 Section 63 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, Agnes and Mrs. Mortimer. In the meantime, Mrs. Mortimer had not been idle, possessed of the letter which had been entrusted to her. She repaired in a hired vehicle to the immediate vicinity of the cottage and alighted in the lane which was bounded on one side by the thick and verdant hedge that enclosed the garden. The old woman had not precisely made up her mind how to proceed in the business, which she had taken in hand. She knew that the task was a difficult one and she trusted rather to the chapter of accidents than to any settled or preconceived project. For she naturally reasoned within herself that Mr. Vernon had doubtless warned his daughter not to hold any further communication with strangers. She had seen enough on the evening of her visit to the cottage to enable her to judge that her presence there was regarded suspiciously by that gentleman and that her tale was not believed by him. She therefore calculated that Agnes had been duly and impressively counseled not to receive her again. Indeed it was likewise probable that the young lady might have been taught to look upon her as a person having some evil object in view and that the servants have been charged to maintain a strict watch upon her movements should she make her appearance in that neighborhood again. All these reflections were duly weighed by Mrs. Mortimer and under the circumstances which they suggested she founded to be totally impossible to devise beforehand any particular method of carrying out her aims. She however more than hope that as the morning was remarkably fine with a warm summer sun rendering the face of nature bright and joyous Agnes would be certain to walk in her garden if not farther abroad. There was she mistaken in the former portion of her expectation for scares to have she reached the verdant boundary of the enclosure when she beheld through the high hedge the light drapery of the young lady who clad in a morning dress was advancing slowly along a gravel walk with the book in her hand. How beautiful did she appear even to the gaze of the old heredon who now surveyed her from behind the hedge. There was an aesthetic grace in her movements and enchanting sweetness expressed in her countenance. A gentle refinement in her bearing and a halo of innocence around her which rendered her a being with whom it was impossible to associate ideas of sensuality but whom the heart might worship with the purest, holiest poetic sentiment of her nature. Her eyes were bent upon the volume which she held in her delicate white hands and her little feet move slowly along the gravel walk for she was absorbed in the perusal of the book. There was an aesthetic grace in the white ribbons of the straw bonnet that she had evidently put on with a hasty negligence and those ribbons were thrown back over her shoulders, thus allowing a shower of raven curls to descend on each side of the fair face down to the bosom of her dress. With that charming creature streamed the flood of sunlight making her tresses dark though they were glitter like hyperions and imparting a dazzling whiteness to her drapery which appeared in strong relief amidst the luxuriant green of the trees and shrubs. Mrs Mortimer was rejoiced when she beheld the young lady in the garden, still more rejoiced when she observed that Agnes was approaching that part of the hedge behind which the heredon was concealed. Several minutes however elapsed before the beauty's creature was sufficiently nigh for Mrs Mortimer to address her because she not only advanced slowly but stopped two or three times when she met with a passage of more than ordinary interest in the work she was reading. It was the novel of Ivan Ho that thus riveted her attention and she was in the midst of the exalting scene of the combat between Brian de Blois Gilbert and Wilford of Ivan Ho. Suddenly she was startled by hearing her name mentioned and she glanced around almost in a fright but no one met her view. Miss Vernon, dear Miss Vernon repeated the voice approach nearer to the hedge to the friend who thus addresses you. The maiden instantly recognized the peculiar tones of the old woman who had called upon her nearly a week previously and without giving any response she stood undecided how to act. Pray do not refuse to hear me. Pray do not go away. Miss Vernon resumed, Mrs Mortimer whose form the young lady could not distinguish through the hedge. I have something of importance to communicate and not for worlds would I injure a hair of your head. But I promise my father not to hold discourse with anyone who came not without letter from him said Agnes at length breaking silence and moreover she added with some degree of hesitation. I'm afraid that you do not mean any good towards me. Alas Miss Vernon, can you entertain such cruel suspicions regarding me cried Mrs Mortimer as if deeply afflicted at the mistrust implied in the maiden's words of what benefit would it be for me to injure you or indeed how could I possibly injure you. I do not and yet ah you hesitate my dear young lady and you will accord me a hearing exclaimed the old woman eagerly. In fact, I appeal to your sense of justice not to refuse me. This opportunity of vindicating myself against the suspicions which I am well aware your father entertains concerning me. But tell me what book is that which you hold in your hand demanded Mrs Mortimer half suspecting that it might be a novel and in that case hoping to find the pretext for giving the conversation a turn towards the topic of love. It is Ivan hoe madam said Agnes but really I must not remain here any longer. I should be sorry to suspect you and yet my father, dearest lady, not even your parents prejudices should render you capable of an act of injustice interrupted Mrs Mortimer with an emphasis that made Agnes pause as she was on the point of retreating. You are engaged in the perusal of one of the finest tales in the English language she continued abruptly diverting the conversation into another channel and doubtless you have sighed over the hopeless affection which the beautiful Jewish cherished for him whose heart was given to the lady Rowena. I have wept for the interesting and charming Rebecca said Agnes in the natural ingenuousness of her character, although I am well aware that she is only the heroine of a romance, and I cannot precisely understand where for she should have been so much attached to Wilfrid. The description is so lifelike is it not as Mrs Mortimer. I know not and yet it appears to me as if it were all true, as if I could easily persuade myself that such incidents really occurred, and such sentiments could positively exist responded Agnes, but I must leave you. One word miss interrupted the old woman you say that you could easily persuade yourself that such sentiments as those experienced by Rebecca for Wilfrid and by Wilfrid and Rowena mutually could actually exist. Believe me then when I assure you that although the incidents of that tale or fiction, the sentiments are the very reverse and that what the author denominates love is a passion felt and acknowledged throughout the universe. Yes, the love of a father towards his children and of children towards their parents said Agnes Oh, I am well aware that such a blessed feeling animates the mortal breast. And there's another phase of that sentiment resume the old woman immediately or rather the love which you described is a feeling, whereas the love which Rebecca experienced for Ivan how is a passion. I cannot comprehend you, Madam observed Agnes who gradually grew more and more interested in this conversation, because Scott's novel had made a deep impression on her mind, and it raised up a sentiment of curiosity which through the very ingenuousness of her disposition, sought for an elucidation of those descriptions that were entirely unintelligible or only dimly significant to her. Rebecca had addressed a letter to Ivan her explaining the sentiments which she entertained towards him said that while the old woman would not Wilfrid have been unkind on generous, even harsh and brutal not to have perused that narrative of her feelings. The character was generous exclaimed Agnes sympathically and he would not have refused to read such a letter. Precisely so continued Mrs Mortimer and now my sweet young lady let us suppose that it was Wilfrid who experienced an attachment for Rebecca and that Rebecca suspected it not and suppose likewise that Wilfrid penned a letter in respectful and proper language to the Jewish describing the sentiments that animated him. What course should that beautiful Israelite have pursued. She would have proved as generous on her side as we have already agreed that Wilfrid of Ivan hope would have been generous on his part answered Agnes without an instance hesitation. Such as your opinion sweet maiden tried Mrs Mortimer and to rocket tiddly. I've no reason to think otherwise was the immediate response. Then Miss Vernon said the old woman in a tone of mingled triumph and solemnity. I am for you to peruse the letter of which I am the bearer and which is intended for you and for you alone. Thus speaking Mrs Mortimer thrust rebellions miss it through the hedge and Agnes receive it mechanically those startled and bewildered by so sudden and unexpected a proceeding. Read it Miss Vernon read it cry the old woman there's nothing in its contents to offend you but perhaps much to please and delight. Agnes adjured young maiden innocent artless and unsophisticated as she was hesitated no longer but opening the letter commenced its perusal the first paragraph as the reader will remember ran thus. Pardon a stranger who dares to address you beautiful Miss Vernon in a strain that might give you offense where he not sincere in his language and honorable in his intentions. I implore you and refuse not to read those few lines to the end. He thus writes is the individual that you have observed occasionally in the vicinity of your dwelling and you will perceive by the signature to this letter that he is not a man without ostensible guarantees for his social position that his character is unimpeachable. He can probably declare and that he will not address to you Miss Vernon a single word which he will fear to repeat in your father's presence. He solemnly declares at first the maiden's countenance were an expression of profound astonishment when she found herself addressed by a person who about himself to be a stranger and who proceeded to speak of sincerity of language and honorable intentions. What intentions then had he this was the thought that flashed to her mind in the next moment she discovered that the letter came from the gentleman whom she had observed. On several occasions then one in the neighborhood of the cottage and now it struck her as if with a ray of light darting into her soul that he must have had some object beyond that about mere lounge and so frequently loitering about the precincts of the garden. That was something that was nevertheless incomprehensible told her that she ought to read no more but at that instant the concluding words of the paragraph above quoted met her eyes and she murmured to himself there can be no harm in perusing the words that he would speak to me in my father's presence. She accordingly read on until she came to the termination of the next paragraph. Let me however speak of myself in the first person again. Let me assure you that your beauty has captivated my heart. And that if anything we're wanting to render me your slave the description which the bearer of this letter has given me of your amiable qualities would be more than sufficient. I am rich and therefore I have no selfish motive in addressing you even if you be rich also. But I would rather that it were otherwise with you so that my present proceeding may