 Section 29 of Mysteries of London, Volume 4. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Gillian Hendry. Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds. The Money Lander Misses and Miss Spitzharding were attired in the plainest possible manner, so that they seemed to be some poor tradesman's wife and daughter. But the moment the light of the candle fell on Perdita's countenance, Mr Percival literally started as the glorious beauty of that face was revealed to him. The young woman perceived the effect of her charms on the old lawyer and a smile of triumph played on her haughty lip, for she said within herself, Wherever I go, men pay homage to my loveliness. Hastily closing the front door, Percival now conducted his two visitresses into the back parlor, which was far more commodiously furnished than the one where his interview with Torrance had taken place. The shutters of this room were, however, as strongly protected by iron bars and as well secured as those in the other. And Mr Percival had multiplied in them the number of holes cut in the shape of a heart in order that he might be enabled to fire his blunderbuss at a moment's warning and in almost any direction through the shutters in case of an attempt on the part of burglars to effect an entry in the rear of the building. For it was perfectly true, as he had informed Torrance, that he lived alone in the house, but he was reported to be a miser and such indeed he was. Having been extravagant and profligate in his earlier years, he had fallen into the opposite extreme and when he absconded from his creditors, the money which he had taken with him, he hoarded carefully. For a long time he had remained concealed in a distant town, placing out his funds in small loans at an enormous interest so that as his wealth augmented, his parsimonious habits increased. At last become greedy and griping as any miser whose renown has been preserved in talebook or history. Percival, as we shall continue to call him, resolved on venturing to London, where the field for his cupidity was more ample than in the provinces. Trusting to the alteration that years had made in his personal appearance and to the disguise of the name which he had assumed, he settled in the secluded neighbourhood and comparatively lonely house where we now find him and without seeking business obtrusively, he soon found plenty. One person whom he obliged with a loan would give his address to another also requiring assistance and thus his clients or patrons, whichever the reader may choose to call the borrowers, increased. He was almost constantly at home, formed no acquaintances and was short and pithy in his mode of transacting business. He never advanced money safe when he perceived the security to be ample. And if occasionally he made a bad debt, he employed an attorney who asked no impertinent questions to sue the defaulter in his own name. It being alleged that the unpaid bill had been passed in a legitimate manner to the pettifogger aforesaid. An elderly widow of the name of Dyer occupied the house next door and she acted in the capacity of char-women for Mr. Percival, keeping his dwelling in order and preparing for him his frugal meals. Having recorded these few necessary particulars we shall now return to the little back parlor where Mr. Percival and his two visitresses were seated. His back was turned to the window, but Mrs. Fitz-Harding and Perdita, who sat opposite to him, faced it, while the candle stood on the mantle. So that, had anyone peeped through the heart holes in the shutters, the countenances of the women must have been plainly visible to such curious observer outside the casement. Your daughter, Madame, I presume, said Mr. Percival, with a polite inclination of the head towards the handsome Perdita. Yes, my dear sir, was the reply, and she is about to form an excellent match with a young gentleman who is indeed a nobleman by right and who will shortly assert his title to that distinction. He wishes to borrow money for his immediate purposes and also to assist me. Hence my visit to you this evening. Well, well, my dear Madame, said Percival, if the security be good, the security is ample, returned Mrs. Fitz-Harding. He is indubitably the heir to vast estates, and his bond will be quite sufficient, added Percival, that is, presuming him to be of age. He is twenty-five years old, said Mrs. Fitz-Harding. But the history of himself and family is most extraordinary, and his father is not altogether unknown to you, for if I remember a right, it was you who prosecuted the celebrated high-women, Thomas Rainford, for the robbery of the late Sir Christopher Blunt. What earthly connection can exist between Tom Rain and the young nobleman who wants to borrow money? Demanded Percival, with unfaigned astonishment. Grant me your patience, my dear Sir, said Mrs. Fitz-Harding, and I will explain the matter as concisely as possible. Thomas Rainford was in reality the son of the late Earl of Ellingham, the eldest son and legitimately born of that nobleman who privately married a certain Octavia Manners. The individual who at present bears the title and enjoys the estates of the Earldom of Ellingham is the offspring of a second marriage contracted by his father. He and Rainford are consequently half-brothers. All these facts are proven by certain papers now in the possession of myself and daughter. One of the documents is the marriage certificate of the late Earl with Octavia Manners. Another, the baptismal certificate of their son. A third, the journal of Octavia