend, his lordship, and my particular friend the baronet, ejaculated Captain Eoblandabus, bestowing upon Frank's rib such an unmerciful nudge with his elbow that the gentleman who has made the recipient of the said poke writhe horribly in his seat. Proceed, sir, my lord, I mean, added the gallant officer, who, in spite of his civility towards the noblemen and the baronet, firmly believe that they were lunatics, and had usurped titles to which they had not the slightest claim nor rise. Your companion asked me who were the lunatics, asked Rebellion, beginning to be somewhat astonished at the manner of his new friends. Well, to tell you the candid truth, myself and Sir Gilbert Heathcote were supposed to be, although I leave you both to judge whether there could have been the slightest ground for such an idea. O Lord! O Lord! murmured Frank Curtis, and again his hands, which he had withdrawn when the captain nudged him, were thrust out of the window to grasp the door latch. Are you unwell, my dear sir? inquired Sir Gilbert Heathcote, in a tone of much concern. For, being seated precisely opposite to Curtis, he had heard the murmured ejaculations which had escaped that individual's lips. Yes, very, replied Frank, with a hollow groan. Be a seething, can't you? whispered the captain savagely in his ear, at the same time favouring him with another barbarous nudge in the ribs. Oh, it's nothing at all at all, with me friend. I can assure you, my Lord and Sir Gilbert, exclaimed the gallant officer aloud. He's troubled with wazing in the throat when he's been after drinking an extra drop of fulthine. And maybe the motion of the cab don't really agree with him. Bad luck to his nunson. Well, my Lord, you are after telling us that your lordship's own self and Sir Gilbert were belayed to the lunatics? Just so, answered Trevellian. And had not the affair proved a very serious one to my friend Heathcote, I should be inclined to laugh at the ludicrous manner in which it terminated. Heathcote was immured in that asylum under most treacherous circumstances a short time ago. Although I need scarcely inform you, there was not the slightest pretense for the imputation of insanity. Be the holy poker, and of any one that's blind could see that same, ejaculated captain who blundered us. Oh, Lord, again moon Frank Curtis, and he slyly and stealthily turned the handle of the cab door. Determined to rescue my friend, continued Lord William Trevellian, I induced two medical gentlemen who are under some obligations to me, and whom I admitted into my confidence, to sign the necessary certificates to consign me to a lunatic asylum. Oh, Lord, oh, Lord! Grown Curtis more deeply than before, for even if he had hitherto entertained any doubt as to the state of Trevellian's mind, and the singular averment just made was quite sufficient to confirm him in the opinion that he was in company with a decided lunatic. What the devil is he, man? growled captain who blundered us. Proceed, my lord, I'm day-playing interested in your lordship's narrative. Having thus obtained the certificates, continued Trevellian, I tutored my vellet how to act, and he accordingly consigned me to the care of Dr. Swinton, the old gentleman whom you saw in a dressing gown and nightcap at the foot of the stairs. An aren't old scoundrel I've no doubt interjected the captain. It was necessary, under the circumstances, resumed Trevellian, to fight the Gilbert enemies with their own weapons. Conning against conning, duplicity against duplicity, that was the plan I adopted, and I effected insanity so well that the doctor was completely deceived. By the powers, this is excellent, ejaculated captain who blundered us. It's not everyone that could deceive a mad doctor so well. I really believe that he imagined me to be as mad as a March Hare, said Trevellian. And so you are, yelled forth Frank Curtis, suddenly throwing the door wide open, making a desperate attempt to leave from the cab, even at the risk of breaking his neck or fracturing his skull. For his terrors had risen to such a pitch that confinement in the vehicle, along with two persons whom he firmly believed to be downright madmen, had become utterly unendurable. But the iron grasp of the captain clutched him by the back part of his collar, just as he was on the point of bounding frantically forth into the road. And he was compelled, not however without a struggle, to resume his seat. This proceeding on the part of Frank Curtis suddenly opened the eyes of both Trevellian and the Baronet to the impressions which the recent proceedings had unmistakably and naturally made on the minds of their new friends. As if a light had darted in upon them, they now comprehended the cause of Frank Curtis's singular manner almost ever since they entered the vehicle. And they likewise perceived, though they did not rightly interpret, the curtsy which had not only rendered Captain O'Blunderbuss so good a listener to the explanations given by Trevellian, but had also prompted him to silence and coerce his companion as much as possible. Accordingly Trevellian and Sir Gilbert Heathcote simultaneously broke out into such a hearty fit of laughter that Frank Curtis began to conceal himself the idea that they were at least harmless, while Captain O'Blunderbuss sat them down as the merriest lunatics he had ever encountered in all his life and joined with unfaithful cordiality in their glee. And so he really thought that we were mad, exclaimed Trevellian, as soon as he could compose himself sufficiently to speak. Or not at all, at all, cried the Captain. But Mr. Curtis firmly believed that we are neither more nor less than lunatic, said the young nobleman, enjoying the scene. But Jesus, and if he does insult your lordship and your lordship's friend by even suspecting such a thing, he shall mate mate a morrow morning at twelve paces on Wimbledon Common, exclaimed the gallant and warlike gentleman. Really, you excite yourself too much in our behalf Captain, observed Trevellian, who saw plainly enough that O'Blunderbuss was adopting just such a tone and manner as one would use to conciliate and sue lunatics. Now tell us the truth, my dear sir, continued the young nobleman. Do you not think that if we were actually and positively crazy, you and Mr. Curtis cannot boast of being perfectly sane. Be Jesus, and that same is precisely what all you've often been after thinking, cried the Captain, determined to humour the supposed lunatics as much as possible. As for Frank Curtis here, he's as mad as the Irish pig that wouldn't go on particular way, serve and accept at such times that it believed it was being driven other, as for myself, bad luck to me, O'I'm not blowing to me own failings, and O'I know pretty well that O'I must craft as any damned old likey-tie kettle. The accommodating humour of Captain O'Blunderbuss, who unhesitatingly pronounced himself and his friend Mr. Curtis being sane, under the impression that such an admission would prove highly gratifying to those to whom it was made, produced such an effect upon the young nobleman and the Baroness that they became almost convulsed with laughter, and it was indeed fortunate that this scene occurred in as much as extreme ludicrousness tended materially to raise the spirit of Sir Gilbert Heathcote after the wrongs he had suffered and the incarceration he had endured. It is impossible to say how long the equity book and the consequent clarity would have lasted had not the cab suddenly stopped in front of a handsome house in Park Square. No, thought both Captain O'Blunderbuss and Frank Curtis at the same time, we shall say the bobble burst very shortly, and it will transpire who our two mad friends really are. The summons at the front door were speedily answered by the appearance of FitzGeorge in his plain clothes, and a couple of footmen in livery, all of whom had waited up the whole night in expectation of the probable return of their master. As for FitzGeorge, he ran up to the door of the cab and, perceiving Sir Gilbert inside, exclaimed with unaffected delight, Thank God your lordship scheme has proved triumphant, as these words Captain O'Blunderbuss and Mr Frank Curtis uttered involuntary ejaculation of astonishment, for they began to think that one of their new friends was really a nobleman after all, and that they might neither of them proved to be lunatics in the long run. Leaping from the cab, Trevelling invited the gala gentleman and his companion to enter the house, observing with a laugh, however insane we all may be, we will at least exercise the common prudence of taking a little refreshment after all the hard work and momentous proceedings of the night. In a few instant, the Captain and Frank found themselves conducted into an elegantly furnished apartment, in the midst of which was a table laid out with costly plates, and spread with a cold repast consisting of dainties that made their mouths water, even to case bomb. It was likewise a source of great satisfaction to the two gentlemen to behold a buffet, well-stored with wine and spirits, amongst which latter, the Captain had no difficulty in recognising the sympathine of the real Orthodox colour. The nobleman and his guest took their seats at table, and did ample justice alight to the vines and to wine. Indeed it was amazingly refreshing to behold the appetite with which the Captain and Frank Curtis addressed themselves to the former, and the zest with which they partook of the latter. They no longer believed either Trevelling or Sir Gilbert was mad, and when the former gave them the whole particulars of the story, which he had only half finished in the cab, they laughed heartily at the misconceptions they had formed. Under the influence of the protein, which was duly produced after supper, if supper such a meal could be called, as it was now long past three o'clock in the morning, the Captain and Frank Curtis became particularly talkative. When it appeared that, existing under grievous apprehension of certain formidable beings denominated sheriff's officers, they had hired lodgings in the classic region of Globetown, and that, having spent the evening and best portion of the night at the public house in the Hackney Road, they were taking a shortcut homeward, past the Doctor's house, when they became the witness of the scene, wherein they immediately after bore so distinguished part from these and other revelations, which the Captain purposely suffered to ooze out, as if quite unintentionally, Trevelling and Sir Gilbert gleaned sufficient to convince them that their new friends were gentlemen under a cloud, and they were not sorry at having us obtained a fact which at once placed them in a position to testify their gratitude for the services of the night. Accordingly, after exchanging a few words in a low tone with Sir Gilbert, Lord William Trevelling wrote something upon a slip of paper, and then addressed Captain Eau Blunderbuss and Frank Curtis in the following manner. You will pardon me, my friends, for the liberty I am about to take and the observations I am on the point of offering. But it has struck Sir Gilbert Heathcoat in myself, for certain words which fell from your lips in the excitement of convivial discourse, that you have experienced some little disappointment respecting the arrival of remittances, and we shall be alike honoured and rejoiced, if you will permit us to use the freedom of friends under such circumstances. It is probable that a few hundreds may be of some trifling service to you at this moment, and it will prove a source of unfeigned delight to Sir Gilbert and myself, if in return for the generous aid you afforded us, we can in any way relieve you from a temporary inconvenience. Thus speaking, Lord William handed the slip of paper to Captain Eau Blunderbuss, who hastily glancing at it, as he folded it up preparatory to consign into his pocket, observed that it was a check for five hundred pounds. Bay Jesus, my dear friends, he exclaimed, addressing himself to the young movement and the baronet. You do things in such a handsome way that I don't know how to express my thanks at all. Curtis, your spa pain, he cried, suddenly turning round upon his companion. Why the devil don't you dream in making a space on the occasion, since my Lord and Sir Gilbert have lent us five hundred pounds to relieve us from our temporary difficulties, but Eau Leonther take to repay that same, my friends, he continued, again addressing his word directly to Trevelyan Heathcote. The moment Eau resaved me rinse from old Eau Lund and bad luck to him, so here's after wishing us success