appear to you the more disinterested. Had I any means of obtaining an introduction to you beautiful Miss Vernon. I should not have adopted a measure that gives me pain because I tremble. Lest it should wound or offend you. The mind is an honest a sincere and a devoted attachment. And I shall be happy indeed if you will permit me to open a correspondence with your father on the subject. Were he to honor me with a visit I should be proud to receive him. But if in the meantime you seek to know more of me if I might venture to solicit you to accord me an interview of only a few minutes you cannot divine. How fervently I should thank you how delighted I should feel that this interview take place in the presence of Mrs Mortimer if you will. I've nothing to communicate to you that I should hesitate to say before your father or your friends. Oh how can I convince you of my sincerity. How can I testify my devotion. How can I prove the extent of my love. While she perused this portion of the letter the following thoughts and ideas ran rapidly through her mind. My beauty has captivated his heart. Oh, then he believes me to be beautiful. Mrs Mortimer has spoken well of me to him. In this case she cannot be a bad woman and she cannot mean me any harm. Assuredly my dear papa was wrong to suspect her. He has no selfish motive in addressing me even if I be rich. Then whatever his intentions be they must be honorable as he says because all recognizes undertaken for the sake of gold. He is afraid of offending me. Oh, how can I be offended with one who addresses me in such a respectful manner. And he seems to fear that the simple fact of us writing to me will excite my anger. A sincere and a devoted attachment. Ah, such was the attachment that Rebecca entertained for Wilfred and that Wilfred experienced for Rowena. And now I perceive something different between their attachment and that which the Templar harbored towards the beautiful Jewish. He wishes to see my father he wishes to obtain an interview with me and the maidens heart began to palpitate. She knew not why but at this moment it struck her that the writer of the letter was of agreeable person and that he must be what the author of Ivan hoe would have denominated handsome. With the gradually increasing fluttering in her bosom the art list made red on until she suddenly found the paragraph close with the mystic name of love. Then a gentle flesh appeared upon her damask cheek and avail rapidly fell from her eyes. She now comprehended how it was possible for Rebecca to be attached to Wilfred of Ivan hoe Agnes had already learned by heart the alphabet of love. At one time her soul retained all its chase purity though it lost a trifle of its girlish artlessness. Love began to be comprehensible to her as a refined and poetic sentiment and not as a less divine passion or earthly sensuousness. A dreamy and unknown joy was stealing into her bosom as if she had just been blessed with a glimpse of the realms of ethereal bliss and under the influence of these feelings she read the letter on to its close. I ask you to reflect Miss Vernon that my happiness depends upon your reply. Am I guilty of an indiscretion in loving you? Love is a passion beyond mortal control. He who knows no other deity deserves not blame for worshipping the sun because it is glorious and bright. In my heart which knows no other idol adores you because you are beautiful and good. Treat not my conduct then with anger. Let not your pride be offended by the proceeding which I have adopted in order to make my sentiments known to you and scorn not the honest, the pure, the ardent affection which an honorable man dares to proffer you. I do not merit punishment because I love you and your silence would prove a punishment severe and undeserved indeed. Again, I conjure you to remember that the happiness of a fellow creature depends upon you. Your decision will either inspire me with the most joyous hope or plunge me into the deepest despair. At the same time, devious Agnes, the words, those delightful words, devious Agnes are written now and I cannot will not erase them. At the same time, I say if your affections be already engaged, I have a mortal more blessed than myself have received the promise of your hand except the assurance, sweet maiden, that nevermore shall you be molested by me. Never again will I intrude myself upon your attention for with my love is united the most profound respect and not for worlds without due ought to excite an angry feeling in your soul. Your ardent admirer and devoted friend William Trevelyan. While she perused this last paragraph in the letter, Agnes more than once felt an involuntary sigh stealing from her bosom as if it were called up by a strain of music familiar to her childhood and reviving many pleasing reflections. The last portion of the letter became clearly intelligible to her in consequence of the suggestive incidents which she had been reading in Scott's novel. For it would not Rebecca have received Wilford's hand had his love not been already plighted to Rowena. It was evident then that William Trevelyan saw her, yes, her, Agnes Vernon as his wife, and that he feared less she should be engaged to read another. Oh, now she comprehended the full intent, the full meaning of that letter which he had addressed to her. She perceived that he loved her, that he had loitered about the cottage in order to behold her, that he wrote to her because he feared to offend by accosting her, and that he dreaded no refusal on the part of her father, provided that she was not already pled to become the wife of another suitor. You've read the letter my child asked the old woman who even through the verdant foliage of the hedge have watched every change in the expression of the maidens countenance and had thereby obtained a complete insight into what was passing in her mind. Yes, madam murmured Agnes in a tone that was scarcely audible for she now felt embarrassed, bashful and timid she knew not where for are you not offended with Lord William Trevelyan. Lord William Trevelyan exclaimed the beauty's girl now seized with surprise is he indeed a nobleman. Oh, I am sorry for that. She added giving vent in her artlessness to an expression which confirmed the old woman's already existing suspicion that her employer was by no means indifferent to the reclusive of the cottage. You are sorry that he is a nobleman my sweet child submissive Mortimer are you afraid that he is too proud to make a humble maiden his wife Agnes blush deeply and remain silent fear nothing on that head continue the old woman he is no deceiver. His intentions are honorable and now tell me frankly and candidly has his letter displeased you. You were I to answer in the affirmative responded Agnes and yet I feel at least it seems as if I feel that I ought to be displeased although I cannot intrude to clear that I am, but I will send this letter to my dear father who is in Paris. Mr. Vernon is in France interrupted Mrs. Mortimer delighted to find the way that's cleared for that furtherance of the projects which she had in hand for she was resolved to make herself particularly useful to Lord William in his suit with the beautiful Agnes so that her claims upon him might be all the more considerable. However, my dear child she continued you would do well not to trouble your father at present since he is doubtless engaged in particular business on the continent. Oh my father will be delighted to find that I communicate to him everything that occurs at interrupted Agnes and since Lord William Trevely so especially alludes to my dear parent in his letter. Ms. Vernon Ms. Vernon exclaimed the old woman impatiently this is a matter of so much delicacy that I must implore you to be guided by me. Would you counsel me not to forward this letter to my father asked the maiden in a tone so low and tremulous that it afforded no aid to the reading of the thoughts that dictated the question such as the advice that I should assuredly give you my dear child at least for the present was the response. And do you think continued Agnes in a tone still lower and still more tremulous than before. Do you think that Lord William Trevely with proper me the same counsel. I have no doubt of it sweet maiden hastily replied Mrs. Mortimer for his sake for your sake it were best that none save myself should become acquainted with the secret of your love. Oh madam exclaimed Agnes in a voice of touching the monstrance and pathetic reproach. If this love of which you speak be a feeling that must alienate me from the sympathies of my father and compel me to cherish a secret that I dare not impart to him. I can have no hope that happiness will be the result. Farewell madam restore the letter to him who honored me by addressing me in those terms that for an instant dazzled and bewildered me and tell him that it were better for him to think no more of Agnes Vernon. Having the spoken the maiden toss the letter hastily but not insulting way over the hedge and hurried away towards the college. Agnes was for a few minutes stupefied by this decisive and most unexpected proceeding. She had imagined that Agnes have become a complete dupe to the species argument she had used to ensnare her and she was astounded to find that fair creature so innocent and artless. Asserting an energy of volition which was inspired by the pure sentiments of rectitude and which dominated over the nascent feelings of affection evidently engendered in her bosom by the suit of Lord William Trevelyan. Agnes knew not how to act she perceived that it was useless to endeavor to obtain another interview with Agnes, at least on the present occasion and she was unwilling to return to her employer with the acknowledgement that her policy had rather marred than forwarded his interest. She therefore now began to reflect whether it were not better to abandon the business altogether and return to Paris where her daughter's affairs might afford scope for her intriguing qualifications and likewise augment her pecuniary resources. She was already possessed of between five and six thousand pounds the amount run from the hands of her miserable husband, and she came to the conclusion that it was scarcely worth her while to waste any more time in a matter which even were she successful would only bring her a recompense of a few hundreds. Having made these hasty reflections, Mrs. Mortimer thrust Trevelyan's letter into her reticule for she never destroyed documents that related to private affairs and returning to the hackney coach desired to be driven to the borough. She alighted in Blackman Street and having dismissed the vehicle repaired to the coffee house where she had taken up her abode. As she was passing by the bar of parlor in order to reach the staircase leading to her own chamber, the mistress of the establishment came forth and beckoned her into the room. Then closing the door, the woman said in a tone savoring somewhat of cool insolence, I tell you what it is, Mrs. Mortimer, the sooner you accommodate yourself with other lodgings, the better. Because though I ain't over particular and makes no apparent inquiries about them as patronizes my house, yet for all that I can't abide such visitors as come on your account just now, these ways I'd rather be without them. My good woman explained Mrs. Mortimer surveying the landlady with an astonishment the most real and unthank you must be laboring under some mistake. I hope that I'm a respectable person and I'm sure that I shall bring no discredit on your house as for any visitors who have called on my account I expect none. And therefore there is an error in the matter. No such a thing. A landlady, her collar rising. There was two men, which come just now, and what's more they was officers with a search warrant, and I couldn't prevent them from doing their