Manners, explaining many matters connected with the whole affair. And then follows a variety of documents establishing the identity of Thomas Rainford with the son of the late Earl and the Countess Octavia. Thus far, the rights of Thomas Rainford are clearly made out. I must now inform you that Rainford and Lady Georgiana Hatfield have long been united in matrimonial bonds and that the husband has for a considerable time adapted his wife's name. The offspring of this alliance is the young gentleman of whom I have already spoken to you and who at present bears the denomination of Charles Hatfield. Now, his father being the rightful Earl of Ellingham, this Charles Hatfield is actually the Viscount Marston and heir to the title and estates of the earldom. Here history, my dear madam, is clear and comprehensive enough, said Percival, already calculating the enormous gains which might be derived from the fact of becoming the banker to a young nobleman having a vast fortune in the perspective and whom he supposed to be as extravagantly inclined as youthful science of the aristocracy in such cases generally are. And you possess the proofs of all the singular facts which you have detailed? The proofs, the positive proofs, replied Mrs. Whitsharding emphatically and turning towards her daughter, she said, Sholm is to Percival the papers. It is useless, answered Perdita in a firm but quiet manner, unless he first agree to advance a certain sum of money should they be satisfactory. True, said her mother, biting her lip at the thought that her daughter was more keen than herself. Then addressing herself to the miser, she observed, You heard the remark that fell from the lips of Miss Whitsharding. Yes, yes, returned Mr. Percival. We shall most likely do business together, most likely, he repeated, At the same time, I must see my way very clearly and we must be careful not to reveal unnecessarily any more of the important secrets of which we are the depositories, said Perdita. Quite right, young lady, exclaimed the miser, who experienced no slight degree of embarrassment, for he was afraid, on the one hand, of letting a good chance slip through his fingers and he was fearful on the other of admitting that he had ample resources immediately available. Not that Percival dreaded, on the part of Miss Whitsharding, the same attempt at extortion, or rather, of obtaining restitution, which had been made by Mr. Torrance. Because he knew full well that she was occupying a false position in the world and living under an assumed name, as well as himself. And should she take it into her head to threaten him with an exposure of being no other than Howard, the runaway attorney, he could in a moment retaliate by proclaiming her to be Mrs. Slingsby, or Mrs. Torrance, the woman who had been transported for forgery. No, Mr. Percival dreaded not menace on the part of Miss Whitsharding, but the naturally suspicious disposition of the miser and the vague fears that ever haunt the avaricious man when questioned as to the amount and whereabouts of his resources. These were the influences which made Percival hesitate to plunge too precipitately into the transaction now submitted for his consideration. Well, sir, are you prepared to negotiate with us or not? demanded Perdita after a short pause during which the miser fidgeted nervously upon his chair. It all depends, Miss. It all depends on the amount your noble friend requires, he answered at length. The entire business is left in our hands, said Mrs. Whitsharding, and we wish to raise between five and six thousand pounds in the first instance. Of which one thousand must be paid tonight, added Perdita, as an earnest that the transaction is seriously entered into. A thousand pounds to night, cried the miser. But how is that possible? Even if I had the money in the house? he asked, looking anxiously around and sinking his voice to a low whisper. How is it possible, I say, since the young nobleman is not here to give me any acknowledgement? This objection was naturally anticipated by us, replied Perdita. Viscount Marston, instead of sending us the papers this evening, did us the honour to call personally with them, and his lordship confided to me, and to me alone, added Perdita with a rapid glance of triumphant meaning at her mother. His note of hand for one thousand guineas. I must congratulate you, my dear madam, exclaimed Percival, addressing himself with a smile to the old women. I must congratulate you on possessing a daughter of the most business-like character in the person of Mrs. Whitsharding. Then pray, let us transact our present affairs in a business-like manner, said Perdita, who was rapidly putting herself more forward in the matter and proportionately throwing her mother into the background, so that the old women more than once bit her lip to restrain her rising collar. But remembering the terrific scene of the morning, she saw no alternative save to allow her daughter to have her own way, trusting, however, to the chapter of accidents to restore to her in the long run that paramount influence which she had lost. You wish me to discount at once that note of hand for a thousand guineas? said the miser, fixing his eyes admiringly on Perdita's splendid countenance. Yes, as an earnest that you are not prompted by mere curiosity to look further into this most extraordinary, mysterious and yet easily understood affair, replied Perdita. I will accede to your terms, Mrs. Whitsharding, said Percival, after a few minutes' deliberation, provided that the documents in your