and bade down to all mad doctors, Having achieved this beautiful parloration, Captain Eau Blunderbuss tossed off at a single draught the entire contents of a large tumbler of scalding toddy, and then rose to take his departure. Fran Curtis, who was in the most glorious state of mental obfuscation, beholding two Trevelyans, two baronets, two captains, and heaven only knows how many wax candles, was with some difficulty induced to stand upon his legs, and his Irish friend was more troubled still to make him use the aforesaid legs than he did get upon them. However, after some little persuasion and more threatening on the part of the captain, Fran Curtis suffered himself to be led forth from the hospitable mansion. As soon as Trevelyan and Sir Gilbert Heathcote were alone, the former related to his friend the particulars of the various interviews which had taken place between himself and Mrs. Defted, that lady's discovery of her daughter Agnes and her removal to the villa at Bayswater. The baronet was profoundly agitated, but it was with mingled surprise and joy that he heard those tidings relative to Agnes. He rose and paced the room with uneven steps, and then, reseating himself, appeared anxious to make certain revelations, or rather, unbothered his mind to his young friend, but feeling perhaps unequal to the task at that moment, after the long hours of excitement through which he had just passed, he said abruptly, Trevelyan, I have matters of importance to confide to you, but it shall be for another occasion. I must now leave you. It is nearly five o'clock. The morning has dawned some time, and I am impatient to repair to the villa at Bayswater. You will not take an hour's pause before you depart, inquired Lord William Trevelyan. Oh, I could not close my eyes and sleep again until I have embraced those who but pardon me for this excitement, this agitation, exclaimed Sir Gilbert, interrupting himself suddenly. Tomorrow I will tell you all everything, he added, pressing Trevelyan's hand warmly, and then you will better comprehend the feelings which move me now. Farewell, my dear friend, for the present. Sir Gilbert was about to take his departure when Fitzgeorge entered the room, and, addressing himself to his master, said, My Lord, I had forgotten to inform Your Lordship that when I returned here the last evening after leaving you at Dr. Swinton's, I found the Marquis of Delmore waiting. The Marquis of Delmore? ejaculated Sir Gilbert Heathcote. Yes, sir, replied Fitzgeorge. The Marquis appeared to be in a very excited state, and was most anxious to see Your Lordship, continued the valid, again addressing himself to his master. I assured him that Your Lordship was gone out of town, and might not return for a day or two, whereupon he almost flew into a rage with me for giving him such information. He paced the room in great agitation, and asked me several questions relative to any ladies who might visit that dimension. But I answered that Your Lordship was not the custom to receive visitresses at all. At length he took his departure, stating that he should call again in the morning at ten o'clock, and take his chance of finding Your Lordship at home. I understand full well the meaning of this visit on the part of the Marquis, said Sir Gilbert Heathcote to Trevelyan, when the valid had retired. But I am not time for explanations now. My impatience to repair to Bayswater is intense, unseasonable, though the hour is for arousing ladies from their slumbers. One request I have, however, to make, my dear Trevelyan, added the Baronet, and this is, that you will not, under any circumstances, communicate to the Marquis of Delmore the address of the villa occupied by Mrs. Sefton and Agnes. Be well assured, my dear friend, answered the young nobleman, that the secret is safe with me. The Baronet wrung Trevelyan's hand with a cordial warmth of deep gratitude and some dear attachments, and then took his departure. Lord William lay down for a few hours, and enjoyed the sand slumber until nine o'clock, when he rose and dressed himself to receive the Marquis of Delmore. Punctually, as o'clock struck ten, a handsome carriage drove up to the door, and the Marquis hastily alighting was immediately conducted into the drawing-room where Trevelyan awaited his presence. End of Section 86 Section 87 of Mysteries of London Volume 4 This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Matthea Bratchett Mysteries of London Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds The Old Marquis and the Young Lord My Lord, you are a man of honour, I have heard, began the Marquis without any prefatory observations, and I feel assured that you will at once relieve me from a most painful state of suspense. Pardon the excitement which I display, and justify the good opinion I have conceived of you by giving me without delay the information I am about to seek. In a word, where is Agnes, my daughter Agnes, the young lady whom you have seen walking in the garden of the secluded cottage near Norwood? Is that beautiful creature indeed your lordship's daughter? exclaimed Trevelyan. Not altogether surprised at the announcement, for the agitation which Sir Gilbert Heathcote had shown in the name of the Marquis of Dunwall was mentioned, and the request which he had made to the effect that the residents of Missus Septon should be kept secret had already created in the mind of Lord William the suspicion of the real truth. Yes, Agnes is indeed my daughter, and I am proud of her, cried the Marquis, but I know that she was unveiled away from the cottage by one who, by her own mother, infine, and I am likewise aware that you subsequently entrusted her to the care of a lady of your acquaintance. This latter information I obtained from a certain Mrs Mortimer that the information was correct, my lord, answered Trevelyan, and now I must candidly confess that I have a very difficult part to perform, for I will not condescend to a falsehood, and I dare not reveal the truth. This much, however, I am hesitatingly declare that, by a singular coincidence, the lady to whom I conducted your Lordship's daughter proved to be none other than her mother. Her mother, then she is at this moment in the care of that woman, ejaculated the Marquis, is excitement increasing, and you will not tell me where I can find them. That is the truth which, as I said her now, I dare not repeat, responded Trevelyan, profoundly touched by the evident grief of the old noble woman. Will you be the means of separating a father from his child? asked the Marquis, now sinking through exhaustion upon a sofa, for hitherto he had remained standing, although Trevelyan had twice courteously indicated the chair that had been placed for his accommodation. Were I to yield to your Lordship's desire? said the young noble woman. Were I to give you the address of, of, for her, Mrs Sefton, if you will, interrupted the Marquis bitterly? I know that she passes, and has long passed under that name. Well, my Lord, were I to give you the address of that lady, resumed Trevelyan, I should be adopting a course calculated to separate a mother from her child. But that mother is unworthy of being entrusted with the care of her daughter, exclaimed the Marquis of Delmore emphatically. My Lord, I have not the slightest inclination to enter into matters of a private nature, and regarding your own family, said Trevelyan, with firmness, yet curtsy, and even with commiseration for the sorrow of the old noble, much less, he added, should I like to be constituted a judge between your Lordship and the Marchioness of Delmore, for such I presume Mrs Sefton to be, without placing your Lordship in any disagreeable or invidious position, said the Marquis, growing more tranquil as his naturally powerful mind suggested the utter inutility of giving way to excitement. I may yet address you not only in your capacity of a nobleman endowed with high intelligence and strict notions of integrity, but also as one, unless I much be deceived, experiences an honourable passion for my daughter. Ah, I perceive by your countenance that such indeed is the sentiment you entertain for Agnes. And now, therefore, as her father, I will address you, as her parent, her protector, and her natural guardian, I invoke your attention. It would be disrespectful alike to your age and rank, and also to your position as the father of her whom I sincerely and devotedly love, were I to refuse to hear whatever your Lordship may have to communicate, said Trevelyan, after a few moments' reflection. Thanks! A thousand thanks! ejaculated the Marquis. I shall yet move you in my favour, but tell me, you are acquainted with one whom, if you please, we will continue to call Mrs Sefton. Has she ever communicated to you any particulars of her earlier life? Trevelyan candidly replied the young nobleman, she has confided to me a portion of those particulars, and I have this day learned sufficient to fill up the new blanks which she left in her narrative. You know then, resumed his Lordship, that I wedded her against her consent, but I knew not at the time, as God is my judge, that I was so completely sealing her misery by that marriage. Sophia, that is her Christian name, was young and beautiful when I first saw her, though so beautiful that I became madly in love with her. And you may perhaps be aware that love is selfish, claiming its object at any price, and at any sacrifice. Her father was in deep pecuniary difficulties, nay more he had done things which would have dishonoured his name, and even endangered his personal safety. I had an enormous fortune at my command, I told him that I adored his daughter, and he promised me her hand, on that occasion he concealed from me the fact that the young lady's affections were already engaged. Indeed, he assured me that love was as yet a stranger to her bosom, but as she had been struck by my appearance, although I was so much her senior, the duplicity of the father was the first fault in that long chain of unpleasant circumstances and untoward incidents, and, relying on all that he had thus told me, I at once advanced a hundred thousand pounds to relieve him from his embarrassments. Soon, however, did I begin to perceive that my visits were rather tolerated than encouraged by his charming daughter Sophia, and then I learnt, but not from her lips, that she loved another. I felt indignant with the father, while I passionately coveted the daughter, and under the influence of those feelings I pressed my suit. I was resolved not to be made a duke by the sire, and sacrificed by the young lady to a rival. Had she herself, frankly and candidly, revealed to me the state of her affections, thrown herself upon my mercy, appealed to my honour, I should have acted a generous part, my lord, yes. I should have been generous. But the young lady was coerced by her father, who intimidated her at one time, and ridiculed her at another, observed Trevelyan. I remember full well that she told me of her sire's unfeeling conduct towards her. Yes, and to me also she made the same revelation, when it was too late, continued the marquis. However, it was under such inauspicious circumstances that our marriage took place, and again I appealed to heaven to attest the truth of my words, when I declare that I treated her with all possible tenderness, affection and regard. She has done your lordship that justice in narrating those particulars to me, the Mark Trevelyan. But I could not render her happy, resumed the marquis. She was constantly weeping, and our honeymoon resembled an interval of mourning after a funeral, rather than the season of felicity succeeding a bridal. Much as I exerted myself to please her, lavish as I was with money to procure her the means of recreation and enjoyment, profuse as I became with the most costly gift, not only to herself, but likewise to all her relatives and friends, I could never win a smile from her lips. Now your lordship will admit that this was more than an unpleasant life to lead. It was absolutely wretched. But your lordship may conceive the deep vexation, which I experienced when, having succeeded on one occasion in inducing the marchiness of peer at a ball given by some friends, I saw her pale countenance suddenly glow with animation, and her eye light up with joy as Gilbert Heathcote advanced to solicit her hand for a quadril. And she smiled too. Yes, she smiled. And oh how sweetly upon him, as her elegant figure moved with dignity and grace in the mazy dawn, my soul seemed as if it were withering up within me. I'm confident that I must have eyed them with the ferocity