 Section ninety-one 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. Mysteries of London, volume four by George W. M. Reynolds. It will be recollected that Mrs. Mortimer was far from being unprovided with money. Her share of the spoil obtained from Torrin still being in her possession. With the trifling deduction of the few pounds she had expended in traveling, clothes, and maintenance during the interval that had elapsed since the occurrences in Stamford Street. The bulk of the amount thus remaining to her had been carefully sown in her stays so that it had altogether escaped the notice of Jack Riley, and thus the old woman was not destitute of resources. But the sum in her possession was a mere trifle when compared with that which she had hoped to acquire from the forgery, and she now resolved to leave no stone unturned, no measure unattended, however desperate in order to accomplish her aim. Besides, she longed, she craved to wreak a terrific vengeance upon her daughter, yes, upon her own daughter, for the remorse and the softer feelings which had air now found in Avenue into her breast, when Laura renounced her were only evanescent and short-lived. We have more overseen that this temporary weakness was speedily succeeded by the desperation produced by a terrible resolve to which her mind came as it were all in a moment. Impelled by this sinister influence, Mrs. Mortimer lost no time in repairing to Rupell Street, where she found Jack Riley lolling in a chair smoking his pipe and enjoying a quart of half and half. Well, my old tiger cat, what news he exclaimed the moment Mrs. Mortimer made her appearance, have you succeeded with your beautiful daughter? Very far from it was the answer, and now she added ere the doctor had time to give vent to the oath which rose to his lips through the vexation of disappointment, and now the matter has come to that extreme point when nothing but a desperate step can prevent the presentation of the genuine Jack tomorrow. Are you sure it will not be presented today, demanded Jack Riley? Yes, my daughter said that she should present it tomorrow, responded Mrs. Mortimer, and I have every reason to believe that she will not go near the bank today. In fact, she was married this morning to a young Italian nobleman whom she loves deeply and whom she will not therefore quit even for an hour on her wedding day. Well, and what do you propose, asked Jack Riley, fixing upon her a significant look which showed that he already more than half-divined what was passing in her bosom. Are you man enough to risk all everything for the sake of that thirty thousand pounds, which will become your share if we succeed, demanded the old woman, returning the look with one of equally ominous meaning? I am man enough to do anything for such a sum, he answered, sinking his voice to a low whisper and laying down his pipe, a proof that he considered the topic of discourse to be growing too serious to permit any abstraction of the thoughts. Then you understand me, said Mrs. Mortimer, leaning forward and surveying him with a penetration which appeared to read the secrets of his inmost soul. Yes, I understand you, my tiger cat replied the man, and he drew his hand significantly across his throat. Well, and what you do it, she asked, but it is your own daughter he observed shuddering at the atrocity of the woman's mind which could calmly contemplate such a fearful deed. She has renounced me, was the laconic answer, nevertheless you are still her mother, persisted Jack Riley, I discard her forever, responded the horrible old woman. Well, you astounded me at first of the doctor in a slow tone as he reflected profoundly upon the extreme steps suggested, but I can look at the business with a more steady eye now. I always thought that I was bad enough, but by God you beat anything I ever knew in the shape of wickedness. Then you refuse, you decline, exclaim Mrs. Mortimer, interrogatively, while rage convulsed her entire frame, for she dreaded lest the money should be lost, and Laura escaped her vengeance. By Satan, cried the doctor, if you have luck enough to propose, I am not the man to refuse to execute the scheme. But how do I know that when the critical moment comes remorse won't seize on you, then you'll cry off. When I have made up my mind to anything I am not to be deterred by difficulty, danger, or compunction, answered the old woman. I implored the ungrateful girl to give me a glass of water when I was choking, and she refused. What mercy can I have towards her? None responded Jack Rowley, but you must enter into farther explanations, old tiger cat, because at present I'm pretty well in the dark relative to the precise nature of your plans, and the way in which they are to be executed. It's now four o'clock in the afternoon, and we must settle everything without delay, if it's to be done tonight. It is for tonight, said the old woman, emphatically, my daughter and her husband have taken a house in Pimlico. How many servants demanded Jack Rowley? I cannot exactly answer the question, but I know that there is a French lady's maid, and I saw an English valet who had been recommended by the house agent. Never mind who recommended him, interrupted the doctor impatiently. He is there, and that's enough for us. All I care about knowing is how many people we may have to deal with. But the venture must be made of any risk, observed Mrs. Mortimer. It is of the highest consequence to us to gain possession of the genuine Jack, and put the holder of it out of the way, added Jack Rowley. Oh, I understand your drift plainly enough, but I wish to see my course clear, because I'd better do the best I can with the notes under existing circumstances, rather than get a bullet through my brain or find myself laid by the heels and nougat some time between this and tomorrow morning. Certainly, certainly, remarked Mrs. Mortimer, well upon what do you decide? To risk the business, answered Jack, starting from his seat, and now I'll just go and take a quiet walk down into Pimlico for the purpose of surveying the premises. Whereabouts is it? Westbourne Place, number something or another, replied Mrs. Mortimer. Well, you can meet me again down in that neighborhood at about midnight, said the doctor. Where shall the place of appointment be? In Sloan Square, if you like. Observe the old woman. Good, precisely at midnight, and now be off, because I'm going to hide the bank notes so that nobody may be able to find them during my absence, said the doctor, with a meaning look. Of course, I need hardly tell you that if you are scheming or maneuvering to get me into a plant down at Pimlico, you'll never go away alive to make a boast of it. The idea that I should act in such a way is ridiculous, returned Mrs. Mortimer. Well, there is no harm in giving you the caution, old tiger cat remarked the doctor carelessly, so tramp off, and be punctual to our appointment. Shall not fail, said the horrible woman, who thereupon took her departure. How she passed the remainder of that day, we know not. Suffice it to say that the leisure time which she had for reflection did not induce her to change her mind, nor swerve from her purpose. On the contrary, as she entered Sloan Square a few minutes before midnight, it was with a determination to take her share in the awful tragedy which she contemplated, namely the murder of her own daughter and the count of caring non-no, bad and depraved as she was never in her life until this occasion had she thought so calmly and coolly of shedding blood. For if on that previous day she had harbored the design of assassinating Jack Riley in order to regain possession of the bank notes, it was not without a cold shutter, even though there was something like aggravation to inspire the idea. Even now, she had brought herself or circumstances had tutored her to survey with a diabolical tranquility the hideous appalling crime which she had in view, and as she walked along she clutched with savage triumph or clasp knife that she had purchased during the evening. Precisely as the clock struck twelve, Jack Riley joined her, where you have not altered your mind, he said, it is rather for me to ask you that question was her response. Oh, I am resolute enough he observed and through the semi-obscurity of the night she could see his large white teeth flashing hideously between the opening and his lip. I have taken a good survey of the premises he continued and know exactly how to proceed. Have you got any weapon, old tiger cat? This, she replied, placing the clasp knife in his hand. He opened the blade, felt it, closed it again, and returning the knife to his companion said that will do, but there is one thing that troubles me a little. He added after a few moments hesitation, and I'll be hanged if I can get it off my mind, yet perdition sees it. I'm no coward, either. What have you to fear then demanded the old woman hastily, why to tell you the truth, but come along farther away from the lamps, to tell you the truth as I was jogging quietly down Sloan Street just now, continued Riley, glancing furtively around someone coming hastily up from a narrow street on the right hand side past just in front of me. We almost ran against each other, and I caught a glimpse of the fellow's countenance. Who was he, asked Mrs. Mortimer, shuddering in anticipation of the reply. Victoria or Bob was the answer. I thought you were going to say so, exclaimed the old woman. But perhaps he did not notice you, and even if he did, I suppose you were not afraid that he will attempt any mischief. Whether he noticed me or not, I can't say, replied the doctor, because the encounter was so abrupt, so sudden that he was off again in an instant. But if he did, I'm well aware that he is capable of anything. However, I don't mean to let that prey upon my mind, I can tell you. And yet it does seem to have depressed you a little, said Mrs. Mortimer. Well, I'd rather it shouldn't have happened, that's all, ejaculated the ruffian, forcing himself to assume a gaiety, which he did not altogether feel. For though no coward yet the incident of his meeting with his sworn foe in that manner described had troubled him. Doubtless the man's mind contemplating a diabolical crime was more disposed to superstitious terrors than to acknowledge the influence of presentiments than on ordinary occasions, hence the vague uneasiness and undefined apprehensions that had seized upon him. Mrs. Mortimer caught the dispiriting effects of the encounter which her Confederate had experienced with one of the most desperate ruffians in London, and such a chill fell upon her mind that she was about to propose the abandonment of the scheme when Jack Rowley suddenly exclaimed, well, thought of, I have something in my pocket that will do us good. With these words he produced a flask of brandy which he handed to the old woman who drank deeply. He then applied it to his own lips and drained it of its contents. Now I feel alright again, he cried as he restored the empty bottle to his pocket. There's nothing like a drop of the bingo at a crisis of this nature. Nothing observed Mrs. Mortimer assentingly, for she likewise felt all her resolution or rather hard-heartedness suddenly revive under the influence of the alcohol. Now then let us proceed to business said Jack. I've got my own clasp knife, a darky and a small jimmy. He continued and bled, if it shall be my fault, should be failed in the crack tonight. And all that is to follow added Mrs. Mortimer to whom the brandy had imparted a ferociousness which made her thirst as it were to drink her own daughter's blood. The two miscreants, male and female, now proceeded in silence and as they entered rest-born place a lovely moon broke forth from behind a cloud, here the two dark and menacing. This is the house of Mrs. Mortimer when they came within sight of the dwelling where Laura and the Count of Curring, Nana, were slumbering in each other's arms. I know it, old gal, responded Jack Raleigh, we must turn into the lane that leads down by the side of the premises, come along quick there's a person approaching from behind. And followed by the old woman he darted into the alley which separated the Count of Curring, Nana's, but bowed from the neighboring row of houses. At the back of the villa there was a small garden, the boundary wall of which was of no great height, and the doctor in the survey of the premises which he took during the evening had made up his mind to effect an entry into the house. All his quiet he said in a low whisper to his companion, I will climb on to the top of the wall and then help you up, we will soon make light work of it. But scarcely