possession bear out your mother's statements. Place the money on the table, sir, returned the young woman, in her quiet though somewhat imperious manner. And these papers, she added, producing a sealed packet at the same time, shall be submitted to your perusal. Good, cried the miser. He then rose from his seat, and having once more cast a furtive look around him, as if it were possible for an intruder to secrete himself in a room fourteen feet by ten, and which the three inmates already nearly filled. He proceeded to open an iron safe that was fitted into a kind of cupboard in one corner. Thence he took forth a tin cash box which, when opened, revealed heaps of banknotes and a large amount of gold. There are ladies, said he, I have now convinced you of my ability to proceed farther in this transaction, and it is your turn, Miss," he added, looking at Perdita, to take the next step. Granted was the reply, and, opening the packet, she handed the several papers, which were properly classed and numbered, one by one to the miser, receiving back each, before she gave him the next following. Mr. Percival read the documents without much emotion. His pecuniary avocations had blunted the sentiment of curiosity in his soul. He viewed the matter only in a business light, and so long as the security was good, he cared not if all the high women in the world should turn out to be noblemen in their own right. He thought of the profits that might arise from ministering to the extravagances, as he supposed, of a young noblemen having excellent certainties in the perspective, and it was not of the slightest importance to him how Mrs. Fitz Harding and Perdita had contrived to invagle him into their meshes, how they had gotten possession of the papers, and how money raised was to be expended. This is completely satisfactory as far as it goes, he said, returning to the young woman, the last paper which he had placed in his hand. The documents show that Rainford is the real Earl of Ellingham, but there is no evidence to prove that your Charles Hatfield is his son. We are well convinced of that fact, said Mrs. Fitz Harding. Yes, I suppose it may be admitted, observed Percival, who had not the least idea that Charles Hatfield had ever passed and was still passing as the nephew of those who were really his parents. But there is still one question which must be fully cleared up, and this is the legitimacy of the young man's birth. If he be the lawfully begotten son of the rightful owner of the title and estates of the earldom, then is he the heir beyond all possibility of doubt. But if he be illegitimate, the idea is absurd, interrupted Mrs. Fitz Harding. There can be no hesitation in declaring that Thomas Rainford and Lady Georgiana had been privately married long before the man himself was condemned to death. Elsewherefore, should she have exerted her interest to obtain a pardon for him at the hand of George IV? I remember the transaction, said Percival, and I have no moral doubt that all you tell me is perfectly correct. Indeed, I am so well assured of it that I have not the least objection to discount the note of hand, on condition that the defective evidence be supplied me before I am called upon to make further advances. Most certainly, exclaimed Perdita. Charles will give you every satisfactory proof of the validity of his claims. You require testimony to show that he is the lawfully begotten son of those who now pass under the name of Mr. and Lady Georgiana Hatfield. The certificates of their marriage and his birth, said the miser. Where is the note of hand? Perdita produced it, and a little altercation then arose respecting the rate of discount. Mrs. Fitz Harding manifested a greedy anxiety to conclude the bargain on the miser's own exorbitant terms, but Perdita argued the point with him in a resolute manner. At last, however, an amicable understanding was arrived at, and the miser was permitted to deduct 75 pounds for the discount. Perdita received the amount she then told down upon the table, and the old woman's features grew distorted with rage, a rage the more intense because she was forced to restrain it, when she found that her daughter did not offer to render her the guardian of the purse. But Perdita had that day asserted an empire which she was resolved to maintain, a domination which she was determined to grasp indivisibly. Without positively offending or irritating her mother by pointed and overt insult, she nevertheless had made up her mind to act as the mistress in all things, and thus had the punishment of the vile old woman already begun, even on account of the new schemes of wickedness which she had set on foot. Having secured the precious packet of papers and the money about her person, the beautiful Perdita rose from her chair, saying, We may now take our departure, mother. One word first, exclaimed Percival, a sudden reminiscence striking him. Then turning towards Mrs. Fitzharding, he said, My dear madam, I have some news to impart which I had almost forgotten in the absorbing nature of the business that has occupied us for the last hour. I have no news which will not a little astonish you. Then pray keep me no longer in suspense, exclaimed Mrs. Fitzharding, Perdita's conduct not having put her into the best of possible humours. Just before you knocked at the door this night, Well, well, ejaculated the impatient woman. A man was with me. And that man, repeated Mrs. Fitzharding, gasping for breath as if she anticipated the reply. Was your husband, added the miser. A hideous expression passed