duty. Officers, a search warrant ejaculated Mrs. Mortimer now becoming frightened although she could not conceive what feature of her recent conduct could have excited any suspicion on the part of the murmur downs of justice. But suddenly a fear of an appalling nature seized upon her for money was all concealed in her chamber upstairs. Oh it's very well on your part man to put a good face on the business, said the landlady, but it's nevertheless true for all that the great tall Hawkingfeller and a seedy looking old man. An old man, repeated Mrs. Mortimer now becoming sick at heart. Yes, an old man proceeded the coffee housekeeper's wife, and he said he was an officer with that search warrant and that other was his assistant. I see it all. I understand it now cried the wretch of Mrs. Mortimer staggering towards the chair and gasping for breath, but in a few moments she seemed to be endowed with a sudden energy and bursting from the room she rushed upstairs to her own chamber, the landlady who was in the chamber for a less active woman following as quickly as she could. Mrs. Mortimer entered her room and darted towards her drunk, the lid resisted not her attempt to raise it. For the lock had been forced she plunged her hand amidst the clothes that the box contained and felt for something underneath, but the object of her anxious her desperate search was not there and with a groan as it were of mortal agony she sank upon the floor. The landlady who entered the room at this moment and who was not naturally a bad heart of being hastened to raise the miserable woman. She placed her on a chair and tore off rather than quietly removed her bonnet and shawl. The Mrs. Mortimer's jaw fell her countenance was ghastly pale she seemed to be dying on water being sprinkled on her face she came to herself and the landlady said what is the matter with you. I can't understand the meaning of all this. I've been robbed, thoroughly robbed, returned Mrs. Mortimer in a horse and hollowed tone, but she did not reflect that no matter how her husband had obtained his money. She had played the part of a foul robber or extortion towards him. Rob, what do you mean, cried the landlady? It wasn't them real officers that has come just now? No, a thousand times no, ejaculated the old woman growing infuriate as her energies revived. It was a base plot of foul design, but I will be avenged, terribly avenged. She must have found someone to advise him, someone to assist him in all this. They watched me, they marked when I went out and under pretence of being officers. They succeeded in searching my box and what is where she added with the demoniac contortion of the countenance. They succeeded in robbing me. Was it the old man who did this? Asked the landlady. Yes, that ain't him. Billing with the pale face was he replied but tell me was not his countenance pale and wrinkled and did he not seem nervously excited while speaking to you? Just so answered the landlady. I thought that I was not mistaken, exclaimed Mrs. Mortimer in a tone that indicated a concentration of the most ferocious rage and diabolical hate in her savage breast, but leave me now. I must be alone for a short time. I must ponder upon all this and determine how to act. I'm not altogether without friends, nor yet without resources. Well, ma'am said the landlady, I hope you won't think no more of what I told you just now. I mean about leaving the place since those fellows wasn't officers and you ain't a suspicious person. I'm sure I don't want to get rid of you. I shall not leave you quite yet. My good woman responded Mrs. Mortimer and I'm not angry on account of what you said just now, but pray let me be alone for the present. The landlady withdrew in obedience to this request and Mrs. Mortimer sat down upon the bed to ruminate on that misfortune that had produced so sudden and deplorable a change in her position. Scarcely however had she brought her mind to reflect with some degree of calmness on the situation of her affairs when she heard heavy and hasty footsteps ascending the staircase, treading less some new calamity were about to overtake her. She started to her feet in trepidation and nervous excitement, though as she reassured when the door was unceremoniously open and a man of most repulsive appearance bounced into the chamber. In the section 63 section 64 of Mysteries of London volume four. This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For further information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Mysteries of London volume four by George W. M. Reynolds. Jack Riley, the doctor. The individual who thus intruded himself upon the presence of the affrighted woman was about 40 years of age of middle height, somewhat stout and of powerful form. He was not corpulent, but his build denoted immense strength, his shoulders being broad and massive, and his limbs of large proportions. His neck was short and thick like that of a bull, and his huge hands when clenched appeared as if they could fell an ox or batter down a wall. His countenance was perfectly hideous. He was of dark complexion, and on the right cheek was a large scar of livid red as if the flesh had been seared with a hot iron and left to heal without any surgical assistance. The low but broad forehead was overshadowed with coarse black matted hair, which the man wore long and which he evidently much neglected so that it had a dirty appearance in spite of its jetty hue. His eyes were small and dark and the whites, for we know not what are the name to give them, were of a yellow hue so that an ominous fire seemed to animate those eyes as if they reflected all the bad passions of a polluted soul. The nose which was large, thick and coarse, projected all on one side and had enormous nostrils, add to all these elements of ugliness a hair lip with an opening so large that it displayed two of the man's large white teeth up to the very gum and the reader may form a tolerably accurate idea of the repulsive aspect of this individual. He was dressed in a greasy velveteen shooting jacket, a rusty black waistcoat corduroy trousers and heavy high lows. A blue cotton handkerchief was negligently tied around his neck and his shirt which was none of the cleanest was open in front the buttons being deficient so that a portion of his her suit chest was visible. On his head he wore an old fur cap of a tawny color but sadly stained with grease as if it were tossed in any dirty nook or corner when not in use. As the man had no whiskers and his complexion was so dark it might have been supposed that he had some African blood in his veins. It was not however the case he was born in England and of English parents I and had received an English education likewise, but nature had given him a hideous aspect and circumstances had imbued his soul with the ferocity of a hyena and the subtlety of a serpent. It is often that the savage disposition is characterized by a profound and latent cunning because the violence of furious passions usually absorbs all reflection in its sudden impulses and outbursts. But this man was ferocious by nature and subtle in consequence of possessing a powerful intellect and having received a good education. It was not that intelligence and mental cultivation in gender, craft and cunning. No, but they teach the necessity of consideration and forethought. And the result in respect to the individual whom we are describing was that he knew the world so well as to be fully aware that intrigue and machination frequently succeeded where brute force could accomplish nothing. And when there was no need to have recourse to artifice, this man appeared as a very demon, let loose upon society, but when cunning could gain an end he was enabled to control his savage propensities and exercise a complete domination over his ferocious instincts. He was the person who burst upon the view of the terrified Mrs. Mortimer in the abrupt manner already described. She had risen from her seat on the bed and now stood gazing on him in speechless apprehension and amazement. He was not heeding the alarm which his presence inspired, closed the door carefully behind him and then throwing his greasy cap on a chair approached the old woman saying, So I understand you have been robbed, ma'am. Don't give way to despair. I think I can help you to the recovery of your money. Ah, ejaculated Mrs. Mortimer considerably relieved by the hope thus abruptly held out. And at the same moment, animated by the conviction that the man could not mean her any harm as she'd never seen him before in her life. And moreover, the house was neither deserted nor lonely, and it was now the broad noon day under which circumstances, crimes of violence were seldom perpetrated. Yes, I think I can help you repeated the man, but there is plenty of time before us and we must have a chat over the matter in the first instance. Speaking he seated himself in a free and easy fashion, and Mrs Mortimer likewise took a chair for she had now become deeply interested in the present visit despite the revolting ugliness of the visitor. Who are you, she asked and in what manner. Do you think you can aid me. One question at a time. My dear madam returned the fellow with cool familiarity first then as to who I am. My name is Riley, Mr Riley amongst mere acquaintances john Riley and a police sheet and Jack Riley amongst intimate friends, but those who know me best call me the doctor, because you see I was brought up to the medical profession. That was against my taste and only in obedience to the wishes of my parents. And so as soon as they hopped the twig, which was when I was about two and 20, I gave up mending broken legs and took to breaking into houses. Instead of feeling pulses I finger purses and found the new profession more profitable. Such a hand is this he continued with a horrible grin. As he extended his broad and horny palm was rather intended to wield a crowbar than a Lancet or grasp a pistol in preference to a scalpel. My dear man, I think you may begin to suspect who and what I am. A burglar and a thief said Mrs Mortimer who had by this time recovered all her wanted calmness. Well, you are the more likely to aid me in my present embarrassment. I mean, in the recovery of my money. And of course, you can dictate your own terms. I'm perfectly assured of that responded the doctor again grinning maliciously with his horrid hair lift, which seemed as if it were about to split completely up his cheek. But at the same time, I admit with all possible candor that I cannot act alone in this business and therefore you have that guarantee for my good faith. But in what way do you propose to act demanded Mrs Mortimer anxious to arrive at a more satisfactory understanding with her piteous visitor. I will tell you answered Riley. I'm not known at this coffee house and therefore I came in just now to take some refreshment and read the paper. I saw you enter and thought that yours was a countenance which denoted a soul alive to mischief. That was the impression you made upon me. I must tell you that I am a bit of a phrenologist in my way. However, I had almost ceased to think of you when I saw you come rushing out of the bar parlor and bolt upstairs like a mad woman. Then I marked your countenance again and I was seized with admiration towards you on account of the horrible expression of your features. I said to myself that if ever I had beheld a she fiend I had seen one then I much obliged to you for the compliment observed Mrs Mortimer dryly. Let me tell my story in my own way. My dear madam exclaimed Jack Riley with mock politeness. Well I saw you both upstairs and the landlady after you and I knew that there must be something queer in the wind. So I waited quietly reading the paper until the landlady came down again and then I went to the bar to pay my money. A question or two