were these words uttered when a dark shadow appeared at the end of the lane, and in another moment Jack Raleigh and Mrs. Mortimer beheld a man hastening towards them. The old woman instinctively drew close up to her powerful confederate for protection in case mischief should be intended and scarcely was this movement effected when the cause of apprehension was close up to the spot where she and Raleigh were standing in the deep shade of the wall. At that instant the moonbeams fell fully upon the man's countenance and a cry of horror burst from the lips of Mrs. Mortimer as she recognized her terrible enemy, Vitriol Bob. Simultaneously with that cry an ejaculation of rage escaped from Jack Raleigh who dashing the old woman away from him sprang towards the formidable foe. But there the sounds of the cry and the ejaculation had died in the air, Vitriol Bob, namely eluding the attack of the doctor raised above his head something which his right hand grasped. And although the blow was intended for Jack Raleigh it fell with an ominous crash full upon the countenance of Mrs. Mortimer who was driving to escape but bewildered by terror was running across the lane in front of Vitriol Bob at the instant. Then oh heavens would at shriek of agony what a yell of indescribable anguish broke upon the silence of the night, rending the air with his piercing sound and raising echoes of even more horrifying wildness throughout the neighborhood. Vitriol Bob fled in one direction, Jack Raleigh in another and the old woman was abandoned alike by her friend info to her wretched fate. But see the lights gleam in the windows of the very villa which was to have been the scene of a horrible murder. The painful yells which still continued to beat the air with their agonizing vibrations have aroused the count of Garagnano, aroused also the lovely creature in whose arms he was sleeping. The valet and Rosalie likewise start from their respective couches and the young Italian nobleman and the manservant having hastily thrown on some clothing to send into the street. The cries proceed from the lane, they rush to the spot and there upon the ground they behold a female writhing like a stricken snake evidently in the most horrible tortures. What can it mean? They do not wait to ask the question but raising the wretched sufferer from the ground they bear her into the house. Her shrieks and screams lacerating their ears all the time and her contortions and writhings being so powerful that they can scarcely carry her along. The neighbors have likewise been alarmed but none have imitated the example of the generous young Italian and descended from their bedrooms to afford assistance. They look forth from their windows, satisfy themselves that aid is at hand and believing the upward to be created by some poor woman in a fit, close the curtains and hasten back to bed again. In the meantime the Count of Cariniano and his valet have borne the writhing yelling sufferer into the hall and Laura descends the stairs with a candle in her hand. She is thrown on a dressing gown and thrust her naked feet into slippers and her magnificent hair floats in messy modulations and luxuriant waves over her fine shoulders and her ample bosom. They scarcely do the rays of the light fall upon the countenance of the suffering wretch when the Count of Cariniano starts back in horror, exclaiming, merciful God, do my eyes deceive me? Is it possible, Laura, dearest? It is my mother who acquired the young lady hastening up to the spot where the old woman lay writhing and screaming fearfully upon the mat. Ah, that voice said the dying Mrs. Mortimer suddenly desisting from the outpourings of ineffable agony as the musical tones of her daughter fell upon her ears. Laura, is it indeed you? Come near, give me your hand. I cannot see you. My God, I am blind. The fiend, the wretch. Come nearer, I say, oh, I am dying, and this is the beginning of hell. Mother, mother, exclaim Laura, whose heart was touched by witnessing the appalling pain that writhed the form of the old woman. Forgive me, my child, forgive me, gasp, the dying wretch. I came to, but all is going dark in my mind as well as my eyes. Forgive me, I say. Forgive me, oh God, she suddenly shrieked forth, this, this, that I feel now must be death. As these words fell from the old woman's tongue amidst gasp of agony, convulsion seized upon her, and she expired in the most shocking agonies. End of Section 91, Section 92 of Mysteries of London, Volume 4. As 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. Resolutions. This now returned to Lord William Trevillian, who in pursuance of the promise made to the Marquis of Delmore, proceeded the moment after that nobleman had left him to the villa at Bayswater, which he reached shortly after midday, and he was at once conducted into the presence of Mrs. Sefton. She was alone in the parlor, and the young nobleman immediately perceived that she had been weeping, although she endeavored to conceal the fact beneath the smiling countenance as she rose to welcome him. My dear friend, she said in a voice rendered tremulous by deep emotions, how can I ever sufficiently thank you for your generosity, your unparalleled goodness in adopting such measures to procure the liberation of Sir Gilbert Heathcote? You have then seen him, observed Trevillian. Yes, but this moment left me was the slow and mournful response, and after a short pause, Mrs. Sefton said, as she sank back into her chair. Our interview was at first the most joyous one, but at the end most melancholy. I cannot understand you, exclaimed Trevillian, seating himself near her. Nevertheless, it is not my intention to affect any farther mystery with regard to myself or my affairs towards you, said Mrs. Sefton, hastily wiping away the tears that had started to her eyes and composing her features with the sudden resolution of one who is determined upon the particular course which duty suggests. Your conduct, the generosity of your disposition, and the attachment which you experience for my beloved daughter are all inducements and reasons, wherefore I should at once communicate to you all my plans. She again paused for a few moments and then continued in the following manner. The dearest hope of my life was accomplished on that day when my darling Agnes was restored to me, and since we have together occupied this secluded but delightful spot I have had leisure to reflect upon those duties which I owe to my daughter. Moreover, I have well weighed all the circumstances of her position and my own, and I cannot blind my eyes to the fact that a great sacrifice must be made on my part to her reputation, her welfare, her purity of soul. I begin to understand you now, my dear friend, said Lord William Trevelyan, his countenance lighting up with the animation of joy, for he felt assured that he had not formed a wrong estimate of Mrs. Sefton's character when he attributed to her the most amiable qualifications and excellent principles in spite of her connection with Sir Gilbert Heathcote. Oh, could you suspect even for an instant that I should permit my own selfish passion to triumph over my affection for that dear daughter who has been so miraculously restored to me, exclaimed Mrs. Sefton. No, my lord, no, my esteemed friend, I am not a woman of such a despicable description. Not an hour has elapsed since in this very room I said to Sir Gilbert Heathcote, we must separate my well-beloved and perhaps for a long, long time, if not forever. He understood me, he appreciated my motives, and he scarcely sought to reason against my resolution. But, oh, this yielding, this assent on his part was all the more generous, all the more praiseworthy, all the more noble, cried Mrs. Sefton in enthusiastic admiration of the absent Baronet's character. For I must no longer keep the fact a secret from you, my dear friend, although I blush to acknowledge it, but you will not think the worst of Agnes on account of her mother's crime. Heaven forbid that I should be so unjust, ejaculated, travailing in an impassioned tone of profound sincerity. Thanks for that assurance, a thousand thanks, exclaimed Mrs. Sefton. Yes, she indeed is pure and virtuous, and I would sooner perish by my own hand than present to her an example of demoralization in my own conduct. And it is this same sentiment that animates Sir Gilbert Heathcote that has induced him to sacrifice all his own happiness to her welfare, so that she may never have to think ill of her mother. And now, my dear friend, you can probably conjecture the truth which my lips scarcely dare frame. You can perhaps divine wherefore, Sir Gilbert Heathcote is so deeply, so profoundly interested in the welfare of Agnes. Yes, I comprehend it all, cried Trevelyan. And now you must look upon me with loathing, with abhorrence, murmured Mrs. Sefton burying her countenance in her hands. You must despise and condemn the adulterous woman who allowed her husband to exist in the belief that another's child was his own. No, no, my dear madam, exclaimed the young nobleman. I entertain no such feelings towards you. I am acquainted with all your history. Yes, all. All, she repeated in a tone of surprise, then suddenly recollecting herself, she said, Oh, true, Sir Gilbert told me that my husband was to call upon you this morning, and his lordship has therefore given you his version of our marriage history. Indeed, my dear friend, returned Trevelyan. He not only corroborated everything you had already made known to me, but gave me so many additional details, all speaking in your favor, or at least in extenuation. I am glad that the Marquis does meet so much justice, interrupted Mrs. Sefton, heaven knows that I wish him all possible happiness, and that he has endeavored to obliterate all recollection of me from his mind. I am well aware. And in the arms of his mistresses, he assault relief from any sense of injury or wrong that he may have experienced. I do not mention this fact for the base and unworthy purpose of disparaging the man whom I know that I have injured, but it is injustice to myself. Oh, my dear lady, let us turn away from this topic as soon as possible, interrupted Trevelyan. Most cheerfully ejaculated Mrs. Sefton, we will speak of Agnes, and of the resolutions which a sense of duty towards her has engendered on the part of Sir Gilbert and myself. I understand all our relative positions. Should Sir Gilbert Heathcoat become a frequent visitor at this house, the tongue of scandal would soon find food for its morbid appetite in this neighborhood, and the discredit into which I should fall, the opprobrium heaped upon me would be reflected upon my innocent daughter. That is one grave and important consideration. Another is that even if the former did not exist or if Sir Gilbert merely called occasionally in the light of a friend, it would be impossible, situated as we are, to avoid little familiarities or marks of affection which would inevitably appear strange and extraordinary to Agnes, and by degrees shock her pure mind. Lastly, your Lordship has honored her with your attachment. You have demanded of me, her hand in marriage, when the suitable time shall arrive, and in the interval the guardianship of the treasure which is to become your own rests with me. I must fulfill that trust in a manner that will give you no cause to blush for the wife whom you will have to introduce to the world. It is known in some few quarters already it may become generally known eventually that the Marquis and Martianess of Delmore have long ceased to dwell together, but the actual cause of this separation has never transpired and need not. Thus hitherto nothing has occurred to reflect dishonor upon the name of Lady Agnes, and it behooves alike her mother and him who is her real father to pursue such a line of conduct as may be most suitable to the welfare happiness. and peace of that beloved child. I thank you most cordially, most sincerely, do I thank you, exclaimed Lord William Trevelyan, for all the resolutions you have adopted and all the assurances you have now given me. Yes, I am indeed interested in the welfare of your charming daughter and the generous sacrifices which yourself and Sir Gilbert have decided upon making for her benefit prove how noble are your hearts. Nay, now you compliment us too highly, said Mrs. Sefton, with a smile. We have determined upon performing our duty, and if by so doing she continued in a more serious strain, I can convince you that the equivocal position in which I have so many years been placed has not destroyed the sense of rectitude and the true feelings of a mother in my breast. I shall yet be able to receive the assurances of