over the countenance of Mrs. Fitzharding, an expression of mingled hate, apprehension and rage. And she staggered for a moment as if she were about to fall. But subduing her emotions, she approached the miser and said in a low horse grating tone, Does he know that I am in London? Is he aware that I am in England passing by the name of Fitzharding? No, no, replied Percival hastily, for he saw by the old women's manner that she would not thank him were he to inform her that he had made her husband acquainted with so many particulars concerning her. You are sure you are certain? demanded she, breathing somewhat more freely. Since Mr. Percival has already answered you satisfactorily, mother, wherefore require additional assurances, said Perdita, who was in haste to depart, for it was now waxing very late. Because I would sooner meet one of those hideous snakes that I have seen in Australia and encounter that man, responded the old woman, I know not why, but I hate him, I loathe and abhor him. Come along, mother, interrupted Perdita impatiently, Mr. Percival cares nothing about all this. True, but one word more, cried Mrs. Fitzharding, Tell me, sir, is that man my husband, and the words appeared almost to choke her? Is he well off, or poor and wretched? He seemed to be very miserable, answered the miser, so miserable that he wished to obtain assistance from me, but I, I never give, he added, after a moment's hesitation. I believe you, sir, remarked Perdita, a faint smile of contempt curling her haughty but beautyous lip. Now, mother, at last you are ready, I presume? Allow me to light you to the door, said Percival, and with a bow he proceeded the two females into the passage. He opened the front door, and Perdita wishing him good night, bounded forth first into the open air, for she felt relieved escaping from the miser's cheerless abode. Her mother followed more slowly, and just as she passed by Percival, who stood on the threshold, officially holding the candle, the light streamed fully on the countenance of the old women. At that same instant, Mrs. Dyer, the widow who lived at the next house, was returning home from her neighbours, and she caught a complete view of the face of Mrs. Fitzharding. It struck the good women at the moment that she had seldom beheld such a repulsive, sinister countenance. But she was accustomed to see strange-looking people visit the miser's abode, and the circumstance therefore made no particular impression on her mind. She merely said, Good night, sir, to the miser, and forthwith entered her own abode. Percival's door closed at the same instant, and Mrs. Fitzharding, having overtaken her daughter, the two retraced their way to the city road once they took a cab to Suffolk Street. End of Section 29. Section 30 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. N. Reynolds, the miser alone in his dwelling. Having carefully barred and bolted the street door, Percival entered the front room and assured himself that the shutters were safely fastened. He then returned to the back parlor and seating himself at the table, proceeded to examine the contents of his cash box. He looked at the note of hand which he had received that night and which bore the signature of Marston, for in compliance with the suggestion of Mrs. Fitzharding, the infatuated Charles Hadfield had signed the document with the name to which he believed himself to be entitled. The first sensations of the miser as he fixed his eyes on the promise to pay at a specific date, the sum of 1,000 guineas, were of pleasure. For he calculated the profit he had derived from the transaction and he flattered himself that he had gained 70 guineas in a single hour and was so little trouble to he muttered to himself. But in the next moment a gloomy shade began to cross his countenance for the thought stole upon him that perhaps he had acted too precipitately, that the women might have forged a number of papers to dilute him, that after all there might be no such person in existence as Charles Hadfield or if I count Marston. For Shaw he exclaimed emphatically as the endeavor to banish these unpleasant reflections from his mind, it is all right and I'm a fool thus to yield to misgivings. Why should not Tom Rain be the rightful Earl of Helingham? Things more strange and improbable have occurred in this world and if he be really the elder brother of the noblemen now bearing the title, why should he not have a son who is the heir to that title and likewise to the estates? Yes, yes it is all feasible enough besides amongst those papers were the marriage certificate of the late Earl and Octavia Manners and the baptismal certificate of their child. Well then granting that there is a Charles Hadfield or in other words if I count Marston what is less extraordinary than that so beautiful a creature as this Miss Fitz Harding should have captivated the young noble. She is a splendid girl, a very splendid girl even in the plain garb which she wore this evening. A sort of disguise no doubt she looked truly bewitching what eyes, what a profile, what teeth, what hair are I wish that I was a young man now that I had not these 65 winters on my head I would even yet endeavor to rival Viscount Marston but no, no that were impossible these young girls are smitten with titles more than them with money and on my honor Miss Fitz Harding will become the rank of Viscountess full well. She has the dignity, the stateliness and yet the grace and elegance of a woman of fashion all those doubtless must be the work of nature for where could