that I put illicit to the information that you've been robbed by two fellows pretending to be officers having a search warrant. And the landlady in her gruelity gave me a description of those individuals. One of them the old man I know nothing of he is a complete stranger to me. But the other I do know and what is more I owe him a grudge. It matters not why or for what I bear upon told the landlady that I thought I could help you in the matter. And before she had time to make any answer I rushed up to your room to introduce myself to your notice. Now I begin to understand you Mr Riley said the old woman you are acquainted with one of the robbers. You probably know his haunts and you have a spiked event upon him. Is this it. Just so answer the burglar you must also learn that the reading which I had of your countenance convinced me that I might with safety tell you who and what I am because I never have any child's play in the business I am engaged in. If you want to give back your money you must put confidence in me and act as I tell you and the only way to make you trust me is to let you know my real character. You see in me then a cracksman and a prey but I am stanched to the backbone amongst pals. And of what terms do you propose to aid me demanded Mrs Mortimer. How much have these fellows robbed you of asked Riley the old woman hesitated for a few moments. She knew not whether it were prudent to tell the truth to her new friend who so deliberately announced himself as a gentleman exercising a profession which could not possibly be characterized by any particular scruples or punctilios. Well just as you like man said Jack rising from a seat by declaring on to the swag I may get my regulars from the two prigs whom I can easily trace out and therefore if you are afraid to trust me, I shall be offered once. In this case mind you will never see a penny of the money you have lost. Stay Mr Riley stay exclaim Mrs Mortimer who perfectly comprehended the man's meaning which was the effect that he might obtain some of the booty for himself without her cooperation, whereas she could not recover a shilling unless assisted by him. The burglar coolly receded himself. You asked me of how much I was robbed she said interrogatively. Yes, was the laconic response. 5,400 pounds observed Mrs Mortimer. My stars. Is it possible, exclaim Riley this is horrible countenance expanding with delight. This is the truth I can assure you rejoined the old woman. 5,400 pounds repeated the burglar in a slow and measured tone as if to prolong the enjoyment of the sweet music which dimension of such as some made for his auricular sense. Is it not as Mrs Mortimer anxiously watching his countenance its expression denoting hope may even indicating a certainty of success in the endeavor to recover the amount but that same tablet of the mind gave no assurance that the man would act honorably towards her in the end and content himself only with a share. 5,400 pounds he again repeated in amusing tone. Yes, it is a serious loss. The recovery however would be 2,700 a piece with that suit you he demanded turning abruptly towards her. What she said affecting not to comprehend the question. Will you agree to give me one half of the sum if I recover the whole as Riley that is plain English I believe, and now it depends on you whether our conversation shall be prolonged or not. Yes, I will cheerfully give you one half return Mrs Mortimer, making up her mind to keep to the bargain only in the case of her inability to depart from it with safety to herself. Well and good resumed Riley, I must now inform you that the tall fellow who was with the old man is one of the most noted cracksman in London a desperate ruffian who would think no more of shooting a person through the head, then of eating his dinner. What is real name is I don't know I never heard although he and I have been acquainted for years past, but he is called vitriol Bob from a little peculiarity, which he has introduced into his professional mode of doing business. I do not catch your meaning said Mrs Mortimer though not without a shutter for she did entertain a big suspicion of the frightful origin of that singular pseudonym. I'll explain myself more fully man returned the doctor since we have all the day before us and may chat or a bit to while away the time. You see that the individual of whom we are speaking has an awkward knack of lurking about in by streets and secluded neighborhoods. We lay gentlemen who happen to have gold chains hanging over their race coats are out of their farms for those little articles are pretty faithful evidence says that the purses of such folks are not entirely empty. Well, in case of a struggle our friend is apt to break up file of vitriol over the face of his opponent, so that he may get away, and also that the set opponent may be blinded and unable to identify him on any future occasion. Hence his name of vitriol Bob and such as the terror he has inspired throughout the districts of Kennington, Camberwell, Peckham and thereabouts. At the moment any gentlemen returning home from a party or from the tavern hears the ominous sound of your money or your eyes. He exclaims don't throw the vitriol and I'll give up everything. Is this possible? cried Mrs Mortimer with a shutter that was colder and more perceptible than the former one. Oh, quite possible man I can assure you said the doctor calmly. You shall see vitriol Bob tonight and then judge for yourself whether he looks like a fellow who could do such a thing or not. A more hang dog countenance you never saw in your life. I know that I am not particularly handsome. He added with a horrible grin and leer, but I don't look quite such a bravo as he does. Mrs Mortimer thought if vitriol Bob were more hideous in outward appearance than Jack Riley he must be frightful indeed. This is the chap we shall have to deal with tonight continued the burglar. And therefore as you proceed we must go well prepared to play the game properly. Who is companion is in the robbery I can't make out. But I know interrupted Mrs Mortimer hastily he is a poor weak emaciated nervous old man whom I undertake to subdue and even bind with cords in a few moments. Oh, he shall find me a very tiger cat let loose upon him. She added her countenance suddenly expressing a high enough like for us to do. Now you do seem handsome royally handsome although in reality you are so infernally ugly exclaimed Jack Riley. That is the way in which I like to see a woman look why perdition sees me but I could almost love you what a splendid couple we should make. And the idea tickled the wretches fancy to such an extent that he laughed until the tears streamed from his yellow eyes and ran down his dark countenance while his hair lip open so wide. That all his upper teeth large perfume white and even were displayed to the gums. Seize this disgusting mirth sir exclaim Mrs Mortimer unable to restrain her feelings for ugly criminal and morally degraded as she knew herself to be the observations of the monster and his consequent hilarity. Outraged her cruelly. Come come we must not be bad friends said Jack Riley, extending his huge palm towards the old woman who profit her hand and return through fear of offending the wretches that have become too useful for her to lose him until the contemplated business should have been accomplished there that's right he added as he shook her hand with a violence that made her rinse. Now there is no ill feeling between us but really you must pardon me for what I said, and also forbear from taking offense so easily, should I fall into such remarks again. For look you madam I do not care about female beauty, neither is old age disgusting to me what I admire in a woman is her disposition her mind. And when I see you flaring up like a hell rat, when I behold you waxing infuriate as a Baldam. I love you better than if you was the most lovely virgin on the face of the earth. However, enough of that. Enough indeed, crevice is Mortimer who experienced the most ineffable repugnance, the most profound loathing for the monster that bus didn't his city a city of sin crises in her ears, prevailing her importance as much as she could she said. And now perhaps you will have the goodness to inform me how you intend to proceed in order to recover this large sum of money. The explanation is simple enough responded the doctor that real Bob has a particular haunt, a certain lurking hole, not 100 miles from here, and I happen to know where the place is in fact Bob and I have been pals for a long, long time. I thought you told me just now that you had a spite against him interrupted Mrs Mortimer, fixing her eyes keenly upon the doctor as if to read the secrets of his in most so and learn whether he were deceiving her. You look man and look as searching as you like to exclaim Jack Riley you understood what was passing in her mind that you won't find me out in any contradiction, nor yet to telling you any lies. I said that betrayal Bob and I have been friends for a long time and I said truly but that doesn't prevent me from having a hankering to be avenge for a trick he played me, in which he does not think I even suspect the fact is we robbed a house together. And Bob and ran sacking a chest of drawers, got hold of a bag full of sovereigns. He stuck to them and never uttered a word about them when we after was divided to swag. I found it out through an advertisement that appeared in the papers offering a reward for the apprehension of the burgers and specifying the things stolen. He never saw that advertisement I know, and I did not tell him of it I however swore to have my turn against him sooner or later, and I bided my time that time has now come. And I shall let him know it before many hours are over his head. But are you certain that you can find him and even supposing that you do succeed in tracing him to his working whole. How do you know that the old man will be there also demanded Mrs Mortimer. There's no tracing out vitriol Bob in the matter exclaimed Jack Riley the moment he has committed a robbery he always goes straight to his usual haunt and remains there for a few days till the storm has blown over as a mere precaution he will compel his pal this old man to go with him, because if the latter was taken up by the detectives. He might be induced to peach against Bob and all that. So I'm sure we shall find them together unless indeed added the doctor in a tone of diminishing confidence unless I say the old man knows that you dare not raise a hue and cry touching this robbery. On the contrary return Mrs Mortimer that old man whose name is Torrance has every reason to believe that I would persecute him with the most implacable vengeance, which a human being is capable of experiencing or inflicting. So much the better cry Jack Riley grinning joyously in this case we are sure of our parade. And does the game to be played by violence or by cunning as Mrs Mortimer by violence, my good lady by violence to be sure responded the burglar his eyes glowing savagely with their ominous yellow luster as if the orbs of a tiger were glaring upon the woman. And though the gorgeous sunlight was flooding the small chamber with its golden haze still shown that yellow luster apart distinct and sinister by violence repeated Mrs Mortimer awful thoughts relative to vitriol Bob's peculiar mode of proceeding rushing in upon her soul. How can it be done otherwise demanded Jack Riley when I first came up to you just now. I was going to propose to enlist in the service a pile of mine and the vitriol Bob's also who would aid and assist but then he would require his thirds as a matter of course, since however you have informed me that Bob's companion in the robbery is an old hated feeble man and that you can master him by yourself you and I will keep the business in our