your friendship without a blush and without experiencing a sense of shame in your presence. Look upon me as your intended son-in-law, my excellent friend, exclaimed Lord William. My opinion of you is as high as if I were ignorant altogether of that equivocal position to which you allude, and my sentiments towards Sir Gilbert Heathcote are of the warmest description. For the sake of that daughter whom he dares not acknowledge as such, he renounces your society, he tears himself away from you, he abjures the companionship of her whom he has loved so faithfully for many years. This is a self-sacrifice, a generous devotion which cannot be too deeply appreciated. And now, my dear friend, continued the young nobleman, it is my turn to give certain explanations. In a word I have this morning seen your husband as you are already aware, and he implored me to become instrumental in restoring his daughter to his care. To speak candidly, I came hither for the purpose of reasoning with you on the propriety of yielding to that desire on his part. Oh, you would not separate me from my agnus, exclaimed Mrs. Sefton, clasping her hands in an appealing manner while her countenance suddenly became pale and expressive of the acute anguish which the bear idea caused her to experience. No, not after all you have now told me, cried Trevelyan, in a tone so emphatic as to be completely reassuring. I have such illimitable confidence in you that it would be an insult, more a flagrant wrong to entertain the notion under existing circumstances. I shall call upon the Marquis of Delmore this evening or tomorrow, and candidly inform him that I can no longer recommend the separation of Lady Agnes from her mother. I return you my sincerest thanks for this proof of confidence which you give me, said Mrs. Sefton. You had not, however, heard all the resolutions upon which Sir Gilbert and myself have this morning agreed, and now I have to make known to you a step that is about to be taken, and which is rendered necessary by the perseverance that the Marquis of Delmore is certain to exert with a view to regain possession of Agnes. I propose to take her to France where we may dwell in some peaceful seclusion until the two remaining years of her minority be passed. And during those two years demanded Trevelyan in a mournful tone am I to be debarred from the pleasure of beholding her whom I love so well. I do not attempt to establish in the interdiction of the kind, said Mrs. Sefton, with a smile. You will, of course, be made acquainted with the place of our abode, and your correspondence, or your visits, or both, will be received with delight. In this case I must not offer a single objection to your plan, exclaimed Trevelyan, his countenance lighting up again. And had I recommended you neither to visit nor correspond, said Mrs. Sefton, in an arch-tone of semi-reproach, should you have opposed our departure? Oh, no, no, do not think that I am so selfish, he cried. I should have considered this to be the day of self-devotion for all who are interested in the welfare of your beautiful, your amiable Agnes. But I behold her in the garden, he exclaimed as he looked towards the window, opening on the lawn at the back of the villa. Have I your permission to join her there for a few minutes? Mrs. Sefton signified her ascent with a smile and a graceful gesture, and in a few moments Trevelyan was by the side of the beautyous Agnes in the garden. The young lady was mournful at first because her mother had already communicated to her their intended departure for the continent. But when Trevelyan, turning the discourse upon that topic, gave her to understand that he had received permission to visit them, wheresoever they might fix their abode and correspond with them frequently, when he even ventured so far as to hint how it was more than probable that he would follow them to the same place and establish his own temporary dwelling there so as to be able to see them every day. Then was it that the young maiden's countenance, brightened up and Trevelyan, gathered therefrom the silent but eloquent assurance that he was not indifferent to her. The few minutes which he had obtained permission to pass with Agnes grew into hours, and when between four and five o'clock in the evening Mrs. Sefton came herself to announce to the youthful pair, in the garden that dinner was already served up, he uttered an ejaculation of surprise that it could be so late. Agnes said nothing but cast down her eyes and blushed deeply, and her mother who knew what love was and all her symptoms was now fully convinced that her daughter's gentle heart was well disposed towards the noble suitor for her hand. End of Section 92. Section 93 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. The Marquis of Delmore. On the following morning Lord William Trevelyan called upon the Marquis of Delmore whom he found pacing his apartment in great agitation. The old nobleman had two sources of annoyance at that moment. The first was the suspense in which he existed relative to the result of his endeavors to regain possession of Agnes whom he devotedly loved. The second was in respect to Laura Mortimer. He had heard from his bankers on the previous evening that the check for a £60,000 had been duly presented and cashed. And he therefore concluded that the young lady had arrived in London. But why had she not written to him? His impatience to receive a note from her was in proportion to the madness, the intensity of that passion with which her transcendent loveliness and her siren-richeries had inspired him. And his excited imagination conjured up a thousand reasons for this silence. He fancied that some accident might have occurred to her or that she had written and her letter had miscarried, in which case she herself would be marveling at his tardiness in reparing to her or that she had changed her mind and repented of the promise she had made to become the old man's mistress. Then jealousy took possession of his soul and he could scarcely control within reasonable bounds the emotions that agitated in his breast. The arrival of Trevelyan however promised to relieve him of at least one cause of suspense and anxiety and the moment the young nobleman entered the apartment the Marquis rushed precipitately forward to meet him. In pursuance of my promise, said Lord Trevelyan, when the usual compliments were interchanged, I called upon her ladyship, Mrs. Sefton, I mean yesterday, and had a long interview with her. And the result demanded the Marquis impatiently. I regret to state that after all I heard upon the occasion I cannot either recommend the withdrawal of Lady Agnes from her mother's charge or interfere any farther in this family matter. Responded the young nobleman, Mrs. Sefton will see Sir Gilbert Heathcoat no more and will devote herself to that maternal care which she is so well qualified to bestow upon her daughter. Then my lord exclaimed the Marquis impetuously, I shall at once appeal to the tribunals of my country for that redress which I ought to have demanded long ago. Pardon me, my lord, said Trevelyan, for reminding you that there is much to be considered ere you put this threat into execution by giving publicity to your unhappy family affairs, you may to some extent act injuriously to the welfare of your daughter. True, ejaculated the old nobleman, struck by the observation, and yet am I to remain quiet and tranquil beneath this additional realm which is thus thrust upon me by her who in law is still my wife? For your daughter's sake you must endure it, if a wrong it indeed be answered Trevelyan solemnly. And Agnes, as she learnt the secret of her birth, as she cling to her mother, in preference to meet, as she devote not a single thought to the father who has ever behaved with so much tenderness towards her, demanded the Marquis, reply, my lord, to all these questions. Your daughter still believes herself to be plain, Miss Agnes was the answer, and she is not taught to forget her father. But what must she think of the strange circumstances that while she believes herself to be the bearer of her father's name, of Vernon, her mother is known by that of Sefton, asked the nobleman. She has adopted the latter name as a natural consequence of her restoration to the maternal parent, was the reply, but her pure and artless mind cherishes not the curiosity which in ordinary cases would prompt many questions relative to all these points. She imagines generally that particular causes of unhappiness have led to the separation of her parents, in that the adoption of different names was the necessary result. For the rest, believe me, that she will be well cared for by her mother, and that she will never be tutored to think of you otherwise than with respect and gratitude. Is she happy with the mother, happier than she was in her own cottage under my care, inquired the Marquis after a long panic, during which he seemed to reflect deeply. She is happy, my lord, responder to value, but I will not aver that she is happier than she was. She thinks of you constantly, speaks of you often. Then I will do nothing that shall interfere with her tranquility, nothing that shall bring into the light of publicity those circumstances that would give her so much pain. Interrupted the Marquis, who though sensual, jealous and imperious, in disposition, though addicted to pleasures of a profligate description, was nevertheless characterized by many lofty feelings and generous sentiments, as indeed the whole tenor of his conduct towards Agnes had fully proven. Lord William Trevelyan thanked him for the assurances which he had just given, and shortly afterwards took his leave, highly rejoiced at the manner in which the interview had terminated. It must be observed that the passion in which the Marquis of Delmore had formed for Laura Mortimer and the hope which he entertained of speedily possessing her as his mistress had in a slight degree diminished the intensity of his anxiety to recover Agnes. As much as his arrangements in respect to Laura had not only served to occupy his mind, abstract his thoughts somewhat from the contemplation of the loss of his daughter, and all forth the promise of a solace to be derived from the society of that lovely creature whose unaccountable silence, nevertheless tormented him sadly. The day passed and still no communication arrived, let it be remembered, it was on this self-same day that Laura and the Count were married, and it was during the following night that Mrs. Mortimer met her dreadful death in the manner already described. The ensuing morning found the Marquis pale, agitated, and wracked by a thousand anxious fears amongst which jealousy was often uppermost, as he revolved in his mind all the possible reasons that could account for the protracted silence of the young lady. He sat down to breakfast for form's sake, but ate nothing. Never did his gilded saloons appear more desolate, more lonely, and yet it was not to them that he had contemplated bringing his beautiful mistress. Presently the morning papers were laid upon the table, and mechanically casting his eyes over one of them he observed a short article headed diabolical outrage and frightful death. He commenced the perusal of the account and the apathy with which he began, speedily changed into the most intense interest, for the article ran thus. Last night, shortly after the hour of twelve, the inhabitants of Westbourne Place and the immediate neighborhood were thrown into the greatest alarm by the sudden outburst of the most dreadful screaming. As of a female and mortal agonies, these terrific signs of distress appeared to emanate from a narrow lane, passing by the side of a beautiful villa in the occupation of the Count and Countess of Caragno, who, it appears, had been married in the morning and had only entered their new abode immediately after the ceremony. His lordship, attended by his ballet, lost no time in descending to the succor of the afflicted person, whoever it might be, and they discovered an elderly lady in the agonies of death. They conveyed her into the villa where, to the horror of the Count and his lovely bride, it was found that the dying woman was none other than Mrs. Mortimer, the mother of the Countess. Medical assistance was promptly sent for, but before the nearest surgeon could arrive, death had terminated the sufferings of the lamented lady. The horrible nature of those sufferings can be readily understood when, on surgical examination, it transpired that an immense quantity of the strongest vitriol had been thrown over her, and there were proofs that the bottle containing the burning fluid had been broken over