she have become familiar with the manners and customs of the drawing room ah was not that a noise and the miser hastily shutting up his cash box started to his feet he listened but all was still a false alarm he murmured to himself and resumed his seat but the incident had completely disturbed the current of his thoughts which were flowing into a more voluptuous channel than for years and years they had done the beauty of Perdita having made a deep impression upon the mind of the miser and for a few minutes weaned away his attention from the hither to all absorbing gold that he worshipped so devotedly and now that alarm whether false or real we cannot as yet determine recalled his errant thoughts to the one engrossing subject and carefully depositing his cash box in the safe he next secured the safe itself then having placed the key in his pocket he took the candle in his hand and once more inspected the street door the shutters in the front room and the bolt of the back gate he descended into the kitchen that kitchen which no domestic occupied and the hearth of which so seldom sparkled or shone with blazing coal or wood the cursed hearth which even in the very midst of summer seemed cheerless and cold the area that gave light to the kitchen window was strongly barred over the window itself was likewise barred and the door opening into the area was well secured with bolts and chains all these multiplied precautions were duly inspected by the miser forgotten now was the image of Perdita gold gold his gold this was the one absorbing idea no not the only one for with the thought of possessing gold is ever associated the dread of losing it and at this moment the man's mind was a prey to vague fears undefined alarms gloomy misgivings he did not like that noise which he had heard it haunted him like a specter it was something that weighed upon his soul like lead he felt he knew that he was really alone in that house I and that the house was lonely in situation likewise for he could not account for aid in case of need on the elderly widow next door and her two or three poor female lodgers thus the fact that there was a house adjoining did not detract from the sense of utter loneliness awakened in his mind respecting his own abode but were not the bolts secured the chains fastened the bars all firm and strong though he had not spared his money to obtain the best iron and the best work when those precautions were adopted and since he had become a miser he had never paid a bill so cheerfully as that which the defenses of his dwelling had incurred yes the bolts were secure the chains were well fastened and the bars were all firm and strong and yet Percival was not at ease in his mind that unknown and accountable noise had alarmed him it was a noise the nature of which he could scarcely explain to himself nor whether it had occurred inside or outside the house no nor whether it were the creaking of timber or the shaking of the shutters or the sound of a human voice speaking low horse and in a disguised tone having convinced himself that all was secure in the kitchen and that little scullery at the back Percival once more ascended to his back parlor he looked at his watch and found it was half an hour past midnight still he felt no inclination to sleep vague and oppressive fears continued to haunt him and the more he essayed to wrestle with his reflections the more intolerable did they become till at last horrible ideas were forced upon his imagination of how misers have been murdered for their gold how their blood had been poured out even on the very treasure chest to which they clung with desperate tenacity while the blows of the assassins rained down upon their heads of all these things he thought and his brain appeared to whirl he cast his eyes around objects of terror seemed to encounter them in all directions for his fevered, excited imagination conjured up the most horrifying phantoms suddenly taking his head as it were in his hands and pressing it violently he exclaimed aloud perdition take this cowardly nervousness what have I to fear tonight more than any other I need rest repose slumber and when I awake in the morning I shall laugh at myself for the absurd terrors to which I have yielded now taking the light in his hand he was about to quit the room and seek his chamber upstairs when a sound as of the back door slowly opening fell upon his ears and so great was the alarm with which the circumstance filled him striking him as it were with a sudden paralysis that he let the candle fall upon the floor and the light was immediately extinguished then there was the rush of a man up the stairs leading from the back door to the parlor and in another moment Percival was assailed in the dark in a desperate manner heavy blow as with a bludgeon felled him to the ground not quite stunning him but so far depriving him of the physical energies that he could not even cry out but he grasped the murderer by the throat in a short struggle ensued the assassin however was armed with the determination if not with the strength of a demon and dashed the miser back on the floor again with all his force he seized the bludgeon and wielded it with such fearful effect that in a few instances the victimly motionless and silent beneath him this fearful crime was accomplished in the dark and yet the murderer was not afraid nor to lose his presence of mind it would also seem that he was acquainted with the nook where the miser's gold was concealed yes even circumstances more minute still were known to him for a stooping down