own hands. I will undertake to tackle vitriol Bob if you will make sure of the other and supposing that your opponent should overpower you said Mrs Mortimer, I will take care that he does not return Riley trust me to subdue him. And without bloodshed observed the old woman shuddering for depraved and wicked as she was she grew cold and her heart sank within her at the idea of murder. Come if you're squeamish we're better abandon the project and leave it all to me said the doctor if it real Bob should place my life in danger. At that moment he is a dead man self preservation man is the first law of nature. At the same time I shall not kill him, unless it is to save myself of this you may be assured the old woman remains silent for some moments should she embark in an enterprise so replete with danger. Should she incur the risk of becoming an accomplice in a murder, she trembled at the thought and yet her money, the money that she had come over to England to obtain would be totally lost to her were she to shrink from the endeavor to recover it. It was true that even if it were regained one half would pass into the hands of a stranger. But was it not better to return to Paris with two thousand seven hundred pounds in her pocket than with an empty purse. The stake was worth venturing and her indecision vanished. I am not squeamish in the matter. She said at length our bargain and our arrangements hold good in all respects that villain torn shall not have the laugh against me. On the contrary, I must be avenged upon him. There now you are my fine old hyena, my adorable tiger cat once again cried the doctor. I long to see you pounce upon old Torrens as you call him. I would give the best five years of my life could I endow you with a complete set of claws instead of those comparatively harmless fingernails. Wouldn't you tear his eyes out of his head? Wouldn't you strike them deep into his flesh? Do you know that Satan will obtain a glorious acquisition when the time comes for him to make a fiend of you? And again the monster's horrible hilarity rang through the little chamber as he threw himself back in the chair and laughed with the most savage heartiness. For mercy's sake cease this unnatural gaiety exclaimed the old woman scarcely able to subdue her rage. Oh I must laugh cried the wretch sputtering through his frightful hairlet. If it is. It is only to make you look as ferocious as you do now. Mrs. Mortimer turned towards the window with disgust and the wretched mirth died away in guttural sounds. Come now I told you that you must not be angry with me madam he said at length. It is my nature to laugh heartily at times and surely you won't check such an innocent propensity but I will take my leave of you now. And at past ten tonight we must meet at some place as near Stamford Street as you choose. Where shall it be asked the old woman named the spot and I shall be punctual to the moment. There was a narrow lane running along the side of Christchurch burial ground. Responded the burglar after a few moments of reflection. It leads from the black friars road into Collingwood Street. I suppose you know London well. Oh perfectly go on. Said Mrs. Mortimer. Well we will meet in that crooked lane at half past ten exactly continued Jack Riley. By the by he added rising from his chair. You'd better tell the land lady downstairs that you found out I could do nothing for you and that you have resigned yourself to put up with your loss. You can't prevent her from suspecting anything queer on account of you're going out so late and remaining away an hour or so. Need that to me replied Mrs. Mortimer. I shall know how to make all the excuses that are necessary. Indeed if we are successful I shall not return again to this place you observe sinking our voice to a low whisper. Well that is your business and now goodbye for the present at half past ten we meet in the place appointed. Mrs. Mortimer spoke a few words of ascent and the doctor took his departure bestowing upon the woman. And accompanied by a grin and a layer before he crossed the threshold and closed the chamber door behind him. Mrs. Mortimer was left alone. She began to ponder deeply upon the particulars of this interview which had just terminated. The man knew the hiding place where it was presumed that vitriol Bob and Torrance had taken refuge and it was doubtless some seller or dangerous place where crime might be committed with impunity as well as where the perpetrators of crime might conceal themselves. Then what guarantee had she that Raleigh would not make her his victim after availing himself of her services in subduing the plunderers and recovering the stolen treasure. She shuddered as she thought of the peril into which she was about to precipitate herself. She trembled from head to foot as she pondered upon the desperate character of the man who was to be her companion in the Knights Enterprise. And yet in spite of his revolting ugliness and his avow of dark career of turpitude there was something like fairness in his speech respecting a partner in any enterprise in which he might be engaged. Moreover, had he not shown by the mere fact of the spite which he cherished against vitriol Bob that his ideas of the honor that ought to prevail even amongst thieves were of a fixed and positive nature. Lastly, had he not stipulated upon the precise amount that he was to retain for his services and would he be thus minute and nice in details if he cherished the intention of self appropriating the whole. These arguments which Mrs. Mortimer seriously revolved in her mind may not perhaps appear very convincing or very satisfactory to the reader for after all they were only so many suppositions placed in juxtaposition with the obtrusious character of an avowed desperado. But let it be remembered that we often reason ourselves into what we wish to believe rather than into what we ought to believe and we tutor our minds to put faith in those opinions that best suit our interests rather than our safety. This is like hoping against hope. Still it is a general characteristic of human nature and Mrs. Mortimer's case proved no exception to the general rule. In fine she came to the conclusion that Jack Raleigh was a monstrous rogue in respect to the world but an honest man towards his pals that he would strip society where society a single individual of its last shirt but would not lay his finger on the costiest rogue if on the back of an accomplice. And that he meant to act with regard to herself in the fairest way possible whether her expectations were fulfilled will shortly appear. We cannot however close this chapter without recording a few comments upon that extraordinary disposition in human nature to reason oneself into the belief which one wishes to adopt to the repudiation of that which one ought to adopt. For instance the man who is floundering about in a perfect morass of pecuniary troubles from which he cannot possibly see any chance of emerging incessantly dins in his own mental ears the most absurd soft as them to convince himself that his position is not so desperate as it appears. Well something must turn up he says things are sure to take a turn soon I can get Jones to renew the bill which he holds of mine. When it becomes due Tompkins will hold his bill over for a few weeks and Brown will lend me the money to satisfy Smith. In this manner does the poor devil go on with his castle building until he can no longer blow from his imaginations pipe. Another soap bubble wherewith to amuse himself. Jones positively refuses to renew Tompkins proves inexorable in his demand for instantaneous payment. Brown having heard of his difficulties will not lend him a farting as Smith anything but satisfied puts a clencher on the hole through the medium of their sheriff's officer. Then when the self-deluded wretch awakes from his dream on finding himself in jail run his way to the bankruptcy court. He says to himself in the bitterness of his spirit always knew it would come to this although for years he had been straining every effort of the imagination to lull his mind into a contrary belief. In the same way does the bashful lover who has not as yet proposed to the object of his affections but who nevertheless longs to do so yet fears because he has seen her smile more sweetly upon a handsome youth than ever she did on him. In the same way does he strive to persuade himself that she does really love him that he has observed stealthy glances cast from her brilliant eyes towards him that her hand is trembled in his own that her voice is faltered when she has responded to his commonplace remarks upon the web of the opera and the new novel. That it is a mere flirtation between herself and the other handsome youth and find that she is dying to receive the proposal which he has not the courage to make. And in this manner does he tutor himself to lead a life of pleasing pain. Though all the while aware that the source misgivings lie at the bottom of his heart beneath the superstructure of the loose of hopes and fond imaginings which before CS conjured up there. Then when at last he hears from some kind friend that the beautiful miss so and so was married yesterday morning to the handsome young gentleman whom she had loved all along the self deluded retch exclaims. I never thought that she cared a thing for me. But we're so far worse is it with the criminal. Let us take for instance the confidential court. For the sake of a mistress or through love of fine clues and ostentatious display amongst his acquaintances pilferers from his master's till at first his speculations were small and insignificant by being undiscovered. He grows bolder and more deeply guilty while he endeavors to reason himself out of the agonizing fears that haunt him day and night pursue him like the specters of murder victims and turn his wine into gall and the sweets of beauty's lip into bitterness. It is impossible that I can be detected he mentally exclaims a thousand times in an hour. My precautions are so well devised in a large business such as this. A few shillings are not missed besides I so arranged the entries in the books that the expenditure and the receipts are proportionate my employer to his kinder towards me than ever. I possess his confidence not for an instant would he suspect me and even if I were found out not that I can be but I say even if I were he would not suffer me to be disgraced he would hush it up. He would never let me be dragged into the felons dock thus will be imbatuated being reason on although he sees that his master is growing cold in his manner and that there is a suspicion of foul play somewhere until at length the explosion takes place. The self-deluded mortal is hurried to a felons jail. His employer approves and better and inexorable is doomed to transportation and in the convict ship he exclaims in terrible anguish of mine while writhing as if in mortal agony upon his hard pallet fool that I was not to have stopped short while it was yet time for I always foresaw that this must inevitably be the end of it all. The gentle reader never against your own settled convictions endeavor to set up a fabric of delusion. You may at length succeed in throwing the former into the background and persuading yourself to believe that the latter is a substantial truth that you will in the long run discover to your cost that you have stepped out of the broad and straight high road to flounder amidst the perils of an interminable bog. Section 64. Section 65 of Mysteries of London volume four. 