her head. The affair is involved in some mystery, but it is presumed that while repairing to her daughter's abode, she must have missed her way and got into the lane where some murderous ruffian, undeserving of the name of a man, perpetrated a frightful outrage. Our readers may remember that this is not the only case of the terrible use of vitriol, which we have recently been so painfully compelled to record, and from all we can learn there is a monster in human shape, well known to the police and bearing the significant, though horrible denomination of vitriol Robert, or, more familiarly, vitriol Bob, who has for some time past infested the metropolis and who makes use of the burning liquid as an adjunct to his predatory attacks on the unwary in lone or dark neighborhoods. The above are all the particulars which we have been as yet able to obtain owing to the advance period of the night when the diabolical outrage was perpetrated. This narrative, detailed with all the mannerism of an export penny-aligner, excited the jealous rage of the Marquess of Delmore almost to madness. The whole thing was as clear as daylight. The Mrs. Mortimer, who had met her death in such a dreadful way, was evidently the old woman whom he had seen on several occasions, and she was, after all, the mother of Laura. The perfidious Laura herself had become the wife of another, and the Marquess was compelled to open his eyes to the fact that he had been most egregiously duped by an adventurous. Acedly summoning his carriage, the Marquess proceeded direct to his bankers, where he found that the sixty thousand pounds had indeed been paid, but on farther inquiry he ascertained that an old woman had presented the check. The description of the recipient was then given by the clerk who cashed the draft, and the Marquess became convinced that she was none other than Mrs. Mortimer. The bankers, perceiving that he was anxious to learn who had actually obtained the money, produced the check itself, the female's name being written on the back in token of acquittal, and there were the words Martha Mortimer. In a mechanical way, and while deliberating what step next to take, the enraged nobleman cast his eyes over the draft when he started convulsively, for he instantly detected the forgery, or rather alteration, that had been effected, and then in his furious excitement the principal facts of the story came out, showing how he had been induced to give the check. All was now amazement and alarm in the bank parlor, and one of the partners in the firm suggested the propriety of repairing immediately to the dwelling of the Count of Carignano for the purpose of communicating with the Countess relative to the transaction. But the Marquess, who by this time had grown somewhat more cool, began to reflect that any publicity which was given to the matter would only cover him with ridicule. And as the money was not of such consequence to him as the avoidance of the shame attendant on the business, he wisely resolved to hush up the whole affair. The bankers were by no means averse to this amicable motive adjustment in as much as it relieved them from all doubt or uncertainty and all possibility of dispute relative to the party on whom the loss consequent on the forgery was to fall. And they therefore readily consented to retain the transaction profoundly secret. At the same time they understood fully that they were not to pay the genuine check for sixty thousand pounds in case of its presentation. The Marquess resolving to take time to consider what course he should pursue with regard to that portion of the business. The old nobleman drove home again and on his arrival at his stately mansion he shut himself up in his own chamber to reflect upon the startling revelations of that day. Not for an instant did he entertain the idea of seeking an interview with Laura, such a step was useless for she had no doubt married he reasoned according to her taste. Moreover his pride revolted at the bare idea of undergoing the humiliation and shame of being laughed at by one who would probably care nothing for any reproaches that might be leveled against her. But how was he to recover the check? It was valid in her hands for even if she had connived at her mother's forgery the collusion could not be brought home to her. Still the Marquess did not at all admire the idea of paying another sixty thousand, especially for one who had so grossly deluded him. By degrees the old nobleman's thoughts became so bewildering that he felt as if he were going mad. He had lost his daughter, he had lost his mistress, he had been duped out of his money and vile though Laura evidently was he nevertheless still adored her image with a devouring passion. He walked up and down his room in a state of excitement that was increasing cruelly and that produced a hurry in the brain, a confusion in the ideas, a delirium in the imagination. The fever of his reflections augmented to such a height that he began to conjure up a variety of evils and annoyances which did not really exist. He pictured to himself his bankers laughing heartily at his folly, retelling the scandal as an excellent joke and propagating the most offensive rumors all over the town. He fancied that he beheld his friends in acquaintances endeavouring to conceal their satirical smiles as they accosted him. He beheld the entire House of Lords forgetting their dignity and whispering together in a significant manner as he entered the assembly. Then his thoughts suddenly travelled to Agnes and all his ancient doubts and fears relative to his paternity in respect to her returned with overpowering violence until he felt convinced that she was indeed the offspring of an adulterous connection between his wife and Sir Gilbert Heathcoat. Lastly by rapid transition his imagination wandered to the abode of the Count and Countess of Carignano and he pictured the lovely seducing voluptuous lore in the arms of a rival. All these reflections maddened the old man, deprived him of his reason, rendered him desperate and made life appear to him a burden of anguish and an intolerable misfortune. He did not remember his boundless wealth, his proud titles, his stately mansions, and all the means of pleasure, enjoyment and solace that were within his reach. His morbid condition of mind obtained such a potent sway over him that he only saw in himself alone desolate wretched old man, deprived of his daughter, deprived of his mistress, deprived of his money and with the myriad fingers of scorn pointing towards him. The other sun was shining joyously and its golden beams penetrated into the chamber through the opening in the rich drapery, yet all seemed dark, dreary and cheerless to the miserable Marquis of Delmore. His powerful intellect, his vigorous understanding, his moral courage were all subdued, crushed, overwhelmed beneath a weight of trifling realities and tremendous fancies. In this state of mind the miserable man suddenly rushed to his toilette case, seized his razor, and inflicted a gasly wound upon his throat. At the same instant that he filled the blood pouring forth like a torrent, a valet entered the room, bearing a letter upon a silver tray. End of Section 93. Section 94 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. Reynolds. Castlesicala. Turn we now to the state of Castlesicala, that lovely land which lies between the northern frontiers of the Neapolitan dominions and the southern confines of the papal territory. It was a glorious morning and bright and varied were the hues which the sea took from the rosy clouds as a splendid war steamer advanced rapidly over the bosom of the waters. The royal standard of Castlesicala floated from the main mast, and upon the deck was a group of officers in magnificent uniforms gathered around a young man of tall form and noble heir who was attired in deep black. But upon his breast a star denoted his sovereign rank, and his commanding, though unaffected, demeanor well became the chieftain of a mighty state. That gallant steamer was the Torione, the pride of the royal navy of Castlesicala. That young man was Richard Markham, now become the grand duke of the principality which he had rescued from slavery, and amongst the aides to camp in attendance was his enthusiastic admirer, the oaring but deeply repentant Charles Hatfield. Shortly after ten o'clock on this glorious morning the steamer came within sight of Montoni, the capital of Castlesicala, and as soon as the royal standard was described by those in that city who were earnestly watching the arrival of their new monarch, the artillery of the batteries and the cannon of the ships in the harbor, thundered forth the salute and honor of the illustrious prince. In an hour and a half the steamer swept gallantly into the fine port of Montoni, the yards of all the vessels were manned, and the welcome rang with enthusiastic shouts of welcome. Richard, or as we should rather call him, Ricardo, was deeply affected by these demonstrations which he acknowledged with many graceful bowels and when he landed amongst the greatest concourse of multitudes ever assembled on the keys of Montoni and amidst the most joyous cries and the thunder of the artillery, he retained his hat in his hand as a proof of respect to that sovereign people from whom his power emanated. The royal carriages were in attendance and as he rode along the streets towards the palace the vast crowds kept pace with the vehicles cheering and waving their hats and handkerchiefs all the way. The windows and balconies were filled with gentlemen and elegantly dressed ladies and flowers were thrown forth by fair hands in token of the general delight which attended upon the arrival of the warrior prince. As on the day after the memorable battle of Montoni which gave peace and freedom to Castile Sacala, the bells were ringing in every tower and the cannon were still vomiting forth their thunder, their fire, and their smoke when the Grand Duke, Ricardo, alighted at the entrance of the palace. There upon the marvel steps to the joy of his heart the charming and well-beloved Isabella with their two children, the little prince alberto and the princess Eliza, so-called after a valued friend. In company with Isabella were her mother, now Dowager Grand Duchess, Ricardo's sister, the princess Catherine, and her husband, Prince Maria, all were dressed in deep mourning, but the presence of Ricardo evoked smiles as well as tears and those who wept for the loss of the late lamented Grand Duke found consolation and experienced a source of ineffable joy in the possession of him who had become his successor. Moreover the funeral of the departed one had already taken place and there was consequently no sad ceremony to be performed which might revive the bitterness of grief. That evening Montoni was brilliantly illuminated and the streets were thrown with multitudes who made a general holiday on the occasion of the arrival of that excellent prince to whom they owed so much. And it was a glorious spectacle to behold the appearance of the people in that capital of the most prosperous country in the whole world. Not a mendicant was to be seen below some rags and hideous emblems of poverty which meet the eye in every thoroughfare and in every corner of London had ceased to exist in Montoni. The industrious classes were all cheerful in looks and neat in attire and instead of the emaciated women and pale sickly children observable in such appalling numbers in the British metropolis the wives of the working men were all comely and contented and their offspring ruddy with a hues of vigorous health. Oh it was a blessed, blessed thing to behold those gay and happy multitudes rendered thus gay and thus happy by means of good institutions, honest ministers and a parliament chosen by the entire male adult population. Though the streets were thus strong to excess and the houses of entertainment were crowded, the utmost order, sobriety and tranquillity prevailed. There were no police visible because none were required. Every citizen, whether employer or employed, whether capitalist or mechanic, whether gentleman or artisan, whether landowner or laborer was himself a policeman as it were in his own good conduct an excellent example. For from the time that liberal and enlightened institutions involving the true spirit of republicanism were applied to Castle Sacala, the regular police force had been abolished and no necessity arose for its revival. Such was the aspect of the capital of Castle Sacala, that model state where liberty, fraternity and equality were acknowledged principles practically known and duly appreciated. On the ensuing morning the Grand