and passing his hand over the corpse he felt in the very pocket where Percival had placed the key of the cupboard in closing the iron safe and then grouping his way to that cupboard he opened it opened likewise the iron safe and drew forth the tin case containing the miser's gold and bank breaking open the lid of the box the miscreant secured all the coin notes and papers about his person and then stole away from the dwelling by means of the back gate which he closed behind him at half past seven o'clock in the morning Mrs. Dyer knocked at the door of the miser's house and was somewhat surprised in five minutes having lapsed her summons remained unanswered perhaps he has overslept himself she muttered to herself I will come back again presently and the woman returned to her own but something like a misgiving had stolen into her mind a vague and indefinable fear a presentiment against which she could not wrestle a gloom had fallen on her spirit she was in that humor when people who are in any way superstitious expect bad news not that she had heard any noise in the course of the night or that she had any motive for suspicion the feeling that a pressor was excited by no accountable and intelligible cause unless indeed it were that during the five or six years she had waited upon Mr. Percival this was the very first occasion on which she had failed to find him already up and dressed and ready to admit her at a stipulated hour having performed a few domestic duties in her own house but in a strange manner as if she scarcely knew what she was doing Mrs. Dyer returned to the miser's front door at which she knocked again but again there was no response all was silent the widow woman was now seriously alarmed and hastening back into her dwelling she informed her female lodgers that she could not meet Mr. Percival here next door and was afraid something had happened the three women to whom these observations were addressed accompanied her to the miser's house and as all within was still silent as the grave they proceeded round to the back door with the intention of looking in through the window shutters which as we have before stated were perforated with many heart holes the Mrs. Dyer first happened to drive the back gate into her surprise found it unfastened she and the other women then enter the house and their attention now rendered keen by dark suspicions was immediately attracted to the fact that the part of the door post into which the bolt of the back gate fitted had been cut away from the outside in such a manner that it was an easy affair to slide back the bolt the females beheld this ominous appearance with dismay but how shuttering were the looks of deep apprehension which they rapidly and they exchanged when they likewise noticed an old piece of iron still sticking in the lock a sure indication of that lock having been picked also from the outside had either one of the women now manifested the least hesitation to proceed the others would have gladly followed the example to retreat but huddling all together and in deep silence they slowly ascended the stairs leading to the back parlor the door of this room was half open and as the widow endeavored to push farther back still it was stopped by something that evidently was not a table nor a chair no nor ought made of wood the women slowly entered the parlor and then their tongues were suddenly loosened and piercings shrieks burst from their lips for the prismatic light which streamed through the heart holes of the closed shutters played on the smashed gory and disfigured countenance of the murdered man terror for a few minutes rooted to the spot the specter's strises of this horrible spectacle and clinging hanging to each other they remained gazing in terror and dismay on the remains of him whom they had all seen alive and in health on the preceding day at length the female who was nearest to the door seemed suddenly to recover the use of her limbs and with another ejaculation of horror she fled precipitately her companions following her with a haste which seemed to indicate that they were afraid lest the murdered man should stretch forth his hand and clutch the hindermost by the garments oh what tears are inspired by the cold inanimate powerless remains of mortality and yet many of the strongest minds have had their fears in this respect and heroes who would have faced a sered rank wrestling with bayonets or hunted the savage tiger in the jungles of hindu stand have feared to remain alone with the corpse of a fellow creature fool soon was the dreadful rumor spread throughout the neighborhood that the miser person had been murdered during the night and the police were immediately upon the spot the dead body indeed presented a hideous spectacle to the view the countenance was so disfigured as to defy recognition and the skull was fractured in several places by the side of the corpse lay a heavy steak and as it was covered with blood and some of the hair from the murdered man's head was sticking to it there was no difficulty in pronouncing it to have been the weapon used by the assassin the candlestick was found on the floor close by the cupboard open and the tin box emptied of its contents was stumbled over by one of the officers not the slightest suspicion could possibly be attached to the widow woman or her lodgers occupying the adjacent house but they were necessarily questioned by the inspector with a view to elicit any particulars that might aid the officers of justice in sifting the most mysterious and horrible affair Mrs. Dyer stated