of a lynx. But Sophia appeared to have forgotten that I was present, that there was such a being in the world as I. Her whole attention was devoted to my rival. Her whole thoughts were absorbed in the pleasure of his society. She danced with him more than once. She sat next to him at the supper table, and after the banquet, she walked with him. I have ever detested that voluptuous, that licentious, that indecent dance. But how I loathed it on this occasion. I tore myself away from the ballroom, and sought a secluded corner in the car room. There I endeavoured to reason with myself upon the absurdity of my jealous rage, of the ridicule to which any manifestation of the feeling would expose me. And of the contempt I should inevitably draw upon myself from my wife. Did I allow her to perceive how much I was annoyed at what she would dapless consider a trivial matter? Thus exercising a powerful command over my emotions, I even assumed a smiling countenance when we returned home. And when I congratulated her upon having been in such high spirits, but all her coldness and inanimation had come back. And I thought within myself, that she would not appear thus, if Gilbert Heathcote was still in her society. My Lord, pardon me, but wherefore enter into details which only arouse reminisces so painful to yourself, interrupted Trevelyan. Bear with me yet a little while, said the Marquis, speaking in so mild and plaintive a tone, that Lord William could not find it in his heart to manifest any impatience, or any further disinclination to hear the old nobleman's narrative. Bear with me, I say, for I have a motive in entering into these details, he continued, at the same time, I will not be too prolix, although there are a thousand little circumstances which recur to my memory, and which might be quoted to prove how patient and enduring I was under the cruel indifference wherewith I was treated. But I will content myself by observing that Sophia smiled only on those occasions, when she encountered Gilbert Heathcote in society or in the fashionable promenades. At other times she shrouded herself in a species of dreamy apathy. Her father, perceiving when it was too late how utterly he had wrecked his daughter's happiness, died of a broken heart. But, strange to say, it was not long after this event that Sophia appeared suddenly to rally a little and seek a more active existence. She began to take frequent airings in the carriage, grew addicted to shopping, accepted every invitation that was sent for balls, routes, card parties and concerts, and requested me to take a box at the opera. In fine, she speedily plunged into the routine of fashionable dissipation. Nevertheless, when alone with me, she was ever cold and reserved, if not positively sullen and morose. In the course of time she was in the way to become a mother, and I hoped that the birth of a child might subdue a portion of her coldness towards me, even if the tie were not strong enough to induce her to love me. But when Agnes, my darling Agnes, was born, her manner varied not one titl in respect to myself. Time passed on, and at last I began to entertain serious suspicion of the fidelity of my wife, for I found that she had frequent interviews, not all together accidental with Sir Gilbert Heathcote, who about that time succeeded to a baronessy and a tolerable fortune. I remonstrated with the machinese upon her imprudence to give her conduct new harsher name, and then began a series of quarrels, disputes and bickering, which made my life more wretched than ever. On one of those occasions she approached me for having married her, and she declared that she never had loved, and never could love me. Alas, I knew it too well, knew also that she had loved, and still loved another. And it was likewise after one of those disputes to which I have alluded that a horrible suspicion first entered my mind, a suspicion that the machinese had been unfaithful to me, and that Agnes was not my own child. So my lord, continue this painful narrative no farther, explained Trevelyan. It shocks me to be thus made the depository of secrets of so delicate a nature. Again do I implore your patience, Lord William, cried the Marquess, and as I have advanced thus far in my sad story, permit me to carry it on to the conclusion. I was observing then that a dreadful suspicion seized upon me, and yet I dared not accuse my wife of incontinency. She devined what was passing in the depth of my tortured soul. She conjectured the nature of the apprehension which now began to haunt me like a ghost. Oh how I longed to question her, to know the worst, or to hear her proclaim the injustice of my suspicion. But no, I dared not touch upon the subject. My tongue claved to the roof of my mouth whenever I sought to frame the words that should accuse her. And in this manner did we drag on a wretched existence, I experiencing all the misery of having a young wife who could not love me, and she feeling all the bitterness of her position in being allied to an old husband who had grown so jealous and so suspicious. At last the day came when all my repugnance to utter the fatal accusation suddenly vanished. I had been more than ordinarily provoked, for at a déjeuner given at the house of some friends, the Marquess received with such evident satisfaction the marked attentions of the Gilbert Heathgoat, that I felt myself insulted and outraged in the presence of the entire company. Accordingly, when we returned home in the afternoon, a violent scene took place between the Marciennes and myself, and it was then that in a paroxysm of rage I proclaimed the suspicion which I had for some time cherished. I accused her of impidelity. I revealed the doubt which existed in my mind relative to my paternal claims to the affections of the infant agnes. Never, never shall I forget that memorable day. The Marciennes heard me, gazed on me fixedly, appeared superfied and astounded for nearly a minute, while her countenance became pale as marble. Her lips quivered and her bosom heaved convulsively. I was terrified at her manner. She appeared at that moment to be injured, innocents personified. I could have thrown myself at her feet and implored her pardon, but in a thick and hollow voice she said, All is now at an end, my lord, between you and me. We part, forever. A dizziness came over me. I felt that I had done wrong, that I had gone too far, and I would have given worlds to be able to recall the fatal accusation, for I was now as firmly convinced of her innocence, as I had a few minutes before been deeply imbued with suspicion, and I cursed. I anethymised the rashness that had marked my conduct. It was a painful, a distressing scene, for I remember that I fell upon my knees to implore her forgiveness. To beseech her to remain, if not for my sake, the pleas for that of the child. But this appeal only excited her the more, and when I adjured her in the name of her infant daughter to stay, she uttered a wild cry and fled, as if suddenly seized with insanity, from the house. Here the Marquis paused for a few moments, and passed his handkerchief rapidly over his eyes. The reminisces of the past were still powerful enough to move him to tears. I shall now not detain you long, my lord, he resumed. Wither my wife went, I knew not, but in a short time I heard that she was living in the strictest seclusion and under a feigned name. Will you not despise me when you learn that I employ despise to watch her actions, to institute inquiries concerning her pursuits and her conduct? But I will conceal nothing from you. And I candidly admit that such was the course which I adopted, for, though I still believed that she was innocent up to the time when my abrupt accusations drove her from the house, I nevertheless naturally conjectured that, on thus quitting me, she had sought the protection of him who she loved. I was not therefore surprised to hear that Sir Gilbert Heathcote was a frequent visitor at the abode of Mrs. Sefton, by which name she was now known, but I was unable to glean any positive evidence of criminality on her part. And did I seek such evidence? Yes, for a raging jealousy had taken possession of me, and I longed to punish her for daring to love my rival as she did. But, as time passed on and sober reflection worked its influence upon me, I grew ashamed of the course I had adopted, and I now resolved to hush up to the utmost of my power at the unhappy position in which I stood with regard to my wife, for I already felt deeply attached to my little daughter. And I determined that, if human precautions could prevent such a misfortune, she should never have to blush for a mother's shame. I was strengthened in this resolve by the fact that the marchiness herself was disposed to shroud the past in secrecy as much as possible, else wherefore the famed name which she had adopted and the seclusion in which she dwelt. But in the course of a few months certain vents transpired which threatened to layer bare to the public the whole of this most painful history. I must explain myself more fully by stating that my wife's father had made a will leaving some landed property to me, and which was to descend to the child or children that might spring for my marriage with his daughter. A distant male relative of his now set up a claim to that property, and proceedings were taken in the court of Chancery, from which it transpired that the Marquis and marchiness of Delmore were living apart by mutual consent as it was alleged, and that their infant child was in the charge of the Marquis himself. I shall not weary you with particulars nor details, suffice it to say that the proceedings took such a turn, and were of such a nature as to lead to a decree to this effect, that the claims of the distant relative were rejected, that trustees were appointed by the court to administer the property, until Agnes should attain the age of 21, and that, as no allegations of misconduct had been made against the marchiness of Delmore, she should have the charge of a daughter. This portion of the Marquis's narrative were explained to the reader, wherefore, when conversing with his daughter at the cottage, as detailed in chapter 161, he said to her, two years more and I shall no longer have any secrets from you, because at the expiration of that period, Agnes would attain her majority. The decree in Chancery likewise explained the ground upon which Mrs Sefton, earliest the marchiness of Delmore, had observed to Trevelyan in chapter 181, that the law was in her favour, in respect to any endeavour that might be made to rest Agnes from her care, and the same fact elucidates the meaning of her ladyship's remark, that two years must elapse her she could venture to dispose of the hand of her daughter in marriage. Thus was it, resumed the Marquis after a brief pause, that those accursed proceedings which I did not provoke, and which, when once commenced I could not arrest, thus was it, that they suddenly placed my infant daughter within the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court, and deprived me of the right of retaining her in my care. It is true that I might have instituted counter proceedings in respect to this portion of the decree, but then I should have been compelled to attack the reputation of my wife, prove her to be an adulteress, if such evidence could be acquired, and cover a noble family with shame, while a species of hereditary taint would cling to the reputation of my Agnes. Now, my lord, you can understand my motive in rearing her under circumstances of such privacy, such secrecy, enooming her to an existence of seclusion, almost of solitude, and of adopting all possible precautions to prevent her falling into the hands of her mother. And now, also, that you are acquainted with this most sad, this most unhappy history, I appeal to you whether you will be the means of permitting the innocent Agnes to remain in the care of her unworthy parent. If you really love her, my lord, if you propose to make her your wife when she attains her majority, I put it to your honour, and to your good sense, whether it be preferable that she should pass the interval of two years with her mother, who occupies so equivocal of position, all with her father, who has ever done his duty towards her. Travellion was cruelly embarrassed by this appeal, which in reality carried so much weight with it, and involved so important a point that he knew not how to act. Much as he was disposed to make all possible allowances for Mrs. Sefton, as we had better continue to call her, much as he pitied her in the consequence of