Duke Ricardo proceeded to the chamber of deputies where the senators were also assembled on the occasion. The galleries were crowded with ladies and gentlemen and the whole of the diplomatic corps were in the seats allotted to them. Even though our present were in deep mourning for the late sovereign, the aspect of the spacious hall was far from gloomy though solemn and imposing. The arrival of the new Grand Duke was expected with the most intense interest. It was well known that not only had he suggested the principal reforms which Duke Alberto had applied to Castle Sacala, but that he was even far more liberal in his political opinions than his departed father-in-law. It was consequently anticipated that on the present occasion he would enunciate the line of policy which it was his intention to adopt and everyone felt convinced that this would prove a day memorable in the history of Castle Sacala. We should observe that on the platform of the chamber instead of the throne being placed for the reception of the Grand Duke, a simple arm chair was raised about three feet higher than that occupied by the president of the deputies. And instead of the royal standard flowing with its graceful drapery overhead, the tricolor was suspended to the wall. These changes it was well known had been effected by order of the Grand Duke himself and all present were aware that his sovereign highness was not the man merely to displace the symbols of royalty without having some congenial and practical object in view. At half past ten o'clock the ministers entered and took their seats amidst loud applause from the galleries for this was the same cabinet that Ricardo had nominated five years previously during his brief regency and his policy had been such as to gain for it the enthusiastic affection of the nation and the admiration of the whole civilized world. Shortly after the arrival of those high functionaries the royal family appeared in the chamber amidst deafening cheers and took their seats upon the platform behind the president's desk and in a few minutes the roar of the artillery on the ramparts announced to the capital that the Grand Duke had quitted the palace on his way to the legislative assembly. It was precisely at eleven that Ricardo attended by his staff entered the hall and his presence was the signal for a more hearty renewal of the cheering while the ladies in the galleries waved their snowy handkerchiefs in unfeigned welcome. But it was almost immediately noticed that the Grand Duke appeared not in the royal robes worn on such occasions by all his predecessors but in the uniform of a field marshal with a black crepe round his left arm in token of mourning for the late monarch. He was decorated only with the castles a column order of knighthood and he did not even wear upon his breast the star that denoted his sovereign rank. These circumstances gave a sharper edge to the keenness of curiosity and when the cheering which was loud and long died away beneath the lofty roof of the spacious hall the silence that ensued was deep and solemn as that of the tomb. Then the Grand Duke rising from the armchair which he had for a few moments occupied addressed the assembly in the following manner. My lords and gentlemen you have recently experienced a great and grievous loss in the death of a wise enlightened and virtuous sovereign whose brief but glorious reign was devoted to those measures best calculated to ensure the happiness prosperity and morality of the castles sit column people. The name of Alberto will live in history so long as the world shall endure and his memory will be cherished in the hearts of this and all succeeding generations of the inhabitants of that climb which his wisdom and his example have so supremely blessed. Had I consulted my own private feelings I should have allowed some time to elapse ere I appeared before you to shadow forth that line of policy which it is my duty to recommend to your deliberations. I should have craved leisure to weep over the loss of my illustrious father-in-law and meditate upon those grand lessons which his memorable reign have taught us. But I feel that the welfare of an entire people is too solemnly important and too sacred a thing to be for even a moment lost sight of. And that when the head of a state is called away to the tomb his successor must devote no time to a grief which cannot recall the departed but must at once take up without intermission the grand work of reform that was progressing at the period of death's arrival. For it is a great and flagrant wrong for those who are entrusted with power to interpose delays in the proper exercise thereof and that man is a traitor to his country and deserves execration who dares to intimate that there is no need of haste in accomplishing a great national good. These are the motives which have induced me to appear thus before you even at so early a period that the remains of my lamented predecessor can scarcely be said to have grown cold in the tomb. But I repeat that if men accept the responsibilities of power and office they must permit no considerations to retard them in the performance of their duty and the fulfillment of their high vicarious mission. Last evening I assembled the ministers around me and submitted to them the views which I had some time ago matured and which I proposed to put into practice so soon as the natural course of events and the will of the sovereign people should place me at the head of affairs. The ministers were unanimous in adopting those views and cheerfully undertook to lay them in the usual manner before the legislative assemblies. But in the meantime it behooves me briefly to detail the nature of these plans which are thus deemed suitable to the interests and in accordance with the just rights of the Casta Calens. In the first place I propose that the form of government shall be republican not merely in institutions but likewise in name. And in order that this idea may be fully carried out it will be necessary that certain sacrifices should be made in particular quarters. I now especially allude to the class denominated the nobility. The existence of aristocratic titles is totally incompatible with the purity and simplicity of republicanism. And the country therefore expects from the patriotism of the nobles a ready concession of these invidious distinctions, distinctions which are nothing more nor less than the relics of feudal barbarism. For my part I cheerfully undertake to set the example if example be indeed required to induce men to the performance of their duty. With this determination I have come before you today not as the Grand Duke of Castle Sacala, not as sovereign prince but as the first magistrate of the state, retaining only that military rank which I have won upon the fields of victory. From this moment then you may know me and I wish to be known only as General Markham. And this same abnegation of title I proclaim on the part of my beloved wife, my revered mother-in-law and the rest of a royal family. During several parts of his speech Ricardo had been frequently interrupted by outbursts of enthusiastic cheering. But when he reached this solemn and important climax the whole assembly rose and greeted him with the most joyous shouts, the most fervent applause that ever expressed the unfeigned admiration of a generous patriotism. The ladies in the galleries absolutely wept in the excitement of their feelings for never, never were seen so sublime a spectacle as this of a mighty prince casting his crown, his scepter and his titles at the feet of the goddess of liberty. I accept with ineffable pleasure this demonstration of approval, resumed Ricardo after a long pause and it gave me unspeakable delight to behold the peers themselves joining as enthusiastically as the rest in those evidences of assent. When all titles are abolished, save those which properly and necessarily belong to the various grades of naval and military rank, the vanity attending upon the pride of birth will perish through a deserved inannition. An emulation will point to the only true aristocracy, namely that of virtue and of mind. The ministers will accordingly propose to use such measures as may tend effectually to establish republican institutions in this state. They will recommend the abolition of the upper house and the retention only of the Chamber of Deputies which must be numerically strengthened. They will propose that the chief magistrate to be denominated president shall be chosen for a period of three years and liable to re-election. The power of veto, the privilege of making peace or declaring war and other attributes purely monarchical will not be conceded to the president, but must exist in the chamber itself and instead of the effigy of the ruler upon the current coin the arms of the republic should be impressed. Every public act indeed must be accomplished in the name of the sovereign people, the president serving the purpose of the executive agent as responsible for his own conduct as the ministers themselves are held to be for theirs. These and other reforms all tending to the prompt and complete establishment of pure republican institutions will be at once submitted to your deliberations. I have not the slightest doubt that the moment the news of all that is passing within these walls shall reach the ears of the other potentates of Italy. Remonstrances will be poured in by their diplomatic agents resident in Montoni and perhaps even menaces may be used. I however feel convinced that no argument which may be adopted in such remonstrances can possibly blind your eyes to the beauty of freedom and the excellence of liberty. And as for the menaces I need only observe that a still sickle in army animated by a republican spirit would prove invincible. These words again elicited the most tremendous cheering and after another long pause, Ricardo wound up his address in the following manner. All of you who are here present will remember the condition of the country previously to the accession of the late Grand Duke, poverty and its invariable handmaids, squalor, filth and demoralization presided over the lot of the industrious classes. Oppression was felt everywhere. Happiness existed only in the mansions of a favored few. The people were looked upon as the serfs and slaves of the rich oligarchy and the very vitals of a healthy state of society were thus corrupt and rotten. But a change came over the country. It was decreed that every man should have fair wages for fair work and that all able and willing to work should have work bound for them. In order to accomplish these aims, it was necessary to set about reclaiming the wastelands in those districts where they lay. And in others, the owners of estates were by a just law compelled to throw certain portions of their parks and pleasure grounds into a corn cultivation and to level all their game preserves for the same purpose. What have been the results of these measures? Labor has been abundant and wage is high. Employment has extirpated mendicancy and squalor, filth and demoralization exists no longer within the confines of Casto Sacala. But what would I have you infer from these facts? That if the people of this country have already so largely and so admirably profited by liberal institutions, if the reforms hitherto accomplished have so materially enhanced the general prosperity producing abundance, happiness and contentment, who shall be able to divine to what point that prosperity may arrive under the pure, simple and truly Christian institutions of republicanism? Having thus spoken with the tone, manner and eloquence of deep conviction, General Markham, for so we must now denominate him, bowed to the assembly and withdrew amidst applause which was prolonged for some minutes after he had quitted the spacious hall. His wife and illustrious relatives left the platform at the same time and now behold this illustrious family returning to the palace, attended by the grateful and rejoicing myriads who having assembled round the chamber had already received the intelligence of the memorable proceedings that had taken place within. Proceedings which in a single hour had accomplished the most effectual and yet utterly bloodless revolution ever known in any age or in any country. End of Section 94. Section 95 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. The Martianists of Delmore. The Marquis of Delmore awoke as it were from a deep trance and opening his languid eyes he beheld a female form bending over him. He attempted to speak but the lady placed one slender finger on her lips in token of silence and closing his eyes again the old nobleman endeavored