that she had heard no disturbance during the night and her lodgers all made a similar declaration I passed the evening with the neighbor said the widow naming the friend at whose house she had sucked and I returned home about half past 11 o'clock Mr. Percival was at that moment taking leave of some visitors at his own door and oh I remember now exclaimed Mrs. Dyer a sudden thought striking her there were two women one apparently young if I might judge by the hasty glimpse I caught of her figure for I did not see her face as she was standing by the gate opening into the road and the other woman demanded the inspector was old and very ugly returned the widow I saw her counting us plainly enough for the light which Mr. Percival held streamed full upon it and I thought at the moment that I had never in my life held such a repulsive horrible looking creature I was really frightened there was something so unpleasant in her looks and was any man with them inquired the officer no the two women were alone they took leave of Mr. Percival and I suppose went away at all events I know that he closed his door just the same moment that I shot mine I said good night to him and that was the last time I saw the poor gentleman alive it is highly important observe the inspector that we should find out these two women of whom you speak as they were to all appearances the last persons who were with the deceased Mrs. Dyer then gave a as accurate a description as she could have got personal appearance of the old woman whose countenance has struck as being so repulsive and sinister and the inspector having left a couple of officers on the premises where the crime had been committed to part to acquaint the corner with a dreadful occurrence end of section 30 section 31 of mysteries of London volume 4 this is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org mysteries of London volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds fresh scenes and more troubles at home while the discovery of the assassination of the old miser was being made in Pentonville as just related a scene of some interest occurred simultaneously at the mansion of the Earl of Ellingham in Palmael Charles Hatfield had risen early after having passed a restless night and his toilet being completed he was just meditating unpleasantly meditating on the demeanour that it was proper for him to assume at the breakfast table when the door opened and his father entered the chamber the young man had not encountered his parents since the dispute of the preceding morning he had purposely avoided them throughout the day not appearing at the dinner table and absenting himself likewise from the family meeting at the supper hour he therefore felt himself somewhat disagreeably situated being totally unprepared to meet his father and having decided on no definite course to pursue with regard to him my dear son said Mr. Hatfield approaching and taking the young man's hand it is necessary that we should have an immediate explanation I allude to the occurrences of yesterday morning and I regret that you should have adopted the unusual course of absenting yourself throughout the day I returned home between seven and eight last evening interrupted Charles hastily but not disrespectfully I'm aware of it said Mr. Hatfield fixing his eyes upon his son in a penetrating manner but you only remained in the house a few minutes and having visited your chamber you hurried away again were you afraid to encounter your parents remember Charles you felt that your conduct of the morning had been undutiful and improper nay I will even say cruel towards us yet a single word expressive of contrition would have made us open our arms to receive you you denounced my behaviour as cruel towards you exclaimed Charles but did you not first provoke me father did you not call me harsh names and if in return I complained of what I considered to be the unnatural conduct of my parents toward me wherefore thus pertinacious endeavour to penetrate into those secrets which for good and salutary reasons your parents keep concealed from you demanded Mr. Hatfield for I presume that you allude to the fact of our still desiring that you should pass as our nephew you have assured me that I am legitimate that there is no stigma upon my birth cried Charles then wherefore not acknowledge me as your son you claim from me the duty of a son and yet you deny me the title and again I must remind you father that to an accident alone am I indebted for the knowledge of my birth I would ask you Charles that said Mr. Hatfield in a serious and impressive tone that all this has to do with the proposal of marriage that you made to Lady Francis Ellingham for it was on this point that our dispute commenced yesterday morning I might as opposed that my son being unwilling to contract an alliance so honourable to him seeks other grounds whereon to base his desire of flying in the face of his parents I might to conclude that being resolved to thwart us in this our dearest hope you seize upon another and ignoble pretext to justify your rebellion against us no ten thousand times no exclaimed the young man cruelly hurt by these suspicions in first place I do not love Lady Francis Ellingham otherwise than as a brother may love a sister because interrupted Mr. Hatfield fixing his eyes sternly upon his son because you have formed some connection of which you are ashamed ah cried Charles starting violently has my father acted the spy upon me listen said Mr. Hatfield was countenance the indignant blood rushed as his son