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 Lola Jamie of Alexandria, Virginia. Mysteries of London volume four by George W. M Reynolds. A maiden's first love. The day the incidents of which we are describing in which are so numerous and diversified was destined to be a memorable one in the life of Agnes Vernon. The young maiden on abruptly quitting Mrs. Mortimer returned to the cottage and seating herself at the table in the elegant parlor. She arranged her drawing materials with the intention of continuing a landscape which she had commenced a few days previously. But she was unsettled and restless. New sensations stole upon her. New feelings were excited in her bosom. The solitude of the cottage suddenly appeared to be irksome and she felt discontented with her condition. She knew not why. Laying down her pencil, she rose from her seat, approached the window and gazed forth upon the open country. A carriage passed by. In it were two young ladies and two young gentlemen. And they were all in high spirits, conversing cheerfully and laughing gaily. Agnes sighed for the thought struck her that she too might be happy and she too might laugh gaily if she only had friends and companions. Presently a lady and gentlemen each on horseback passed along the road in front of the cottage. They were proceeding at a very gentle pace and were engaged in conversation. The veil was raised from the fair Amazon's countenance and was thrown back over her riding-hack. Her cheeks were blooming with a carnation tinge and her eyes were bent with melting tenderness on her companion, whose face was turned towards her and whose laugh was doubtless pleasing to her ears. The countenance of that lady indicated such real pleasure, denoted such pure and genuine happiness that again sigh escaped from the bosom of Agnes Vernon as she marveled why she herself was retained in the prisonage of solitude. While other maidens of her own age had their acquaintances and their associates and were allowed to divert themselves in walking or riding about the rural lanes and the roads that stretched amidst the green fields. Never before had anything in the form of repining, never until this time had a sentiment partaking of discontent arisen in the breast of Agnes Vernon. She endeavored to conquer the feelings. She turned away from the window and played with a beautiful canary bird that flooded from his perch towards the front of its handsome cage at the moment she approached it. But its chirping sounded no longer as sweet music to her ears and in the natural goodness of her gentle soul she reproached herself for indifference to the joyous testimonials offered by the little feathered chorister to its mistress. She resumed her seat and once more directed her attention to her drawing but she felt in no humor for an employment that until now was amongst her most favorite recreations. Closing her portfolio, she took up Ivanhoe in order to read the concluding pages of the tale. She however found her thoughts speedily wandering to other subjects. The letter of Lord William Trevelyan, the discourse of Mrs. Mortimer and the abrupt termination of her interview with that female. Throwing aside the book, she seated herself at the piano and ran her taper fingers over the keys but the music had no cheering influence upon her, produced no soothing effects on her restless soul. Vexed and annoyed with herself for what she could not help and almost alarmed at the change which had come over her despite her exertions to the contrary. The bewildered maiden returned to the garden and gathered fresh flowers wherewith to fill the vases in the parlor. But the tulip seemed less beautiful, the rose less fragrant and the pink less sweet than she had ever before known them and her task was accomplished hurriedly and even neglectfully. At length, she sought an arbor in the most shady and retired part of the garden and there, along with her own thoughts, she fell into a profound revere upon her secluded life. The mystery that enveloped her condition, the letter of Lord William Trevelyan and the explanations that Mrs. Mortimer had given her, respecting the passion of love. For, oh, the gentle Agnes' love now, hence this restlessness, hence this change which had come upon her. Did she not blame herself for the part she had enacted in respect to Trevelyan's letter? Her conscience told her that she had behaved with prudence and propriety but she was grieved to think that any words which had fallen from the lips of Mrs. Mortimer should have cast suspicion upon the sincerity of the individual who had penned the contents of that missive. Then she thought within herself that perhaps the old woman had deceived her that Trevelyan could not possibly empower his messenger to contradict with her lips the assurances he had committed to paper. Did he not say in his letter that he sought no secrecy nor concealment in respect to my father? She asked herself in the course of her musings. How then could he prompt his agent to enjoin the necessity of such secrecy and such concealment? Ah, she has deceived me and I have wronged him. A feeling of bitterness smote the tender heart of Agnes as she came to this conclusion. But in the course of a few moments the idea stuck her that if Lord William Trevelyan received a faithful report of the particulars of her interview with Mrs. Mortimer that morning he would recognize the propriety of her conduct in returning the letter. But ah, she had not bathed Mrs. Mortimer's desire the young nobleman to think no more of Agnes Vernon. And might he not obey the injunction? But ah, had she not bathed Mrs. Mortimer's desire the young nobleman to think no more of Agnes Vernon? And might he not obey the injunction? Poor innocent Agnes, thine own love is as yet only infancy, and therefore thou comprehendest not the extent that the devotion which Trevelyan's bosom harbors with regard to thee. Although within the space of a few hours thou hast learnt thy first lesson in the school of love and though thy mental vision has obtained some insight into the mysteries of that passion which has at length shed its influence on thee. Although a portion of the veil has fallen from thine eyes, and thou canst now read more of the human heart than thou ever couldst before. Nevertheless, it is but a nascent flame, a germinating affection that animates thee, a feeling as yet vague and undefinable, for thou art still so much the child of natural simplicity and artless ingenuousness. Thou canst not entertain a conception of the lasting and persevering nature of love. Thou knowest not enough of its essence and its power to initiate in thine imagination the thought that Trevelyan would no more heed thine injunction. Even if it reached his ears, then the tempest will obey the human voice which dares to order its fury to subside. For some hours the devious Agnes remained in the arbor, plunged in love's first revere. And when the pretty housemaid appeared to inform her that dinner was served up, Miss Vernon started from the seat exclaiming, Is it possible that it can be four o'clock? I did not suppose that it was more than an hour past midday. Jane cast a look of surprise upon her mistress, but said nothing. And almost immediately afterwards, the servant ceased to remember that there had been anything peculiar in the young lady's manner. For Agnes composed her countenance, recalled her scattered thoughts, and hurried back to the cottage, so that this very haste on her part was mistaken by the domestic for her usual glissomeness of disposition. The afternoon repast was soon disposed of, and Agnes returned to the garden, where she roamed about until the hour of sunset approached. The evening was warm and beautiful, the air was fragrant with the perfume of flowers, and the hum of insect life was heard around. The scene had a soothing effect upon the young maiden's soul, and, though she was weary, she was unwilling as yet to return to the cottage. She felt less lonely in the spacious garden than she should be, as she well knew in that parlor where she had vainly endeavored in the morning to divert herself with her drawings, her music, and her books. We know not how it is, but more than once during this evening ramble in her garden did Agnes pass by that very spot where she had stood in the morning when held in conversation with Mrs. Mortimer. Those who love or those who have loved will probably assert that it was the influence of some vague and undefined hope, which thus occasionally directed the maiden's footsteps thither. A hope which nature prompted, although thus dimly, and in spite of the virgin purity and immaculate candor of her soul. A hope, in fine, which whispered softly as Zephyr's breath in her ear, that Treveillean's messenger might return with an assurance from him that no instructions which he had given to that emissary in any way militated against the honorable, frank, and straightforward declarations contained in his letter. And now then behold the beautyous Agnes standing on the very spot where in the morning she had read the letter that first awoke a scintillation of love's fire in her bosom. Behold her, motionless as a statue, amidst the foliage of that secluded part of the garden, her white dress delineating the soft and graceful outlines of her symmetrical form, and the rays of the sun now low in the western horizon, playing upon her angelic countenance as they penetrated through the trees that skirted the lane overlooked by the hedge. Suddenly the maiden starts and listens, like the timid row disturbed in the forest by far-off sound resembling the bay of the hound. The noise of wheels and horses' hooves falls upon her ear, nearer and nearer that noise approaches. The vehicle is evidently coming down the lane, yet why does her heart palpitate? Why seems it like the fluttering bird in this cage? Is it an unusual thing for a carriage or a cart to pass that way? No, but there is in the maiden's soul a presentment that the occurrence now is not altogether unconnected with her destinies. The sound ceased. The vehicle, whatever it may be, has stopped and silence once more reigns around. The sun is sinking lower and lower in the western horizon, yet it is still quite light. But the ruddy luster of the setting orb imparts a deep, autumnal pew to the foliage, bringing out into bolder relief the ripening apples, the yellow pears, and the crimson cherries that gem the boughs with their frutage, and imparts a delicate glow to the beauteous countenance of the young lady as with lips apart and an attitude of suspense she listens to catch the slightest sound that may indicate the approach of a human being. And now there's a rustling of silk and a tread as of light footsteps, and Agnes, who in consequence of the surface of the garden being much higher than the lane on the other side of the hedge, can look over that verdant boundary. Agnes beholds a lady advancing rapidly down the narrow thoroughfare. A feeling of disappointment seizes upon her. She sees that it is not Mrs. Mortimer, and something tells her that Travellian would not employ another female emissary. Then it strikes her that she ought to rejoice that no further progress should be made in the young nobleman's suit during her father's absence. And she feels that she has done wrong even to remain standing in that spot under the influence of a contrary expectation and of a tender thought dimly significant hope. With a sigh, the beauteous creature is about to turn away and re-enter the cottage when, oh, wonder and amazement with renewed suspense and reviving hope, she hears herself called by her name, called too in the tenderest, most melting tones of a woman's voice. Agnes, dearest Agnes, stay, oh, stay, if only for a few moments. Stay, I implore you, beloved girl, you know not whom it is that thus addresses you. These words were uttered in a voice of warm and passionate affection, so that a deep and absorbing interest was at once created in the bosom of Agnes towards the lady of whose handsome countenance she had now a full view, and the earnest, appealing expression of whose features gave additional import to her