to collect his scattered ideas or rather to dispel the mist which hung over them. It struck him that the countenance which he had just seen was not unknown to him and as he dwelt upon it in imagination he gradually became more familiar while by imperceptible degrees it awoke reminiscences of the past some of pleasure but most of pain until an idea of the real truth dawned in upon the mind of the Marquis. Then again he opened his eyes and though long years had elapsed since last he beheld that countenance each feature each lineament was immediately recognized. But so confused were his thoughts that he could not recollect why a feeling of aversion and repugnance prevented him from experiencing joy at the presence of her who was standing in painful suspense by his bedside. At last as reason asserted her empire a knowledge of who she was and all the incidents associated with her revived in his soul while at the same time and with a species of undercurrent of the reflections a feeling of what had happened to himself and why he was stretched in his couch came slowly upon him. Then he suddenly raised his hand to his throat and the bandage there convinced him that the last reminiscence which had just stolen into his mind was indeed too true. Averting his eyes from the mournful and plaintive countenance which was still bending over him he groaned aloud in very bitterness and then a deep silence ensued in the chamber. Several minutes elapsed during which the burning tears streamed down the lady's face but she subdued the sobs that almost choked her for she would not for worlds permit any evidence of her own deep grief to disturb the meditations of the enfeebled nobleman. On his side he was absorbed in profound thought the incidents of the past rapidly becoming more definite and vivid in his memory until there were a few things left in uncertainty or doubt and nothing in oblivion. Slowly turning towards the lady the mark was saw that she was overwhelmed with sorrow although she hastily wiped away her tears and moved deeply moved by this spectacle as well as influenced by a host of tender recollections. The old man extended his hand towards her murmuring my wife is it indeed she who is now watching by my side. Oh heaven he recollects me he will forgive me she exclaimed in a tone of the liveliest joy and carrying her husband's emaciated hand to her lips she covered it with kisses. Sophia said the old man in a low voice and speaking with difficulty we meet after a long long separation but let us forget the past is it possible that you can forget it. Asked Mrs. Sefton or rather the Martianess of Delmore and bending her burning face over his hand which she still retained in both her own. She added in that tone so low that it seemed as if she feared even to hear her own words you have so much to pardon but I never viewed my conduct in this light until I came and beheld you stretched upon the bed of death. Said the Marquis his pale countenance becoming if possible more ghastly pallid still. No no exclaimed the Martianess with the excitement of voice and the gesture of despair you must not talk nor think thus despondingly but tell me my husband tell me oh say can you forgive me for the past. We have much to forgive on either side Sophia responded the Marquis and as I was the first cause of dissension between us as I indeed was the author of all your unhappiness by forcing you into a marriage which you report. It is for me to demand pardon first tell me then Sophia tell me that you can pardon me for all the misery I've been the wretched means of heaping upon your head. Oh yes yes exclaimed the lady the tears again pouring in torrents down her cheeks which in heaven that I could prove to you how deeply sensible I am of this kindness which you now manifest towards me. Then you forgive me cried the nobleman pressing her hand tenderly while joy beamed in his eyes hitherto dim with the glazing influence of mortal innervation. Then you forgive me he repeated his voice becoming stronger yes oh yes a thousand times yes she exclaimed and bending over him she pressed her lips upon his cold forehead but do you pardon me likewise she asked after a few moments pause. It was I who provoked all that has occurred I who was the unhappy means of blighting the pure affections of your youth return the Marquis and therefore whatever may have been the consequences I am bound to pardon and forgive. Sophia often and often and with feelings of ineffable pain and anguish have I thought of that fatal day when long years ago I leveled at you a terrible accusation. But I was a coward and I was cruel best to have taxed you with a fault which at that period my jealous suspicions along to what do you allude demanded the marsh miss inwardly shot and with her heart bleeding as she asked the question for she divine too well to what her husband did allude. And she was almost crushed with a devouring sense of shame. Oh if you can have forgotten that fatal day exclaimed the Marquis whose sight was too dim and whose mental powers of perception were too weak to enable him to understand rightly his wife's present emotions. Then are you happy indeed for last I referred to the day on which we separated 16 or 17 years ago I cannot now remember accurately how many have passed since then. And why allude to that unhappy epoch cast the lady in a low and tremulous tone because I wish to convince you that I am indeed repentant for all the share which I took in sealing our misery replied the nobleman. On that memorable day I accused you of infidelity towards me and yet subsequent reflection has convinced me that you were innocent then. Oh never never shall I forget that tone in which you breathe the fatal words all is now at an end between you and me we part forever. I have thought since I and I've said that you resemble what would be a sculptors or an artist's conception of injured innocence. And then when I dirge you in the name of your infant daughter to stay you out of the wild cry and fled that cry rings in my ears now has vibrated in my brain ever since. Oh in the name of heaven proceed not best murmur the Martian is covering her face with her hands and sobbing bitterly. But wherefore did she thus weep wherefore were her emotions so powerful why was her heart thus rung and so every fiber appeared to be stretched to its utmost power of tension. It was because on the occasion to which the mark was preferred guilt and not innocence had made her voice hollow and thick as she breathed the words which decreed an eternal separation. It was because that wild cry had been run from her by the appeal that was made in the name of the infant child whom she knew to be the offspring of who are more with Sir Gilbert Heathcoat. But there are times when conscious guilt so much resembles injured innocence that the most keen observer may be deceived and such was the fact in the case now alluded to. A long pause ensued during which the mark was still totally ignorant of the real nature of his wife's emotions gazed upon it with an affectionate interest that was rapidly growing into a resuscitated love. Weep not, dearest, he at length said, weep not, I implore you. I weep because I feel that I am so completely unworthy of your present kindness, responded the Martianess with drawing her hands from her face and bending her tearful eyes with an expression of such mournfulness and such profound penitence upon her husband that had either power to raise himself in the bed he would have snatched her to his bosom. It is now my turn to implore you not to dwell longer upon the past, he said, taking one of her hands and conveying it to his lips, we have promised mutual forgiveness, you have pardoned me for forcing you into a marriage which caused all your unhappiness, and I have pardoned you for your connection with Sir Gilbert Heathcoat since the period of our separation. This is the understanding between us, Sophia, and now we are friends again. But tell me, my dear wife, tell me how long I have been stretched on this bed and how you came thus to be here to minister unto me. Four days have elapsed since you began the Martianess, hesitating how to allude to the dreadful attempt at suicide which your husband had committed. Oh, name not the horrible deed he groan forth, writhing in anguish, but it is not known, save to three or four persons hastily observed his wife, well aware that this assurance would prove consolatory. Heaven be thanked, murmured the old nobleman, clasping his hands fervently, and now tell me, my dear Sophia, how you came to learn the shocking intelligence. If you will compose yourself as much as you can and speak but little I will explain everything to you, she answered assuming with captivating tenderness of tone and manner the position of wife and nurse. One word first exclaimed the Marquis Agnes. Is here beneath your roof was the reply. My daughter again near me, he murmured joy animating his countenance, but in another moment a cloud over spread his features as he said hesitatingly. Does she know of the dreadful attempt that I made upon my life? Heaven forbid ejaculated the Martianess, shocked at the bare idea that circumstance has been religiously withheld from her. She is, however, now aware that she is the daughter of the Marquis of Delmore and not of plain Mr. Vernon, and she believes you to be dangerously ill. She has indeed been my companion for hours together by your bedside. Dearest Agnes, exclaimed the nobleman, with an effusion of tenderness in his tone, I will see her presently when I am more composed, he added, and now give me the promised explanations relative to all I have asked you. Listen then, my dear husband, and do not interrupt me. You have already spoken too much, considering you are depressed and enfeebled state, and so John LaSalle's, when he calls again, will be angry with me for permitting you to use such exertions. Oh, you know not how kind, how attentive he has been, but you will shortly have an opportunity of thanking him with your own lips, for he will be here in an hour. Though the room be darkened, it is now about eleven o'clock in the morning, and he will call it noon. Compose yourself, therefore, and I will give you all the details you require. The Marchioness arranged her husband's pillows, kissed his forehead once more, and then, seating herself by his bedside, proceeded as follows. That excellent young nobleman, Lord William Trevelyan, called upon me a few days ago in consequence of an interview which he had had with you. It was relative to Agnes, I assured him that Sir Gilbert Heathcote and myself had come to an understanding that we should see each other no more, and I likewise informed Lord William that it was my intention to repair with Agnes to the continent. But after he had taken his departure, I reflected profoundly upon the plans I had somewhat too hastily determined to adopt. And another project suggested itself, for you may believe me when I solemnly avow that all my solicitude was relative to Agnes. Her present happiness and her future welfare in the world alone occupied my attention. Thus was it that the thought stole into my mind of how unfortunate it was for her to be separated from the Father whom she loves so well, how prejudicial to her interests the equivocal position of a mother was likely to become. Then I resolved to see you, to throw myself upon your mercy, to implore forgiveness for the past and to beseech you that we might all dwell once again beneath the same roof. For I reflected that as you had shown so much forbearance and never appealing to the courts of justice to divorce me legally, and as you had rather manifested every inclination to envelop in secrecy the causes of our unfortunate differences, the conviction gained upon my mind that you were generous enough to be capable of still Father sacrifices for the sake of Agnes. Oh, you can comprehend a mother's solicitude, my dear husband. Yes, yes, proceed, exclaimed the Marquis, powerfully affected. Well, animated with the hopes inspired by all these considerations, resumed the Martianess, I passed the Knight in meditating upon the best course to adopt in order to procure an interview with you. An interview, after so long a separation, had linked I determined to pen a brief note stating that family affairs of the utmost importance to us both had induced me to take this step, and to let it to that effect that I accordingly write on the following morning, but when I had completed this much of my task another idea struck me which was to become the personal bearer of my own note. I will now candidly admit that I shrank from undertaking a task which might appear to you to events, a