the wretched marriage into which she had been forced, and great as the excuse was for her connection with Sir Gilbert Heathcote. He nevertheless could not avoid being shocked at the idea of the young creature whom he intended to make his wife, remaining in the maternal care. His good sense and propriety of feeling naturally prompted him therefore to advocate the father's claim to the guardianship of Agnes. But on the other hand, the solemn pledge he had given to Sir Gilbert Heathcote and likewise his confidence in the good principles of Mrs. Sefton, in spite of her equivocal position, all this forbade him to side at once with the marquise. Yet how was he to remain neutral? He who had such a deep and tender interest in the welfare of the lovely, the innocent, the artless Agnes. While he was still hesitating what course to adopt, and walking up and down the room in an excited manner, while too the marquise of Delmore, who remained seated upon the sofa, was watching him with the most intense anxiety. A loud double knock and ring at the front door startled both the noblemen. I will not receive anyone at present, exclaimed Travellian, and hastily opening the drawing-room door, he hurried out upon the landing, once he was about to give instructions to the whole porter to deny him to the visitor, whoever it might be. But the front door was already open, and both the marquise and Travellian heard the whole porter observing, evidently he replied to a question that had been put to him. His lordship is particularly engaged, madame, at the present moment. The marquise of Delmore is with his lordship in the drawing-room. The marquise of Delmore, eh? exclaimed a female voice, not unknown to either of the noblemen. Oh, I am acquainted with the marquise, as well as with my friend Lord William, and I will therefore take the liberty of intruding upon them, before the whole porter could offer any further objection. The obtrusive female brushed past him and hurried up the marble staircase, Travellian having already retreated into the drawing-room. In a few moments, the young noblemen and the marquise were equally annoyed by the appearance of Mrs Mortimer, who, stacked out in the gayest style, thus unceremoniously forced away into their presence. End of section 87. Section 88 of Mysteries of London Volume 4. This is a LibriVox recording, or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Mysteries of London Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds. Mrs Mortimer in London again. This is really most fortunate, my lords, exclaimed the old woman as she entered with a smirking countenance and a self-sufficient air. I wished to see you both as early as convenient this morning, and behold I find you together. How is the pretty Agnes? Has not your lordship discovered that I told you the truth when I referred you to this house for information respecting her? She inquired, turning towards the marquise. Yes, madam, he exclaimed hastily, and as I shall proceed direct hence to my bankers, to instruct them relative to certain checks which I recently gave in Paris, you may present your draft in the course of the day, with the certainty of receiving the amount. I presume that it was for this purpose you desired to see me. Precisely so, my lord, responded the old woman, scarcely able to conceal the boundless joy which she now experienced, for the marquise had given her precisely the very information which she was anxious to obtain, namely that his banker would in the course of the day be directed to cash the various checks he had recently given when in Paris. And what business can you possibly have to transact with me, madam, demanded Lord William Trevelyan, in a tone of the most chilling altar? I thought of doing your lordship a service, answered Mrs Mortimer, and yet the manner in which I am received is but a sorry recompense for my good intentions. To speak candidly, madam, said the young noble, I mistrust your intentions and do not require your services. It is true enough that the presence of the marquise here has forestalled the purpose of my own visit, observed Mrs Mortimer, secretly enjoying the vexation, which she evidently caused Lord William by remaining in the room. But I may as well prove to you that all those intentions which you effect to mistrust were really good, and therefore I will at once inform your lordship that I came to relate to you, all that took place between the marquise and me in Paris three days ago. For I thought that I might as well prepare you for a visit on the part of my Lord Dalmore, and I was in hopes of being the first to reveal to you the high birth of the young lady whom you have believed to be plain Agnes Vernon. For which officiousness you would have expected a handsome remuneration, said Lord William, with a contemptuous curling of the lip. No, madame, you will not obtain a single guinea from me, I can read your character thoroughly, and grieved as I am to be compelled to address a female in so harsher manner, I must nevertheless beg you to relieve me of your presence as speedily as possible. I have no wish to intrude myself any longer upon your lordships, observed Mrs Mortimer, and with a respectful curtsy to the marquise and a stiff inclination of the head to Trebellion, she took her departure. And now, my lord, said the impatient marquise, that we are relieved of the company of that despicable woman, for in no other light can I regard her, may I solicit your decision in the important matter that yet remains to be settled. It grieves me, believes me, my dear marquise, it pains me to keep you in suspense, returned Trebellion, but on my side my inclination prompts me to act in accordance with your wishes. On the other, my word is pledged to retain the abode of Mrs Sefton, interrupted the old nobleman hastily. To retain the address of that lady a profound secret, added Trebellion. But this much I will promise, this much I will undertake, without delay to repair to Mrs Sefton and urge her to deliver up Lady Agnes to your care. I have that confidence in her rectitude of principle, which induces me to hope for success, when I shall have placed the entire matter before her in its proper light. With this assurance I must rest contented for the present, observed the marquise, but hear the resolution to which I have come, he continued, rising from his seat and speaking in a tone of excitement. Hitherto I have done all I could, I am far more than the generality of injured husbands would have done, to cast a veil over the unhappy circumstances which I have this morning related to you. But should she refuse to deliver up my daughter to my care, should she entrench herself behind the decision of the chancellory court, I shall then remain peaceable no longer. It shall be war, open war, between her and me. I will appeal to the tribunals of my country, I will appeal to the ecclesiastical court and the house of lords for a divorce, and I will adopt the necessary proceedings and furnish the proper evidence to induce the Lord Chancellor to deprive the erring mother of the care of her child, such is my determination, Lord William, and you may use the menace which is no idle one to bring that woman to reason. With these words the marquise pressed the hand of the young nobleman and took his leave hastily. Mrs. Mortimer, who was seated in a cab at a little distance, watching for the departure of the marquise, beheld him enter his carriage, which immediately drove away, and the humbler vehicle was thereupon directed to follow the more imposing achepage. The carriage proceeded into the strand and stopped at the door of an eminent banking house which the marquise entered. Mrs. Mortimer, having dogged him dither, alighted at a little distance and dismissed the cab. She watched the old nobleman come forth again, and then she repaired to a coffee-house in the neighbourhood, where she ordered some refreshment to be served up in a private room. She likewise demanded writing materials, and when she was left to herself she drew forth the check for six hundred pounds, which the marquise of Delmore had given her. Now for the grand blow she thought within herself, as she carefully examined the draught, and it must be struck boldly too. But the aim is worth all the risk—sixty thousand pounds or transportation—those are the alternatives. I have been possessive enough money in my life to know how sweet it is, and I have seen enough of transportation to be well aware how bitter it is. And the former is so sweet that it is worthwhile chanting all the bitters of the latter to obtain it. Besides, apart from the delicious feeling of having a vast fortune of my command, how delightful will it be to overreach the haughty Perdita, or Laura, as she chooses to call herself. And here the old woman's lips curled into a contemptuous sneer. I have hitherto managed matters cleverly enough. She continued in her musings, ah ha! Lord William Trevelyan thought that I called upon him either to gratify some idle curiosity, or to extort money. He little suspected my drift. It was to see whether the marquise had been to him, to learn whether my information had been found correct, to ascertain whether I might present the draught at the bankers. And then the old marquise himself. It was lucky that I found him there. I was saved the trouble of calling at his mansion to worm out of him, whether he had instructed his bankers to pay the check. Not my paltry draught for six hundred, but Perdita's grand amount of sixty thousand. In all this I succeeded admirably, and now for the desperate venture. Having us communed with herself, Mrs. Mortimer partook of a little refreshment, for she was anxious to wail away an hour before she went to the bank, so as not to present herself too soon after the visit of the marquise of Delmore to the establishment. When she had eaten and drank as drunk as much as she cared for, she addressed herself to the grand project which she had in view, and in furtherance of which she had demanded the private room and the writing materials at the coffee house. The writing of the marquise was execrably bad, and it was not a very difficult matter to add Ty to the six, and to transform the word hundred into thousand in the body of the check, while the simple addition of zero zero to the six hundred pounds written in figures in the corner completed the forgery. The check therefore now stood for sixty thousand pounds instead of six hundred, payable to bearer, no particular name being mentioned as the intended recipient. When the old woman had thus transformed the document, a glow of triumph animated her hideous countenance, but in a few moments a chill, a cold, creeping tremor came over her, as if a clammy snake were gradually coiling itself around her form underneath her clothes, for she remembered all the sensations which she had experienced when she committed the forgery of Sir Henry Courtney's name nineteen years previously. By a desperate effort the old woman shook off the painful feeling that thus influenced her, and resolving to allow herself no more leisure for reflection, lest her thoughts should make a coward of her, she rang the bell, paid the trifling amount incurred, and took her departure from the coffee house. During her walk to the bank which was close at hand, she rapidly calculated in her mind all the chances of success. The Marquis had unquestionably been dither to give instructions relative to the draft held by Laura, as well as that which had been given to herself, and there was not the slightest reason to fear that her daughter had followed so closely on her steps from Paris, as to have been able to visit the bank during the hour that had just elapsed. As for the excellence of the forgery, or rather of the alterations, Mrs. Mortimer entertained no apprehension on that score, and thus all things considered, she deemed failure to be impossible. With an apparent outward composure, but with a palpitating heart, the old woman entered the bank and presented her check to one of the clerks. He surveyed it narrowly, took it into the private office or parlor, doubtless to submit it to one of the proprietors of the establishment or some responsible person, and remained away, upwards of two minutes. Two minutes! But that interval was an age, a perfect age in the imagination of the old woman. It was an interval composed of such intense feelings that the hair of a young person might have turned suddenly gray. Feelings of such burning hope and such awful suspense, of such profound terror and fervid expectation, that while molten lead appeared to drop upon one side of her heart, ice seemed to lay upon the other. At length the clerk came back, and Mrs. Mortimer darted a rapid, searching, penetrating glance at his countenance. Nothing saved respect and civility could she chase thereon, and she instantly knew that she was safe. Then came such a revulsion of feeling, such a subsiding of the terrors and such an exaltation of the hopes which she had conceived, that it was as if she was shooting upwards from the profundity of a deluge of dark waters, and suddenly breathed the fresh air again, and beheld the bright sun and the smiling heavens overhead. The clerk proceeded to count out banknotes for the sum specified in the check, and as he handed the fortune, yes, literally a fortune, over to the old woman, he considerably gave her a caution to take care of the vile characters who frequently lurked about the doors of banking houses. Mrs. Mortimer thanked the clerk for his well-meant advice, and salad forth from the establishment, with a heart so elate that she could scarcely believe in the success of the tremendous fraud, now that it had passed triumphantly through the ordeal. But as she was crossing the threshold, she heard a name suddenly mentioned, and hastily turning her head, she found herself face to face with Jack Riley, the doctor. And a Section 88. Section 89 of Mysteries of London, Volume 4. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds, Jack Riley and Mrs. Mortimer. The individual whom Mrs. Mortimer, thus unexpectedly and unpleasantly encountered, had made a considerable improvement in his personal appearance during the few days that had elapsed, since she saw him last. The old fur cap, the greasy velveteen shooting jacket, the rusty waist coat, the corduroy trousers, and the heavy high loaves were exchanged for a shining silk hat, a complete suit of black clothes, and a pair of Wellington boots. His shirt was likewise new and clean, and he wore a satin stock instead of the blue cotton handkerchief tied loosely round his neck. He had evidently endeavored to make himself look as respectable as he could, but the almost African hue of his complexion, the horrible hairlip through the opening of which the large white teeth glistened up to the gums, and the yellow fire that seemed to shine in the small and restless eyes gave him such a peculiar aspect that it was scarcely possible for anyone who passed to avoid noticing him. Mrs. Mortimer, my beloved tiger cat, how are you? He exclaimed, grasping the old woman's hand and shaking it violently. Very well, thank you, Mr. Riley, but pray do not detain me now. There's a good soul, for I have not a moment to spare. I shan't detain you, O beauty, interrupt to Jack, because I'll just do myself the pleasure of walking along with you. Come, take my arm. You needn't be ashamed to do so. Now I think I'm pretty tidally rigged, eh? Thus speaking, a glance complacently over his own person, and then bestowed a look upon the outward appearance of Mrs. Mortimer, who, as we've already observed, was dressed with unusual gaiety. Come, my dear, take my arm, exclaim the doctor. Really, Mr. Riley, you must excuse me, said the old woman, who was most anxious to get away from the vicinity of the bank, but by no means desirous of remaining in the company of the doctor. I have a particular matter to attend to immediately. If, however, you desire to see me, I shall be most happy to meet you this evening. This fiddle stick interrupted Jack Riley impatiently. You know that you never kept the appointment you made with me after that Stamford Street affair the other day. When you went away with the young girl on the cab, and yet you assured me that there was money to be got through her. Well, well, I have not time to talk about that matter now, said Mrs. Mortimer angrily, and I must take my leave of you. Lord bless you, I'm not going to be put off in this fashion, old lady, cried Jack. It suits me to have a little further chat with you, and I'm determined the whim shall be gratified. So take my arm at once and come along. If we stand here prolivering, we shall soon have a mob about us, because it isn't every day that two such handsome people as you and I are seen together. He added with a horrible chuckle. But perhaps you are not going my way, said Mrs. Mortimer, still hesitating to take the prophet arm, and deeply vexed at this encounter. Oh, yes I am, because I'll go any way you like, responded Jack Riley in the most accommodating spirit. Well, you shall be my companion for a short time, exclaimed Mrs. Mortimer, affecting to laugh in good humor, taking his arm. She proceeded with him along the strand. I met our friend Vitriol Bob last night at a public house. Observed Jack, who seemed quite proud of having the hideous old woman clinging to him. He looked remarkably savage when he saw me in my brand new taugary, for he thought to himself that the money which purchased it ought to have belonged to him. I hadn't seen him since the night in Stamford Street, and as he had the impudence to stare at me in a threatening manner, I went up to him and whispered in his ear, what about old Torrin's Bob? He turned quite livered with rage and ground his teeth together. Then after a few moments' consideration, he said also in a whisper, if it wasn't that you knew that secret, I'd serve you out nicely, old fellow, but I'll be even with you yet, I dare say, whenever you like, Bob, said I. And then we sat down in different parts of the room and stared at each other all the time we were smoking our pipes, but not another word passed between us and the other people who were present, knowing that we were excellent pals until lately wondered what the devil was the matter. And did he bury the dead body, do you know, inquired Mrs. Mortimer? I didn't put the question to him, answered Jack Rowley, nothing more passed between us than what I've just told you, but I have no doubt that he laid old Torrin's two or three feet under the kitchen floor in the haunted house, and now how do you suppose that I and Vitriol Bob stand with regard to each other? As enemies I should have supposed, replied Mrs. Mortimer, wondering by what means, she could possibly shake off her disagreeable companion. As mortal, implacable, unrelenting enemies continued the man, lowering his voice for his loud talking had already attracted the notice of the passersby in the strand, and he had just caught sight of a policeman who appeared to be eyeing him rather suspiciously. Yes, as bitter enemies he repeated, not that I have any resentment now against Bob because my revenge is gratified, and I am more than even with him, but as he will take the first opportunity to thrust a knife into my ribs or dash his Vitriol bottle in my face whenever he catches me in a lonely place, why I must be prepared to struggle with him to the very death. So my old tiger cat added the doctor with amazing cheerfulness, considering the gravity of the topic, whenever he and I do so meet only one of us will walk away alive, that's as certain as that you're leaning on my arm and that I'm proud of your company. As Vitriol Bob, as you call him, such a desperate fellow, inquired Mrs. Mortimer, wishing the doctor at the hottest place she could think of, why I've told you all about him before exclaimed Jack, and now let me give you a little piece of advice about yourself, old gal, about me, repeated Mrs. Mortimer with a shutter occasion by a presentiment of what she was going to hear. Yes, about you my tiger cat, repeated the doctor, remember that Vitriol Bob never forgets or forgives, and he owes you one, that's all, but when I think of it I shall constitute myself your lawful protector, because I never did meet any woman so precious as you are, and eagerness when joined to ferocity is beauty in my eyes, as I have before told you. Well, well, we will discuss all these points another time, said Mrs. Mortimer. I must leave you here, she added, stopping suddenly, short at the corner of Wellington Street, leading to Waterloo Bridge. Your way is mine, observed Jack Riley coolly as he compelled her to walk on, but by the by, what were you doing in that bank at the door of which I met you? I merely went in to see a clerk of my acquaintance, replied the old woman, cursing in her heart the odious companion, who thus pertinaciously attached himself to her. Come, that won't do, old gal, exclaimed Jack, as he paid the toll for them both at the gate of the bridge. I'm so well acquainted with all the rigs and moves of London life, as to be able to tell in a moment whether a person coming out of a bank has been to receive money or not. If it's a gentleman, he feels that his breeches pocket to see that the cash is all safe, or he buttons his coat over his breast, which proves that the notes are in his waistcoat. If it's a woman, she grips her ridicule, pressures tight, or smooths down a dress just over where her pocket is, or else settles her shawl over her bosom when the notes are there. This last was precisely what you did, and therefore, my old tiger cat, I know that you've got money in the bosom of your dress, as well as if I saw you put it there. You're quite wrong for once in your life, Mr. Riley, said Mrs. Mortimer, trembling at the remarks which had just fallen upon her ears, then why does your arm shake so as it hangs in mine, demanded the doctor with an imperturbability, which frightened the old woman more than if he had actually used threats. For little as she had seen of him, she was well enough acquainted with his character to perceive that he was meditating mischief. My arm did not shake, cried Mrs. Mortimer, mastering up all her courage and presence of mind. But here we are at the end of the bridge, and I must bid you goodbye. When shall we meet again? We are not going to separate in a hurry. I can tell you, said the doctor, so don't think it. You know I love you. He added with a horrible grin, which opened his hairless so wide that he seemed to be an ogre about to devour her. And I love much more still the bank notes that you've got in your bosom. Besides, it is my duty to protect you from vitriol Bob. And in addition to all this, I think we shall be able to knock up a very cozy partnership together. And suppose that I decline the honor you intend me, ask the old woman, assuming a tone of bitter sarcasm in order to induce Riley to believe that she was not afraid, though in reality her heart was sinking within her. In the case which you have suggested I shall force you to do as I choose and act as I desire, Cooley responded the doctor. Forged me indeed, repeated the old woman, withdrawing her arm and stopping short in the Waterloo Road. Yes, forced you, said Jack Riley, compelling her to take his arm again, and also to walk on. You'd better not provoke me because I'm not the man to stick at trifles. If you make a noise and raise a mob, I will swear black and blue that you are my wife, that you have bolted with my money and that the notes are concealed somewhere about your person. Then if the police should interfere, you will have to give an account of how you became possessed of the notes aforesaid. And I daresay from the estimate I have formed of your character, you would not like to be questioned on that point. In a word then, unless I am mightily deceived, you have committed some nice little bit of roguery, and I mean to go haves with you. This diary was spun out to such a length and delivered in such a measured tone of coolness that Mrs. Mortimer, who was perfectly astounded at the menaces with which it opened, had leisure to recover her self-possession, but the rapid survey of her position which she was unable to take while the doctor was finishing his orangue was far from consolatory. She had indeed committed a little roguery, and would indeed be sorry to be questioned by the police, and she knew moreover that Jack Rowley was quite capable of carrying all his threats into immediate execution. What then was she to do? There was no alternative but to bend to circumstances, make the best of a bad job, and trust to the chapter of accidents, so as to avail herself of any occurrence that might turn up in her favor. Will you keep silent, though Gauss said the doctor after a short pause? Is it that you don't admire me sufficiently to take me as a husband in the fashion of leaping over the broomstick? It is of the utmost importance that I should attend to certain pressing matters, return, Mrs. Mortimer, and afterwards I shall be happy to fall into all your plans and projects. Well, we will attend to the pressing matters together, said the doctor. A husband and wife must have no secrets from each