enthusiastic exclamations. Madam, I will stay. I will not depart immediately, faltered Agnes, forgetting her father's injunctions relative to the caution which she was to exercise in regard to strangers. But how do you know who I am, and who are you? Oh, that she should ask me who I am, cried the lady, clasping her hands together in a deep anguish, but how beautiful she is, exclaimed the stranger in an altered and rejoicing tone. How faithful, too, is the portrait. Agnes, dear Agnes, I have much to say to you, much to impart that you will be delighted to learn, but must we continue this discourse thus with the barrier between us? Can you not come to me, or will you permit me to come to you? I long, oh, how I long to embrace you, dear girl, that you are. And though we are but a few feet apart, yet does this garden boundary separate us most cruelly? Madam, I know not how to answer you, Mermaid Agnes, strange feelings of mingled pleasure, apprehension, and hope agitating in her heart, as if that heart were a well of deep, inexhaustible, and yet incomprehensible emotions. Your words seem to move me more than I can explain. Yes, Agnes, yes, dear Agnes, ejaculated the lady, stretching out her arms in an appealing manner towards the maiden, tis the voice of nature that speaks within you, but you hesitate to trust yourself with me? Ah, doubtless you have been warned, doubtless you have been urged to act with caution. Oh, my God, that you should look with an eye of suspicion upon me. And with these words, which were uttered in a tone indicative of the most acute anguish, the lady burst into a flood of tears. Agnes stood blanched and trembling and speechless, having a deep conviction that the lady's fate was in some way linked to her own, yet not daring to form a conjecture as to the nature of the tie that thus mysteriously bound them together. A secret impulse appeared to urge her toward the weeping stranger, and she felt that were the arms again extended toward her, and were there no barrier in her way, she should precipitate herself upon the stranger's bosom, that they might mingle their tears together and interchange the sympathies that already drew them to each other. Agnes, dear Agnes, exclaimed the lady, suddenly breaking silence and wiping away the traces of her grief, speaking too in a voice of heart-touching appeal. I implore you to come to me, or to show me how I may enter those precincts without being observed by the inmates of the dwelling. But say, tell me," she added, a sudden thought striking her. Is he your father there? My father is in Paris, replied Agnes. He, thank God, ejaculated the stranger with an enthusiasm that astonished and even startled the maiden. But Mrs. Gifford, is she still alive? Is she still on attendance on you? She is in the house at this moment, returned Agnes, more and more surprised at these questions, not only on account of their nature, which showed her that the lady was acquainted with many circumstances regarding her condition, but also in consequence of the vehemence with which they were put. Then how can I join you in that garden? demanded the lady, in a tone of bitter disappointment. Oh Agnes, you know not how ardent are the yearnings, how intense the longings that prompt me, even to dash through a hedge and fold you to my bosom. Cruel girl, keeping not thus in an agony of suspense, but come, come to my arms as if I were your mother. My mother exclaimed Agnes in a voice of mingled hope and amazement, while such indescribable emotion started into existence in her bosom that she felt overpowered by their influence and staggered back a few paces. Would have fallen to the ground had she not leaned against the tree for support. Agnes, Agnes, cried the lady, imploring, give not way to thoughts that will deprive you of your presence of mind, for you need all of your self-possession now. Agnes, dear Agnes, answer me. Who are you? O heaven, such strange ideals, such wild hopes, such bewildering presentments crowd upon my soul, exclaimed the beautyous maiden, that I know not how to react nor what to conjecture. And again, approaching the hedge, she passed her hands across her brow, throwing from her face the shower of curls that have fallen in disorder over that charming countenance, the luxuriant locks having been disturbed by the moment given to the neat little straw bonnet which she staggered against the tree. You ask me who I am, said the lady. O pity my suspense, have mercy upon me. Come to my arms and I will tell you all. Stay there, madam, dear madam, Agnes cried, without another insistence hesitation. So earnest, so pathetic was that last appeal, and I will join you at all risks. End of Chapter 65. Section 66 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. Hopes fulfilled. Without pausing to reflect upon the step which she was taking, forgetful of all the injunctions she had received from her father and all the promises of prudence and caution which she had made to him, obedient only to the irresistible impulse of her feelings, as if nature's voice rose dominant above a sire's mandates, the recluse of the cottage disappeared from the view of the lady who remained in the path outside the garden, a prey to the most torturing fear, lest the young maiden should be intercepted by the inmates of the dwelling. But Agnes was not compelled to pass through the house in order to gain egress from the premises, from the stable yard a gate opened into the lane, and by this avenue did she proceed so that there was no necessity to exercise any weariness or precaution. Had the contrary been the caged, had she been compelled to pause in order to reflect how she was to escape the notice of the servants, her artlessness of character and purity of soul would have prompted her to wait and reflect whether she were acting in accordance with her father's counsels. She would then have flown straight to consult Mrs. Gifford, and the result would have been inimical to the hopes and wishes of the lady who was so anxiously expecting her in the lane. But as nothing impeded the maiden's progress nor forced her to stay her steps, even for a single instant, the gate being always left open during the daytime for the convenience of the gardeners and these men being engaged in front of the house on the present occasion, the current of her thoughts impelling her towards the lady received no hindrance, no check. And in a few moments Agnes was speeding along the lane with a heart influenced by emotions of hope, curiosity, suspense and wild aspiration. For that word mother, that dear delightful word which had so seldom fallen on her ears, in which in an instant excited so many pleasurable reflections, so many ineffable feelings in her soul, that word which as if with electric inspiration had suddenly opened to her view an elysium of the reflections which she had never known before in which gave promises of felicity the holiest and the purest. That word so fraught with the tender sympathies to one who had hitherto lived in a semi-orphan state. That word it was which exercised a magic influence upon the maiden, absorbed all other considerations and rendered her impatient to hear more from the same lips whence this word had come. And yet she could not have accounted had she paused the search for the spring of the excitement that now ruled her actions. It was not that she cherished the conviction of finding a mother in the lady who was waiting to embrace her, but she did have suspect that such would be the case. And she certainly hoped, oh, most fervently hoped that she was not destined to experience disappointment, the very artlessness of her disposition made her sanguine and under these influences did she hasten along. The lady advanced to meet her and in a few moments they were clasped in each other's arms. My child, my dearest child, murmured the fond mother who had indeed recovered her daughter in Agnes Vernon. Oh, is it possible, exclaimed the beautiful creature in an ecstasy of joy, is it possible that you are my parent? I am my beloved Agnes, I am, and heaven can attest that though separated from the since thine infancy, I've never ceased to think of thee, never ceased to love thee. A faintness now came upon Agnes and her mother felt that she was clinging the more firmly to her invulsive effort to prevent herself from falling. Lean on me, my child, here, let me sustain you, my darling Agnes, cried the lady. Oh, how happy am I at this moment with thee in my arms. But, my God, she feigns. And the maiden overcome by her emotions fell into a state of insensibility. The lady carried her in her arms along the lane. Great was the strength which now animated the mother who had just recovered a long lost daughter. And in a few minutes, a hackney coach that was waiting higher up the avenue received the precious burden. When Agnes came to herself, she started as if on waking from a delicious dream. She feared that it might prove all a delusion. The wind by the rays of the setting sun which streamed through the open windows of the vehicle. She beheld the handsome pleasing and yet mournful countenance of her mother bending over her. A glow of joy suffused the charming creature's face and throwing her arms around her parents' neck. She exclaimed, oh, tell me that it is not a dream. Assure me once more who you are. I am your mother, Agnes, dearest, your own fond and loving mother who has languished after you for years. And it will never separate from you again unless by your own consent or through the stern decree of an iron tyranny. Yes, Agnes, I am your mother and beautiful though you be, I may without vanity declare that the stamp of nature proclaims you to be my child. Yes, in my own heart's emotions, assure me that you are indeed my parent, said the lovely girl, but you observe that we should not part without my consent. Oh, can you suppose, dear mother, that I should ever ask to leave you, ever seek to separate myself from you? No, my child, I am sure that you will not exclaim the lady. At the same time, Agnes, she added, in a different and mournful tone, it is my duty to inform you that if you choose to live with me, you must resign all hope of seeing your father again at least for two years. Oh, say not so, ejaculated Agnes bursting into tears. Surely it must be with my father's knowledge that you came to see me, that you are taking me away with you. And yet she added a sudden reminiscence flashing to her mind and causing her to start painfully. And yet I recollect now that I left the garden stealthily, that you urged me to come round to you in the lane, unperceived by the servants, that you knew not my father was in Paris. Oh, mother, mother, quite the young girl again interrupting herself and speaking with the burst of anguish. What does all this mean? Whom am I to obey you or my father? For it is clear to me that in yielding deference to the counsel of the one, I must prove disobedient to the other. Tranquilize yourself, dearest Agnes, tranquilize yourself, I implore you, exclaim the lady, straining the trembling, almost a fright of maiden to her breast. Oh, my dearest mother, when I hear your voice and receive your kisses, I have no thought save for you, murmur the young girl. Oh, and now your tears fall upon my cheek. Mother, dear mother, forgive me for what I said ere now. I will obey you and you only, but do not, do not weep, my beloved parent. May God Almighty bless you, Agnes, fervently exclaimed the lady, her tears streaming and blinding torrents from her eyes. Oh, do not weep, I implore you, great Agnes, in a tone of the most tender affection. Are you unhappy, dear mother? If so, tell me the cause of your sorrow. I am both happy and unhappy, Agnes, was the response, almost choked with sobs. I experience ineffable pleasure and acute pain all at the same moment, but your words soothe me, your voice