matchless audacity and presumption, but when I thought of Agnes I resolved to risk any mortification or shame which could possibly be inflicted upon me. Oh, no mortification, no shame cried the nobleman, which heaven that you had only come in time to hush, exclaimed the Martianess placing her fingers on her lip. You promised that you would listen without exerting yourself to speak. Proceed, dearest, said the Marquis, who all this while had one of his wife's hands locked in his own, summoning all my courage to my aid, she resumed, I resolved on presenting myself at your abode. I arrived, I sent up the letter by your valet, and in a few minutes he came rushing down the stairs with her accountants that had horror depicted in every lineament. I shall not, however, dwell upon this portion of my adventure. You may probably conjecture how dreadful was my alarm, how great my grief when I learnt from the broken sentences in which the man spoke, the frightful intelligence of the condition in which he had found you. Then I revealed to him who I was and recovering my presence of mind, bad in place of seal, on his lips with regard to every one save the doctor whom I dispatched, him to fetch. In a few moments I was with you, I stanched the blood, I did all that an unassisted and inexperienced woman could do in such a case, so John LaSalle has arrived and the information he gave me after inspecting the wound was reassuring. I then resolved to remain with you and I sent the valet to fetch Agnes, this resolved the explanation that I have to give. Unless indeed I should add that I communicated with Lord William Trevelyan, who as a general's friend and as the intended husband of Agnes, as he visited to this chamber asked the nobleman hastily, yes, was the reply considering that he was alike in your confidence and in mine. I did not think it either grateful or prudent to leave him unacquainted with all that had occurred, the secret therefore rest with him, the good physician, the valet and myself, and the household general believes that you were found in a fit which has been followed by a dangerous illness. My dearest wife said the marquis after a long pause, were there no circumstances which compelled me as an honest man to ask your pardon for the past, in the same way as you have demanded and obtained my forgiveness, all that you have now told me would have faced from my memory everything that it had ever cherished to your prejudice, the delicacy you have displayed, your generosity, your watchfulness. Nay, I cannot permit you thus to exert yourself, interrupt the marsh, misplacing your hand upon his mouth. But you must permit me to declare how deep is the gratitude that I experienced for your conduct towards me, he said. Oh my beloved wife, for so I must again call you, I was mad at the time when I laid violent hands upon myself. Oh, speak not of that, exclaimed the lady. My God, was it in consequence of that last interview which you had with Trevelyan? No, no, interrupted the marquis. Do not blame yourself in any way. It was not on account of the determination in which you had expressed and which he explained to me to retain Agnes in your care. No, alas, a far less worthy cause. But tell me, he exclaimed suddenly checking himself as an idea struck him. Has there been any communication made from my bankers? Do not harass yourself with matters of business, said the marshness in a tone expressive of the deepest solicitude. Nay, if I am to endure the tortures of suspense, I shall never recover, exclaimed the nobleman with strong emphasis. Besides, I see by your manner that something has occurred, Sophia. Well, I will explain everything, said the marshness, and then your mind will be relieved for I see that it is useless to expect you to compose yourself while any cause of vexation or excitement exists. Tranquilize your mind therefore relative to the matter which is now uppermost in your thoughts. Your honor has been duty cared for, no exposure has given existence to shame or humiliation. Oh, again, again, I thank you. My generous wife cried the Marquis, but pray give me an explanation of all this. I will do so without further preface. She said in the course of the day following the mournful one whose chief incident made me an inmate of the house to which I only came in the first instance as a visitor. The principal partner in the banking firm in the Strand called with an earnest request to see you immediately. In pursuance of certain orders which I had given to the servants relative to any visitors who might come upon business, I was immediately made acquainted with the banker's presence and I hastened to the room where he was waiting. I assured him that you had been seized with a sudden fit and were unable to see anyone. And as I had already made myself known in the house as your wife, I informed him that I was the Marchioness of Delmore. He said that it was of the greatest consequence for him to see you and I replied that you were insensible to all that was passing around you. He appeared much annoyed, indeed bewildered by this announcement and I conjured him to be candid with me. He then stated that a forgery had been committed upon the bank, your name having been already used to procure the sum of 60,000 pounds. The legitimate owner of the check had just called to obtain the cash, was actually waiting at the bank at that instant and that he himself had come to require final instructions from you as the lady was resolute in enforcing her demand. Pardon me, my husband continued the Marchioness, if I tell you I suspected that the affair was one which you would be unwilling to have exposed. And indeed on a little farther conversation with the banker I heard sufficient to convince me that such was the fact I accordingly took it upon myself to desire him to effect a compromise with the lady in question. But she being obstinate, he paid the entire amount, this result he subsequently called to communicate to me and I hope that you will at least approve of my motives if not of the instructions that I gave. I approve of both, answers the Marquis and I again thank you, Sophia, for the delicacy which you have exhibited in my behalf. At this moment a knock at the door of the chamber was heard and Sir John LaSalle immediately afterwards made his appearance. There were the physician was much delighted at the sudden unexpected improvement which had manifested itself in his patient. And after a few inquiries of a purely professional nature he turned towards the Marchioness saying to her ladyship my lord are you indebted for your life, her prompt attention and the singular presence of mind with which she adopted the proper indeed the only effectual course immediately after the discovery of your alarming condition. Saved your lordship from a speedy death during the four days and four nights which have elapsed since the occurrence. Continued Sir John LaSalle's alluding as delicately as he could to the attempted suicide, her ladyship has been constant and unwirried in her attendance at your bedside. In order to retain the sad secret within as narrow a circle as possible, her ladyship would not even permit a nurse to be engaged, but unassisted she has sustained all the cares, all the anxieties and all the fatigues inevitably associated with daily watchings and long vigils. Pardon me madam for speaking thus enthusiastically, but throughout my experience which embraces a lengthened series of years I never never beheld such devotion. I thank you doctor said the noblemen for dwelling with such emphasis upon conduct as noble as it is generous. Certain differences traveling in reality and all in consequence of faults on my side continued the Marquis had long kept us apart but we are now reunited, never again to separate until death shall lay his hand upon me doctor added the noblemen after a short pause while the Marchness was weeping through deep emotion. Should you ever hear anyone allude to our protracted separation I beg I implore you to declare upon the authority of my own avowal that I alone was the offending party in that her ladyship has generously forgiven me everything. I shall not wait to hear people allude to this matter or I myself approach this subject in order to volunteer that explanation said Sir John Lassells we firmly believing all that the Marquis had uttered naturally considered that the most ample justice should be done towards a lady who had exhibited such a noble devotion to her husband under such peculiar circumstances. When the physician had taken his leave after prescribing certain medicines and giving the instructions necessary in the case the Marchness spent over her husband and with deeply blushing countenance said if there were anything at all deserving of praise in my conduct yours is beyond all commendation for I merely performed a duty whereas you have proved yourself to be the most generous of men. Oh how can I ever sufficiently thank you my dear husband for having thus disarmed scandal of its weapons thereby saving my honor even from the faintest breath of suspicion in order to do this you have taken upon yourself the odium which attaches itself to the separation of man and wife. I need I deserve no thanks of the Marquis you have saved my life you have recalled me to existence do you am I indebted for that leisure which by God's mercy may yet be afforded me we're into repent of the heinous crime I have committed in laying violent hands upon myself. Sir John LaSalle goes much into society he is intimate in all the first houses at the West End and he will be careful to propagate the intelligence which I gave him. You may therefore hold up your head proudly Sophia for your secret is also retained within as narrow a circle as my own. And now as you have eased my mind on so many points let me relieve you from any shadow of uncertainty that may hang over yours in respect to the cause of the stressful deed the fatal results of which were averted only by your timely aid. It was through disappointment in respect to that very lady who presented herself at my bankers. Enough exclaimed the Margenus we've already had too many painful revelations this day she added in a low and affectionate tone if you are now strong enough to see her I will fetch Agnes to remain with us for a few minutes. The Marquis joyfully ascended and Sophia having arranged the collar of his linen in such a manner that the bandage on the throat could not be observed. She however almost immediately returned followed by her daughter who was overwhelmed with the light to find him whom she believed to be her father so much improved. But when the Margenus contemplated the heartfelt joy with which her husband welcomed Agnes to his arms she was stricken with remorse after deceit she was practicing upon him. Permitting him to regard that beauty as girl as his own offspring could she however destroy an illusion which gave him so much delight and was the source of so much happiness. Will our readers blame her for cherishing the secret in her own breast instead of uselessly destroying the fabric of domestic peace which had once more been built up in that lordly mansion. After this interview with Agnes the Marquis shortly fell into a deep and refreshing slumber which continued until the evening. On the following morning he was so much further improved that when Trevelyan called he insisted upon seeing that good young nobleman who was delighted beyond measure to find that such a signal change had taken place in his condition. End of section 95. Section 96 of Mysteries of London, Volume 4. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds. Jack Riley and the Lawyer's Clerk. It was about nine in the evening and Mr. John Riley, alias the doctor, was seated in his chamber at the house in RuPaul Street smoking his pipe and pondering upon the best mode of disposing of the bank notes that were in his possession. He had seen by the newspapers that his great companion, Mrs. Mortimer, had died from the effects of the terrible punishment inflicted upon her by vitriol Bob, but he had not observed any advertisement proclaiming the notes that had been derived from the forgery and the journals were likewise silent respecting the forgery itself. The doctor accordingly concluded that the fraud remained undetected and that the legitimate check had not been presented and as several days had now elapsed, since the notes had found their way into his possession, he began seriously to meditate how he could convert them into gold. It may seem a singular thing to some that a man having in his possession sixty thousand pounds worth was at a loss for the means to realize the amount, but such is often the predicament in which thieves are placed. For thus stood the matter in respect to Jack Riley. If he were to take a quantity of the notes to the Bank of England, his appearance might be so much against him as to excite suspicion, for he was not endowed with vanity sufficient to blind his eyes to the fact that his outward aspect was of the most villainously hang dog description it was possible to conceive. Besides, he was not certain that the notes might not have been privately stopped. Again, if he applied to the fences and receivers of stolen property with whom he was acquainted, he knew that they could not cash more than two or three thousand pounds worth of the notes. And in doing even this much, they might mock him of one half the value. Besides, they were only to be trusted by men in such desperate circumstances as to leave no other alternative. Whereas the doctor had plenty of gold remaining from his share of the plunder derived from the adventure in the haunted houses. Lastly, in the catalogue of difficulties now enumerated, Jack Riley had heard from a friend so much of the galleys in France that he did not at all relish the idea of repairing to that country and standing the chance of visiting those places by attempting to pass notes concerning which private information might have been sent for anything he knew to the contrary to the various money changers. All these considerations were occupying the doctor's thoughts on the evening alluded to when his landlord entered to acquaint him that a gentleman named Green desired to speak to him. Ah, my old school pal, ejaculated Riley joyfully, show him up by all means, and during the short interval which elapsed, the attorney's clerk made his appearance the doctor placed the brandy bottle, a couple of tumblers and a clean pipe upon the table. By the time these preparations were completed, Mr. Green entered the room and was received with the familiarity of a long-standing acquaintance. Well, it is quite an age since I saw you last exclaimed the doctor as soon as his visitor was seated. What have you been doing with yourself, still drudging on at old heath coats? Just the same or rather worse was the reply. I'm sorry to hear that. Observe the doctor. Come, help yourself. But how came you to find me out in my new quarters? I was passing by here yesterday to serve a writ upon a poor devil in this street, answered Mr. Green, and I twigged you at the window. You didn't see me, but I made up my mind to give you a call, and so here I am. And I feel devilish glad to see you, responded Jack Riley. You may observe that my circumstances have improved a trifle or so of late. I wish to heaven that mine would show any proof of amendment, said Green with a profound sigh as he helped himself to a tumbler of brandy and water. I made a couple of hundred pounds the other day. It was an affair of giving information about a lunatic asylum in which Heathcote had locked up his own brother. And because I treated myself to this new suit of clothes he added, glancing down at his dress, the old villain declared that I must have robbed him to procure the money. Oh, how I long to be revenged on that man. Well, I don't suppose it's so very difficult to observe Riley. At least I should think from all you have told me at different times that you know enough about him to make him quake in his shoes. Yes, yes, but then stammered the clerk with the hesitation of one who longs to open his heart to another, yet shrinks from the avowal of a villainy, even to the ears of a villain. But what demanded the doctor relighting his pipe? If you've come to consult me, then out with everything at once. Do nothing but haves, old fellow. I never do. Well, you see the truth is that I am in the man's power completely in his power, responded Green. And now he's making my life so wretched, oh so wretched, that I think of running away to America with my two hundred pounds. But then I know that he would move heaven and earth to find me out. He would advertise me, give a description of my person, swear that I had robbed him or something of that kind. Anything indeed what he'd do to revenge himself upon me is one of those despicable characters that cherish the bitterest, the most fiend-like malignancy. And what is he doing to you now? Demanded Jack smoking his pipe at his ease while his friend was thus pouring forth his complaints. What doesn't he do? You should rather ask me, exclaim Green, in a tone of mingled rage, hate, and despair. As I just now told you, he put his brother, Sir Gilbert, into a lunatic asylum in the hope of getting into his own hands the management of all the baronettes property. And doubtless in the expectation likewise, that grief would send the unfortunate gentleman to his last home. Well, Sir Gilbert escaped. Through your connivance, ay, interrupted the doctor with a knowing chuckle. Yes, with my connivance, responded Green, and it is the suspicion of this fact that makes Heathcote so intolerable in his conduct towards me. Besides seeing me with a new suit of clothes, he swore that if I had not robbed him I must have been bribed to give information relative to the place where his brother was confined. It was all in vain that I reminded him of my salary being quite sufficient to keep me indecent attire. Why don't you see, again interrupted the doctor, when once a man has got a certain suspicion into his head he won't very easily part with it. He cherishes it, feeds upon it, sleeps upon it, dreams of it, just as a young girl does of her first love. I suppose that this must be the case, said Green, at all events. I've been made so miserable by Heathcote for the last few days that it was like a ray of hope when I saw you at the window of this room yesterday, and I determined to come and chat with you over the matter. And yet I don't see very well how I can assist you since you declare that you are completely in Heathcote's power, observed Jack Riley, but you must tell me everything. Well, there's no use in denying then that Heathcote can transport me if he chooses, said Green. Some years ago I committed a forgery. Oh, that's nothing, exclaimed Jack, assuming a consolatory tone. But go on, nothing do you call it, cried the clerk, looking apprehensively around him as if he were fearful that the very walls had ears. In a month's time a thousand pounds must be forthcoming, or I shall be transported. Up to this time Heathcote has all along given me to understand that he will replace the money for me. But this business of his brothers' escape, and two or three other matters that have gone wrong with him lately, I understand you, said Jack Riley, that have put the kibosh upon it. The word demanded Green unskilled in slang phrases. Put a stopper on the affair, I mean, explained the doctor whom an idea had struck while his companion was talking. And this idea was that Mr. Green might be made instrumental in procuring cash for a considerable portion of the bank notes. I am indeed afraid that Heathcote will not assist me, pursued the wretched clerk, and if he does not, I cannot say what would become of me. In fact, there is no use in boring myself up with the hope that Heathcote will do anything for me. He himself has lost money lately in several ways, and moreover his temper is terribly soured by this affair about his brother. Is Sir Gilbert taking steps to punish him, then asked Jack? Oh no, he is too generous and too forgiving in his disposition, replied Green. But he has compelled the two surgeons who signed the certificate of insanity to give him a counter declaration. And indeed a confession to the effect that they were bribed to sign the document on the strength of which he was placed in the madhouse. There is consequently the danger of all this becoming known, and Heathcote finding his reputation to be hanging by a thread has grown as it were desperate, not caring what may happen to himself still less, what may befall me. I should think, then, that if you had a thousand pounds you would fancy yourself a very lucky fellow and be able to defy Heathcote altogether, observed Jack Riley. I would give the last ten years of my life to reach such happiness, said the clerk, but it is useless, vain to hope. Will you give a few hours of your time, and a little of your ingenuity, demanded the doctor, now fixing upon him a look full of deep and mysterious meaning. Do not banter me, do not make a jest of my misfortune, exclaimed Green. By Satan I never was more serious in my life, returned the doctor. Nay, you may stare at me as you will, but the thousand pounds are nearer within your reach than you fancy, and you might still keep your two hundred pounds for your own purposes. Pray explain yourself, cried the clerk, not daring to yield to the hope which suddenly appeared to rise up before him. Keep me not in suspense, I conjure you. Can you do anything for me? Can you put me into the way? Yes, I can, answered the doctor emphatically. And now you may as well tell me candidly that you thought I might be able to assist you when you resolved upon calling here. Because since we were at school together, which is many long years ago, our paths in life have been so different that it is not very likely you would have honored me by your company without some pressing motive. You must at the same time admit that whenever I have met you, I've always spoken civilly to you and sometimes stood tree at a green diffidently. Once or twice, observed Jack, but that don't matter one way or the other. I asked you a question before I opened my mind any farther. Well, I candidly admit then, interrupted Green, wishing to bring the matter to the point as speedily as possible. I candidly admit that I did hope you could help me in some way or another, but it was only the hope of a desperate man. For as to the idea that you could assist me to eight hundred or a thousand pounds, it would have been insane to harbor it even for an instant. To speak more frankly still, I almost thought of asking you to let me join you in your own way of life, although I hardly know what your pursuits positively are. They require courage and firmness at all events, answered Jack Riley with a coarse laugh, whereas you have got into such cursive, cringing, bowing and scraping ways that you are only fit for a toad eater. Excuse me for speaking frankly, but as we are talking on matters of business, quite correct, interrupted Green swallowing his resentment for he felt but little pleased at the home truth which had just been told him. And now for the information which is to relieve me from such cruel suspense. First, answer me one or two questions, said the doctor. I suppose you are often in the habit of changing bank notes for your master. Yes, but not to any considerable amount at a time, answered Green. He is too suspicious to trust me with a sum sufficiently large to tempt me to run away with it. Nevertheless, I suppose you could manage to change a few heavy notes if you had them pursued the doctor. Heavy notes, repeated Green turning pale and trembling are they for or not they exclaimed Raleigh half disgusted with his timorous companion. They are genuine bank of England flimsies, but as they didn't come into my hands in a very regular manner and as my appearance isn't altogether in my favor. I can't pass them myself. Oh, I can get cash for them said Green with all the eagerness of a man in a desperate predicament. Heathcoats bankers would do me as many as you can possibly have. I question it observed the doctor. Dr. Yes, yes assuredly they would was the prompt answer. And you must know other places several several interrupted Green anticipating the remainder of the questions. But would it not be shorter to go to the bank of England at once? Well, I think it would respond to Jack unless unless there's any fear any danger. I mean, I curse upon your fears and dangers ejaculated the hair lift villain savagely. I've done it all only as I just now said I can't go myself. But if you can get 10,000 change tomorrow, you may have 1000 for your own purposes. Mr. Green could not find words to express his gratitude in return for this assurance. He was overwhelmed with the delight which he had not experienced for years. The thought of emancipating himself from the thrall of his desperate master was too brilliant to dazzling to gaze upon. He could not believe that there was anything beyond a mere chance in his favor that the matter was a certainty he dared not imagine. But when Jack Rowley displayed a few of the notes and mysteriously hinted that they were the produce of a forgery which could not possibly be detected. Mr. Green started from his chair and actually danced for joy. End of section 96.