other, but since we have come this way and as my abode happens to lie in the immediate neighborhood, I propose at once to introduce you thereto and install you as mistress of the place. I've got a comfortable crib for Torrance's money, did wonders for me as you may well suppose. At this moment, a project flashed to the mind of the old woman, what if she were to yield without further hesitation or remonstrance to the doctor's proposals and watch her opportunity either to murder him or escape when he was asleep? By weeding herself into his confidence, she would know where he deposited the money which she feared must pass from her hands into his own, and she could repossess herself of it if he were disposed of or if she were grateful while he slept. I do not mind accompanying you to your lodging, she said, and there we can talk over the whole business much better than in the open street. There, now you are getting into a better frame of mind, observed Jack Riley this way, and he turned into the low streets lying on the left hand side of the Waterloo road between Upper Stamford Street and the New Cut. The neighborhood alluded to swarms with brothels of the most infamous description, and half-naked women may be seen at all hours lounging about at the doors and endeavoring to entice into their dens any respectable looking men who happen to pass that way. Robberies are a frequent occurrence in those houses of ill fame, and the great aim of the vile females inhabiting them is to entrap persons who are the worst for liquor and whose appearance denotes a well-filled purse. Neighborhoods of this kind should be shunned by all decent persons as if a pestilence were raging there. It was into RuPaul Street that Jack Riley conducted, Mrs. Mortimer, and when he had introduced her to a small but well furnished parlor with a bedchamber communicating by means of folding doors, he produced a bottle of brandy saying, Now let us drink to our happy meeting this day. Billing two glasses with the potent liquor, he handed one to the old woman, who swallowed the contents greedily, for she felt that she stood in need of a stimulant. Now my beautiful tiger cat exclaimed the doctor as he drew down the blind over the window, I'm about to subject you to a little ceremony which may be perhaps looked upon as the least thing uncourteous, but it must be accomplished all the same, so don't let us have any bother about it. Thus speaking he approached the cupboard whence he had taken the brandy, and drawing forth a huge clasp of knife, he touched a spring which made the blade fly open and remained fixed as if it were a dagger. You do not mean to hurt me, exclaimed the old woman, now becoming terribly alarmed, so much so that she sank exhausted into a chair while her looks were fixed appealingly on the man's countenance. Not unless you grow obstreperous or have any of your nonsense, said Jack, I love you too well to harm you, he added, with a leer that made him more hideously ugly than ever. But I must have my own way all the same, so just be so kind as to place upon the table the bank notes which you've got in the bosom of your gown. It is but fair that I should have a wife who can bring me a dowry, and you must leave it to my generosity. He went on to say with a chuck from left, how much I shall settle upon you afterwards. While he was thus speaking, Mrs. Mortimer rapidly revolved in her mind all the chances that were for or against her at that moment, were she to scream and attempt resistance? Could she succeed in alarming the neighborhood before the miscreant would have plunged his dagger into her, or indeed would he have recourse to such an extreme measure at all? These questions she at once decided against herself, and reverting to her former project of affecting obedience, she thrust her hand into her bosom, dexterously separated a couple of the notes from the rest of the bundle, and threw those two upon the table. Jack Rowley instantly snatched them up, and when he perceived that they were four thousand pounds each, he could scarcely contain his joy. Flinging the terrible clasp knife on the floor, he rushed upon the old woman, who was seized with two sudden and too profound a terror to permit her even to give utterance to the faintest ejaculation, for she thought that he intended to murder her. But her cruel apprehensions led in another moment when the loathsome monster, throwing his arms about her neck, began to embrace and fondle her, as if she were a blooming beauty of seventeen instead of a hideous heron upwards of sixty, nevertheless old and polluted as she was, and an ear to all circumstances of disgust, as her term of transportation had rendered her, she revolted with a sickening sensation from the pawings and caresses of the hairless wretch who had thus enfolded her in his horrible embrace. She therefore struggled to rid herself of him, to escape from his arms, but he almost maddened, with the joy which the sight of the banknotes had raised up in his breast, hugged her only the more tightly in proportion as her resistance became the more desperate. By heavens I'll kiss you again, old gal, he's claimed I care not how ugly the world may consider you. Be quiet now, can't you? To me you're a paragon of beauty. Perdition, let go of me, you hellcat. There now you're magnificent in your rage. That's the humor I like to see a woman in. Hey, Dave, what's that? And as he uttered this ejaculation, he suddenly quitted his hold upon Mrs. Mortimer, and pounced upon something that had rolled on the floor. It was the bundle of banknotes, which had fallen from the old woman's dress during the struggle. By Jove, here's a treasure, a fortune a king's ransom. He ejaculated the doctor scarcely able to believe his eyes, as he hastily turned over the notes with his hands. My God, it is impossible. He cried, his wonderment increasing to such a pitch that he began to think he must be insane. Then a sudden idea striking him, he turned abruptly towards Mrs. Mortimer, who had sunk back, exhausted and overwhelmed, with rage and grief, into the chair. I understand it all now, he said, his voice changing in a moment, to the low tone of solemn mystery. You are a nice old girl, you are. Yes, yes, I understand it at last. These are all queer screens, and you went into the bank to smash some of them. My Jove, it's glorious. Mrs. Mortimer, who was gasping for breath, could make no reply. Her mouth was parched, her tongue was as dry as if she had been traveling for hours over a desert without tasting water. And yet, resumed Jack Riley, scrutinizing the notes more narrowly still, these are precious good imitations, too good to be imitations indeed. I know enough of bank notes, I, and of forge ones too, to see that these are the genuine flimsies. Blood and thunder, what a glorious old wretch you are. He cried against surveying her with a joy that was entirely unthamed, and amounted almost to admiration. I suppose you have committed some splendid forgery, but of course it must be something of that kind he added, a sudden reminiscent striking him, or else you wouldn't have been so ducidly alarmed when I threatened just now to kick around in the streets and attract the notice of the police. So you perceive that I was pretty keen in my surmises, I knew you had money concealed in your bosom, and I was equally well convinced you had not obtained it by means that would bear inquiry. However, here it is in my possession, and it can't be in safer hands. I'll just sit down quietly and count how much there is. Thus speaking the monster picked up his clasp knife, which he closed and consigned to his pocket, and he next proceeded to inspect the bank notes. But when he discovered the enormous sum to which they amounted, his astonishment grew to such an extreme as even to subdue his joy, and shaking his head slowly he observed this is such a heavy affair that the police will leave no stone unturned to detect the holders of the notes. Whatever we do must be done at once in an order that I should be able to judge what course to pursue, you must give me all the particulars of the transaction. Mrs. Mortimer was struck by the truth of this observation, for she knew that the moment the forgery was detected payment of the notes would be stopped and advertisements announcing the usual caution would be inserted in the newspapers. But I suppose there is no use in disguising the real truth she exclaimed, recovering her self-possession, and I will tell you all about it in a few words. A certain nobleman, who is he, demanded Riley come speak out plainly. The mark was of Delmore, since you must know, return thee, old woman. And what did he do, asked the man, impatiently. He gave me a check for six hundred pounds for a particular service that I rendered him. And he also gave my daughter, ah, you have got a daughter, ay, exclaimed Jack Riley, is she anything like yourself? She is as beautiful as an angel, answered Mrs. Mortimer, a scintillation of a mother's pride flashing at the moment in her bosom, but as depraved and dissolute as a demoness. She added almost immediately, for this mark was of Delmore, was weadled by her out of a check for sixty thousand pounds. And though my daughter kept it quite enough, I found out the secret, so away I sped, back to England I came. Where did all this happen, then, demanded Jack. In Paris, three days ago, replied Mrs. Mortimer, on my arrival in London, my course was easy. You may almost say natural, interrupted the doctor, I understand the business plainly enough at present, you altered your six hundred pound draft into one for sixty thousand, and you have thus forestalled your daughter. That is precisely how the matter stands, said the old woman. And when is it likely that your daughter will be in London to present her check, asked the doctor. I should say that I had about twelve hours start of her, was the response, and then as she would not travel by night, having a handsome young foreigner, as her companion, the circumstance of her stopping to sleep on the road, would delay her pretty nearly another twelve hours. Besides, she believes me to be still in Paris, she is not the least idea of my sudden return to England, and therefore she has no particular motive to induce her to adopt any extraordinary speed. Well, well, cried the doctor impatiently, but all this plover does not answer my question, when do you expect your daughter will reach London. This evening replied the old woman too late to present her check at the bank, and there are means, yes there are means, she continued in amusing tone, which if skillfully adopted would compel my daughter to refrain from offering her draft at all, and likewise force her to leave us in undisturbed possession of the money. And those means demanded Jack Rowley, his eyes brightening, before I explained myself let us come to a thorough understanding, said Mrs. Mortimer, will you restore me one half of the amount you now hold in your possession, I am content to abandon the other half to you. Yes, that is a bargain, answered Jack Rowley, for I see that you do not relish the idea of living with me altogether and that you will leave me when this matter is properly settled. Is it not so? Well, such is indeed my intention, responded the old woman. Our relative position now stands in this manner, continued Jack Rowley, there are sixty thousand pounds worth of good notes. With all my connection amongst penses and receivers of such flimsy, I could not manage to obtain gold for more than two or three thousand in the course of the day. And tomorrow morning, your daughter may present with Jack when a discovery will take place and all the rest of the notes will be useless. As we're going over to the continent and endeavoring to pass them there, the thing would be ridiculous for the advertisements in the newspapers would put all the money changers in Europe upon their guard. Thus far then the notes are not worth more than two or three thousand pounds to me, but on the other hand, you say that you have the means of stopping your daughter's mouth and compelling her to put up with the laws. In this case, the whole amount of notes becomes available and therefore we will share and share alike. Then give me my moiety once, said the old woman with greedy impatience, no such thing, ejaculated Rowley. I must have some guarantee that you act properly in this business and you can have no hesitation in putting your trust in me because you have had a proof of my good feeling before. I have not forgotten that you saved my life in the struggle with literary old Bob and the same feeling that made me give you half the spoil bin will prompt me to act with equal fairness now. You are therefore at liberty to depart when you choose and to go where you like. The notes will remain in my possession and when you come back to me with the assurance that you have prevented your daughter from taking any step that may lead to an explosion of the whole business, your share shall be immediately forthcoming. I've now put the matter in the proper light and with such a good understanding there can be no quarreling. As to whether you afterwards choose to become my broomstick wife, I must leave it entirely to yourself for though I should be as happy as a king in the possession of your old person and 60,000 pounds, yet I shall be able to console myself for your loss by means of a 30,000 that will remain to me. During this long tirade, all the first portion of which was delivered in a tone of business-like seriousness, Mrs. Mortimer was hastily reflecting upon the improvement that had so unexpectedly taken place in the aspect of her affairs, for she now found herself at liberty to leave the monster whom she loathed and abhorred, and she had every chance of regaining and being able to make use of the moiety of the bank notes. She accordingly assented to the conditions proposed by the doctor, leaving the broomstick marriage an open question, and having settled her disordered attire, she took her departure. Not however before she had been compelled to submit to another hugging on the part of the hair-lipped wretch whose caresses were so revolting and intolerable. End of Section 89. Section 90 of Mysteries of London, Volume 4. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds, Mother and Daughter Again. It was about five o'clock in the evening of the same day on which these events occurred that Laura Mortimer and the Count of Carrignano attended by Rosalie arrived in London by the southeastern railway, and they immediately repaired to a hotel at the west end of the town. Although the young Italian nobleman had experienced sufficient leisure for reflection with regard to the step which he was about to take, the enthusiasm of his passion had not undergone the least abatement. On the contrary, the more he saw of Laura, and the longer he was in her company, the more ardently did he burn to make her his wife. Nor can this infatuation on his part be a subject of wonder or surprise with our readers, for when it is remembered that the artful creature united the most winning ways and captivating manners to the most transcendent loveliness and that the Count of Carrignano had the warm Italian blood flowing in his veins, when too it is recollected that the siren maintained an incessant fire upon his heart with the artillery of her charms and her fascinations, never permitting the conversation to droop throughout the journey and never seeming weary of lavishing the tundrous caresses upon her handsome companion. When all these circumstances are taken into consideration, it cannot be a matter of wonderment if the silken chains in which Lorenzo was ensnared were completely riveted. There was also this fact which served to strengthen his love and her power, namely that she had not invited him to return to her in Paris. She had not sought to retain him within the sphere of her influence on the occasion of their first amour. She had not played the part of a mere adventurous or husband-hunter towards him. No, she had dismissed him with the understanding that their connection could not be renewed, that she could neither become his wife nor his mistress, and the young man had of his own accord flown back to her as a supplement for her hand. That she could be an adventurous or husband-hunter never therefore entered his imagination, even if for an instant he paused upon her with any degree of seriousness upon her character. And so far from considering that he was bestowing any favor upon her by making her the sharer of his wealth and title, he looked upon himself as the party owing the obligation. He regarded himself as the happy individual who had the greater reason to rejoice at the connection. On her part, Laura Mortimer was most anxious that the marriage not should be tied as speedily as possible, for she naturally longed to place beyond all possibility of doubt or disappointment, the brilliant destiny that had suddenly developed itself to her view. Even the possession of the check for sixty thousand pounds was a secondary consideration in comparison with her desire to secure that proud title of Countess, which was now within her reach. Having partaken of a hasty dinner at the hotel, Laura and her intended husband repaired without delay to a fashionable house agent in the neighborhood, and it happened that he had upon his list a furnished villa of which possession might be taken at an hour's notice. It was situated in Westbourne Place, Bimlico, and was in perfect readiness for the reception of occupants. Neither the Count, Laura, and the house agent immediately proceeded, and as the villa fully corresponded in all its conveniences and appointments with the description given, an arrangement was effected upon the spot for the tenancy. Laura and the Count returned, however, to the hotel for that night, and early in the morning they repaired to Doctor's Commons, where the young noblemen speedily obtained a special license. Then, ascended by Rosalie, they drove to a church at no very great distance, and by eleven o'clock the hands of Laura Mortimer and the Count of Carinagna were united at the altar. The incidents of this forenoon had, however, been closely watched by Mrs. Mortimer, the wily old woman, upon quitting the doctor the day before at reason thus within herself. Laura has captivated a young Italian nobleman whom she feels she can love, whom she already loves, and who possesses a proud title and princely revenues. Those were the very words which she used when she communicated her matrimonial intentions to me in Paris. I know her well enough to be fully convinced that she will not delay a moment after her return to London in securing her admirer. A special license must be the means, and as her intended husband is a foreigner, Laura will no doubt accompany him, at least into the neighborhood of Doctor's Commons. Even the presentation of her check at the bankers will be quite a secondary matter when compared with the grand object of securing the coronet, which she so much cubits. It was in consequence of these reflections that Mrs. Mortimer rose early in the morning and repaired to the district of Doctor's Commons where it is no difficult matter to become an observer without being observed in the maze of narrow streets and little courts forming that neighborhood, nor was she mistaken in her conjecture, neither had she longed to wait. In a short time a carriage hired from the hotel made its appearance, and a handsome young man with a clear olive complexion and a glossy mustache alighted. A lady thrust out her head to give him a few whispered instructions, and the beautyous countenance was not so completely shaded by the white bonnet and the veil but that Mrs. Mortimer from the nook where she had concealed herself could recognize the features of her daughter. In a short time the handsome Italian returned to his own countenance glowing with delight and the moment he re-entered the vehicle it drove away. Mrs. Mortimer had a cab in attendance and she followed the carriage to within sight of the church at which it stopped. She then dismissed the cab and boldly entered the church in order to become perfectly convinced that no unexpected accident should interfere with the marriage ceremony. Seating herself in a pew at a distance from the altar she could behold everything without being observed by those whom she was thus watching. She saw Laura converse for a few moments with the sextant who immediately afterwards hurried away and in about a quarter of an hour he returned in company with the clergyman and the clerk. The ceremony then took place and when the count of Carinianne was leading Laura back to the carriage Rosalie being in close attendance upon them Mrs. Mortimer suddenly emerged from the pew. For an instant her daughter started and seemed profoundly vexed at this abrupt and unaccountable appearance of her parent but in the next moment she recovered herself possession and assuming a smiling countenance said I thought you were in Paris this therefore is an unexpected pleasure. Permit me Lorenzo she added turning towards her husband to present my mother who has thus accidentally happened to enter for her own devotions the very church where our marriage has taken place. As she uttered these words Laura glanced with imperious signification at the old woman as much as to enjoin her not to undercede the count relative to the accidental nature of this meeting for the bride now understood for well that her mother had been watching her movements though for what purpose she could not possibly divine. I'm delighted to have the honor of an introduction to Mrs. Mortimer said the count taking the old woman's hand and I hope that she approves of the alliance which her daughter has just formed. Oh assuredly my lord answered the heredon but I regret that I was not duly invited to be present at the ceremony however I'm not the less contented that it should have taken place and as my stay in London is very short your lordship will perhaps excuse me if I crave a few minutes private conversation with my daughter. You may accompany us to the house which we have taken mother said Laura and my dear Lorenzo will there grant us an opportunity of discoursing alone on family matters for a short time. Certainly exclaimed the nobleman who was too happy to offer an objection to anything proposed by his charming wife and who saw nothing sinister nor strange in the present scene unless indeed it were the sudden and unexpected presence of the mother but as she had offered no objection to the map she did not choose to trouble his own felicity with any conjecture as to the cause of her abrupt appearance on the occasion. The bride bridegroom Mrs. Mortimer and Rosalie who had acted as bridemaid accordingly entered the carriage which drove away at a rapid pace towards Pimlico. During the ride the conversation was of that general nature which settled upon no particular topic in which therefore it needs no detail here and on the arrival of the party at the beautiful little villa in Westbourne Place Mrs. Mortimer and Laura were speedily closeted together. The moment they were thus alone Laura's countenance suddenly changed and her features assumed an expression of something more than stern as for it was rage as she said in an imperious tone why have you been watching my movements and how dared you thus to intrude yourself upon me at such a time and place because it is of the utmost importance that I should confer with you at once on a subject of deep interest to us both replied Mrs. Mortimer adopting a voice a manner of such cool insolence as to convince the shrewd and penetrating Laura that some circumstance had transpired to enable the old woman to proclaim her independence and of what nature is that subject inquired the young lady still treating her mother with a coolness almost amounting to disdain in one sense I'm completely in your power in another sense you are entirely in mind return Mrs. Mortimer and therefore mutual concessions are necessary to enable us both to enjoy peace and follow our own ways and molested you must explain yourself more fully yet said Laura believing the announcement that she was in her mother's power to allude to the secrets which the old woman might reveal relative to the disoluteness of her former life if you desire me to render you any service she added after a few moments pause you should not address me in the shape of menaces because you know my disposition well enough to be fully aware that I'm not likely to yield to them even though my own interest should suffer by my obstinacy in that respect perhaps you will talk differently in a few minutes observe the old woman if we now stand face to face as enemies it is your own we will not re-argue all the points involved in that accusation said Laura remember the scene in Suffolk street remember also the remarks which passed between us the other evening in Paris and then cease to charge me with the misunderstandings that may have sprung up between us you desire to play the desperate part I resisted and in these few words all our differences are summed up but I imagine that those differences were settled and that an arrangement was made whereby you