descends into my soul like sweet music. Your caresses are as a balm to my bruised and weltering spirit. Dear mother, let me embrace you closer still, murmured Agnes, clinging to her parent in that narrow chaise as if there were an imminent danger of their immediate separation, but wherefore are you happy and unhappy at the same time? I'm happy because I have this evening recovered you and thus seen accomplished the hope of long, long years, returned the lady, and I am unhappy because I fear that some untoward circumstance will part us again. Oh, what circumstance can part us, dear mother? Ask Agnes, her bosom filled with vague alarms. May I not dwell with you if I choose, and if you choose to have me with you? Yes, though, yes, Agnes replied her mother earnestly and in an impassioned tone, but will you not pine when the excitement of these new feelings shall have passed away? Will you not pine, I say, for your secluded cottage, your beautiful garden, and your father? She added, her voice suddenly becoming low and tremulously planted. What is that lovely cottage? What are the choices, flowers of that garden? In comparison with thy love, my dearest, dearest mother exclaimed Agnes, and, oh, if I must decide between you on the one hand and my father on the other. And yet he has been so kind, so very kind to me, that it goes to my very heart. Agnes, Agnes, you love your father better than me, exclaimed the mother, in a voice of the most piercing, rending anguish. But it is natural, oh, it is natural, for you never knew me until now, at least not since your infancy. Yes, it is natural, I say, oh, fool that I was to hope that you could love me well enough to consenter to well beneath my roof in future. No, no, it is impossible. I see it all, Agnes. You would be wretched, miserable, were you to part from your father. I will take you back to your cottage then, my child, I will leave you then, and we must separate upon its threshold, never, never to meet again, perhaps, in this life. No, dearest mother, speak not thus despairingly, or you will kill me, you will break my heart, cried Agnes, her voice, joking with sobs. You are unhappy, and it is my duty to remain with you, oh, and God forgive me for saying it if it be a crime, but it is also my wish. And with these words, the maiden again threw herself upon her mother's bosom and wept plentiously while her arms clasped that parent's neck with almost convulsive violence as she feared to lose her. Now, Agnes, I am happy, oh, supremely happy, exclaimed the fond woman, you will remain with me and I shall not again submit your feelings to a painful test by proposing the alternatives which have already rent your bosom. Listen, however, to me for a short space, I am a lonely and desolate woman and have experienced a recent affliction of an almost overpowering nature. Indeed, I should have succumbed beneath its weight had not accident an accident of a most extraordinary character last night revealed to me the place where you dwelt in such seclusion. Then I suddenly felt that I had something worth living for and I came to you this evening with the hope of seeing you, yes, and also with the hope of inducing you to accompany me that we might dwell together in future. For, oh, Agnes, you cannot divine how tender, how lasting, how invincible is the love of a mother for her child. Years and years have passed since I saw you and I have pictured to myself my darling daughter growing up in beauty and in virtue endowed with elegant accomplishments and trained in all that she ought to learn or that would become or save a knowledge of her mother. Now, my dearest Agnes, you repay me for that immense, that boundless love which I have ever cherished for you. Now you reward me for the anxious years, the age of sorrow as I may term the period which has elapsed for me between your infancy and the present time. Your father is rich, is possessed of many resources for recreation and pleasure in the world which a woman cannot enjoy. He has many, many friends and deeply, though he loves you, he will not miss you so much as I have missed you and should miss you still. Were you now to be separated from me? It is then a mother who implores her daughter to give her a daughter's love, to yield her a daughter's affection and perform towards her a daughter's duty. All this, my Agnes, I see that you are prepared to accomplish even at the sacrifice of your feelings in respect to your sire. Moreover, that sire has been blessed with your smiles ever since your birth or at least has had you under his guardianship and control. And now, oh now, am I asking too much when I beseech you to devote a few years of love to me, to me, who am your mother, who am unhappy and who without you should now feel so lonely and desolate that the sooner the cold grave were to close over me, the better. I will not leave you, I will die sooner, murmured Agnes, her eyes streaming and her bosom heaving with convulsive sobs, but you will not leave my father nor that kind and good business Gifford in ignorance of what has become of me. I could not be guilty of such cruelty, my darling child responded the mother, and now she continued after a rapid glance from the window of the vehicle, which was at this moment passing by Kennington Common. And now listen again to what I have to say to you, my own house is in the northern suburb of London and it is possible that Mrs. Gifford may be acquainted with the place of my abode. I know that whether she be and I, she can see that she is not. Nevertheless, there is the possibility as I observed and in that case she would adopt measures to tear you from my arms. For this night then you must consent to remain at the house of some ladies of my acquaintance. They will take care of you, they will be rejoiced to have you with them. Though only for a few hours and by tomorrow evening I shall have a dwelling fitted up for our reception. It is my intention to give up my villa which I now possess and I know of a sweet cottage with a beautiful garden in the neighborhood of Bayswater which I shall hire at once. All these arrangements can be effected in the course of tomorrow for by means of money so things are accomplished in London. Be it as you say my dear mother observed Agnes but you will remain with me this night. You will not leave me with strangers, she exclaimed anxiously. Certainly my child if you wish it I will stay with you, return to mother. Listen however to me once again, the friends in whose care I propose to place you are two elderly ladies who will receive you as the daughter of one whom they sincerely love for they are as devoted to me as if I were a near and dear relative and are acquainted with much that concerns me. You will be as safe in their charge as if I myself were with you for remember by tomorrow night I must have a home, a good home prepared for my Agnes and it will occupy me until the late hour this night to make the arrangements for the removal of all my furniture and other property in the morning. In addition to all this Agnes I should be compelled in any case to return to my house this evening as there may be a communication of importance for me there a communication from a generous friend noble by nature as well as by name and it was interesting himself for me and for another. Say no more my dearest parent interrupted Agnes I'm ready to obey you in all things and to follow your counsel for promise to return and take me away with you as early as you can tomorrow she added imploringly fear not my darling Agnes replied the mother I shall be as anxious to embrace you tomorrow as you possibly can be to see me while this conversation was in progress between the two ladies in the Hackney coach the sun had set Twilight had become absorbed in the shades of night but the vehicle was now proceeding along the Black Friars Road which was brilliant with the gas lamp stretching away into approximating lines and ultimately becoming confounded together on the arching bridge in the distance at length the Hackney coach passed out of the Black Friars Road into Stamford Street and Agnes looking from the left-hand window saw that the three first houses on that side of the way towards which her eyes were turned were in a condition of sereneness and dismantled as to strike a chill to her susceptible heart but the unpleasant sensation almost instantly vanished when the coach drew up at the door of a house in excellent repair and presenting an outward appearance a remarkable contrast to those dilapidated buildings here Agnes and her mother alighted and the young maiden no longer thought of the sinister-looking ruins adjoining when she found herself in a comfortable parlor where both herself and parent received a cordial welcome from two elderly ladies whose benevolent countenances agreeable manners and kind speech were calculated to inspire confidence at once the name of these maiden sisters was Theobald and they were indeed possessed of excellent dispositions and endowed with the most amiable qualities the moment that Agnes' mother entered the room they rose to embrace her with the warmth of an unfeigned friendship and even before the young maiden was introduced to them they exclaimed as if suddenly struck by the same sentiment this is the dear girl whom you have so long pined to recover we need not wait to be told that she is your daughter the likeness between you proclaims the fact and then they embraced Agnes in her turn the young lady's mother drew the elder Miss Theobald aside and said I propose to leave my beloved child with you for this night circumstances compel me to return home without delay I've decided upon taking your beautiful little villa and bathes water and shall remove all my furniture wither the first thing in the morning it is fortunate that the sweet dwelling should have been thus in want of a tenant at this moment I'm delighted for your sake my dear friend responded Miss Theobald that the villa is unoccupied we will send one of our servants at daybreak to make all the necessary preparations for your reception oh how sincerely how deeply do I congratulate you upon having recovered your long lost daughter out of the kind hearted woman in a tone of profound feeling it is indeed a source of indescribable solace to my wounded spirit as you my dear friend may well concede for you are acquainted with the principal events of my checkered existence but I must now depart it is growing late in the air I seek my couch this night I shall have arranged everything for my removal to bathe water tomorrow with these words the lady turned towards Agnes saying my dearest child I leave you in the care of these excellent friends whom it is only necessary to know in order to love I feel that I do already love them my dear mother responded the young maiden as she threw herself into her parents arms farewell till tomorrow my sweet Agnes soon after midday you may expect me and the miss Theobalds can tell you that the new home to which you are been to accompany me will leave you nothing to regret in reference to your own little secluded cottage and beautiful garden in Surrey wherever I may dwell with you dear mother there shall I enjoy contentment answered Agnes tenderly embracing her whom into short hours she had thus learned to love with an affection that seemed to have existed for years adieu my darling child murmured the fond mother and she then took her departure Agnes listened until the sounds of the retreating wheels were no longer audible or rather until they were absorbed in the din of the numerous vehicles passing in the immediate neighborhood of the house and then a sudden chill seized upon her heart a damp bell upon her spirits her feelings powerfully excited by the incidents of the day experienced a rapid revulsion and unable to control her emotions she burst into tears end of section 66