were to dwell apart from me and receive a quarterly stipend of 200 pounds have you thought better of the business or do you require some other terms yes I require other terms indeed exclaimers as Mortimer then fixing her eyes full upon the countenance of her daughter she said I am in possession of a secret which would ruin you enough mother ejaculated Laura her beauty is countenance becoming scarlet with rage I will hear no more for I understand your menace but now listen to me you fancy that I am in your power you think that if you seek my husband and reveal to him all the particulars of my past life my amours my profligacy you flatter yourself I say that his love will turn to hatred and that he will discard me now I dare you to do your worst I fear you not in the first place you shall not see my husband again in the second you could succeed in working no change in his sentiments towards me I would give you the lie to every word you utter he knows that I am not a goddess of purity but I should have little difficulty in persuading him that you are magnifying a comparatively venial frailty into a monstrous disillusionist and that mother you may leave me as speedily as you choose and spare me the pain of thrusting you from my doors by main force sublime and grand in the majesty of her beauty was the voluptuous wanton unprincipled Perdita for on this occasion we must give her the name which so admirably represents her character has drawn up to her full height and with heaving bosom flashing eyes an expanding nostril she thus addressed her mother having laid aside her bonnet shawl and long white gloves she seemed like a pythoness in her bridal garments and her manner was as energetic and awe-inspiring as her voice was emphatic and determined in its full silver tones but the old woman lost not her composure on the contrary she listened to her daughter with the calm insolence of one possessing a last argument the enunciation of which would crush and overwhelm one word Laura she said in a voice that commanded the young lady's attention one word and then act as you choose if I air now adopted a tone of menace it was not with the intention of wielding such paltry and poor weapons as those to which you have alluded I had not been and have not now the slightest intention of venting my spiting petty tittle-tattle relative to your amours I will not afford you the chance she added with keen sarcasm of using your sophistry for the purpose of coloring your disillusion so as to give it the air of a mere feminine frailty cease this long preface and come to the point at once said Laura a vague fear coming over her for which she can seal beneath a cold and rigid expression of countenance at the same time she saw for a while that her mother was really possessed of some secret power whereof she was determined to make the most my preface is done continued mrs mortimer and now for the matter to which it was to lead you have this day married the count of caring young now you need scarcely ask that question so Laura since you have air now accompanied us from the church where the ceremony was performed and you will henceforth style yourself countenance of caring young now proceed to the old woman still adopting an interrogatory style certainly responded Laura I shall use the title to which marriage has given me a right but to what point may I once more ask is all this long discourse to come to this answer the old woman approaching her daughter and sinking her voice to a low whisper to this she repeated her countenance becoming stern and resolute while she abruptly stamped her foot imperiously upon the carpet to this Laura that your marriage of today is no marriage at all that you consequently have no more right than I to the title of countess and that you've drawn down upon your head the peril of a prosecution for bigamy and I still came upon the heart of the young lady as these withering words met her ears for by means of an effort so powerful that it was anguished even to exercise it yes agony thus to restrain her pent up rage from finding a vent in a furious outburst she preserved an outward calmness which astonished her mother who had expected to bring her down as an abject supplement upon her knees you must still explain yourself father said Laura in a cold tone what you affect not to understand me exclaimed the old woman or would you have the instruments to deny that you are already married to Charles Hatfield I do not condescend to a false fit upon the subject at least with you responded Laura contemptuously though internally her agitation was immense and yet you did deny it in Paris said the old woman but I was aware of the fact at the time and I've cherished the secret while knowing that it would serve me someday or another a little thought however that I should so soon be compelled to make use of it and for what purpose have you now proclaimed your knowledge thereof demanded Laura a gleam of joy lighting up in her soul as she perceived that her mother was vexed and embarrassed by the calmness with which her menaces were received in a word resume the old woman we are in the power of each other you can transport me and I can transport you again must I request you to explain yourself said Laura you are evidently fencing with something that you wish yet feared to communicate I will speak out at once exclaim Mrs. Mortimer the check which the Marquis of Delmore gave me for 600 pounds I altered in such a way as to make it represent 60 thousand and I yesterday obtained the amount from the bankers if you present your check I shall be ruined and therefore I propose a compromise and by the way of opening the negotiation you level menaces at my head said Laura who though at first started by the announcement of a tremendous fraud perpetrated by a mother had speedily recovered her self-possession what then is your decision asked the old woman trembling from head to foot and no longer able to conceal the horrible fears that had come upon her for she began to fancy that her daughter would not yield even to the threats that have been used to coerce her what is your decision I repeat to refuse all compromise to accept the gauntlet which you threw down at first in which you would now gladly take back again to place myself in a condition of open hostility to you answered Laura her countenance growing stern and pale and her lips quivering slightly but it will be transportation for us both exclaim Mrs. Mortimer I for forgery you for bigamy permit me to give you my view of the case said Laura I hold a check for 60 thousand pounds which I shall present tomorrow and the money must be paid to me the bankers will be the sufferers by the forgery not I nor the Marquis of Delmore this disposes of one part of the question for the rest I've only to observe that even if I were tried and convicted for bigamy a fortune of 60 thousand pounds would be no mean consolation during perhaps imprisonment for two years or transportation for seven I'm not however so sure that any prosecution of the kind will take place be you never so vindictive for I question whether you will have the courage to open your lips to accuse me of bigamy seeing that it would not only be forgery with which I should charge you but murder murder repeated the old woman half an indignation half and terror what mean you I mean that Mr. Torrance your husband met with a violent death answered Laura that you yourself gave me this information and that you came over to London to be revenged upon him for his conduct of former times now mother she's claimed her countenance suddenly becoming radiant with triumph now will you dare to repeat your menaces against me the old woman staggered back a few paces and sank into a chair the tables had been completely turned against her she had come to conquer and she must depart conquered she had sought out Laura in the hope of reducing her to submission she was herself now crushed and overwhelmed there was something shocking in the mortal enmity which had thus sprung up between the mother and daughter the former threatening transportation the latter pointing to the jibbit looming in the distance but you know you know in your own heart that I did not take the life of Torrance suddenly ejaculated the old woman starting from her seat I know nothing more than what you yourself told me mother said Laura and if the matter should happen to go before the magistrate for investigation I shall only state what I do know and shall not assist your cause with any conjecture relative to your innocence and would you send me to the scaffold demanded the wretched woman her voice becoming plaintive and mournful would you place me in such a position that I must inevitably sink beneath the mass of circumstantial evidence and be condemned as a murderous would you send your own child into transportation the horrors of which you yourself have experienced ask Laura bitterly oh my god this is a punishment for all my crimes exclaimed a miserable mrs mortimer a pang of remorse suddenly shooting through her heart like a barbed and fiery arrow you should have calculated all the consequences before you came hither to menace me observe Laura still in a cold and severe tone a tone that was unpeding and merciless can nothing move you ask the wretched woman now completely subdued and cast down overwhelmed and spirit broken nothing responded laurice generally you may do your worst I fear you not and henceforth acknowledge you not as my mother saturated with crimes steeped in profligacy as the old woman's soul was nevertheless this sudden renunciation of her by her own daughter it went like a death pang to her heart she fell back again into the seat from which she had started a few minutes previously a deadly pallor came over her countenance rendering it hideous and ghastly as if the finger of the destroyer were upon her and her breath came in long and difficult songs but her daughter stood gazing unmoved on this piteous spectacle stood like an avenging goddess in her white robes as if about to emulate her victim upon an altar give me a glass of water lork with a love of ground a glass of water gasped the old woman at length as she extended her arms piteously towards the relentless being whose heart so voluptuously tender beneath the influence of love was hard as adamant against the appeals of her parent nothing no not even a drop of water nor a crust of bread shall you receive beneath my roof was the unpeding remorseless answer then my curse be upon you my curse be upon your dwelling in all whom it contains cried the old woman suddenly recovering her own energy and firmness for the last words of her daughter had goaded her to desperation the curses of fiends turned to blessings said lor in a calm and deliberate voice but her mother's curse is a terrible terrible thing exclaimed mrs mortimer fixing her haggard eyes intently upon her daughter who returned the gaze with looks of proud disdain and haughty defiance the old woman then rose slowly from her seat and as slowly walked towards the door i'm reaching which she turned round and said is there no way of restoring peace between us none was the resolute and laconic answer mrs mortimer hesitated yet for a few moments then as if suddenly embracing a desperate resolve or struck by some terrible idea of vengeance she abruptly quitted the room lor listened with suspended breath to hear whether there was anyone in the hall for a mother to speak to but her apprehensions on this head were speedily relieved and in a few moments the front door closed behind the old woman the count of karen yano who had watched her departure from the drawing window now hastened to join his lovely wife the interview has been a long one and i fear not altogether pleasant dearest he exclaimed as he clasped lor in his arms and my mother wished to exercise over me a despotism to which i cannot yield responded the bribe but wherefore did you conjecture that our meeting was disagreeable because your countenance is very pale my love answered the count in a voice full of tenderness ah now it is growing animated and the color of the rose is returning to your lovely cheeks yes merman the fascinating woman as she wound her snowing arms about her husband's neck it is because your presence has restored me to happiness and banished from my mind the unpleasant impressions excited by my mother's behavior but we shall see her no more and not can now interfere with our perfect felicity this assurance delights me answered the count gazing with a joyous admiration upon this splendid creature who had that morning become his bride end of section 90