thus insolently addressed him but he chose to control his feelings and he succeeded listen Charles and then decide whether you want to judge me so harshly your conduct of yesterday morning towards your mother and myself was of such an extraordinary unaccountable distressing nature that you cannot blame me if I resolved to discover the motives that had actuated you in this determination I was fixed by your protracted absence throughout the day your stealthy return in the evening your short visit to your own chamber your avoidance of all the inmates of this house and your hasty and also stealthy departure again I confess then that I followed you last evening you followed me father repeated Charles in a low horse and hollow voice yes I followed you to Suffolk Street continued Mr. Hatfield with a firmness and a cool determination of tone and manner which he hoped would overall the rebellious young man and on enquiry in the neighbourhood I learnt that at the house which you entered dwells a very beautiful young lady now I give you my honour Charles that I ask no more was told no more than this one fact I have no desire to become acquainted with the liaisons of my son I know that young men will be what shall we call it gay if you will all I wished to ascertain was whether there were any grounds for supposing that you had formed a connection which you may believe to have love for its basis and which induced you yesterday morning to refuse the fulfilment of your own offer to Lady Francis Ellingham father said Charles Hatfield scarcely able to restrain an outburst of indignation and bitter recrimination in which had he allowed that torrent of feelings to force a vent all that he knew of his family and their secrets would have been revealed or rather proclaimed in no measured terms father he said fortunately subduing the evil promptings of the moment I have listened to you with attention though not without impatience yesterday you reviled me you heaped bitter approaches upon me you menaced me with disinheritance then in the evening you enacted the spy upon my actions you watched me you followed me it was my duty and the most painful one I can assure you interrupted Mr Hatfield alarmed by the strange the ominous coldness that characterised his son's tone and manner your duty ejaculated Charles now speaking with an indignation in frightful contrast with the unnatural tranquility on which it so abruptly broke and wherefore have you not performed your duty in all things duty indeed but now father that there are other duties to fulfil the merely playing the part of a spy on your son's actions there are such duties as giving him his proper name allowing him to assume his just rights and placing him in that social position you menaced me with the loss of fortune, father oh, you know how vain and ridiculous is this threat and how it aggravates the wickedness of all your former conduct towards me I am no longer a child to be held in leading strings no longer a silly sentimentalist who, through maudlin and mockish feelings of a false delicacy will consent to have my nearest and dearest interests trampled upon my privileges altogether withheld my rights cruelly denied me you have played the mysterious too long you have enacted the cruel and unnatural until endurance has become impossible and now you would assume the part of the absolute dictator expecting to find me still a pliant docile, grovelling slave without spirit, without courage without even the common feelings of a man but you are mistaken, father and if I have thus been driven to tell you my mind you have only yourself to reproach for so distressing so painful a scene thus speaking and before his father had so far recovered from the amazement into which this volley of words threw him as to be able even to stretch out a hand to retain him Charles seized his hat and rushed from the room in less than a minute the front door of the house closed behind him and he hurried on like one demented street but before we accompany him thither we must pause to explain the effect which this scene had upon his father indeed Mr. Hadfield was struck with an astonishment so profound a bewilderment so complete that his heart seemed as if it were numbed against pain he could not comprehend the drift of Charles's passionate address otherwise then by supposing that the young man required to be recognized as a son not as a nephew for it did not as in fact it could not for a single moment enter Mr. Hadfield's head that Charles had discovered all the occurrences of former years and that he had then drawn the false and fatal inference that he this same infatuated young man was the heir to the proud title and vastest states of the Uldem of Ellingham he therefore saw in his son's conduct only the rebellious spirit of an individual who having formed a connection of which he was most likely ashamed and which he knew to be improper endeavored to meet his parents reproaches with recriminations and seize upon the least shadow of an excuse or pretext for resisting the paternal authority when reflection thus diminished the wonderment which Mr. Hadfield experienced at the behaviour of the young man pain and sorrow succeeded that first feeling that the unhappy father was cruelly embarrassed he knew not how to act Charles was of that age when even did circumstances permit Mr. Hadfield to acknowledge that he really was his son no legal authority could be exercised nor constraint practised and he felt assured that any father attempt to interfere with him in the connection which he had formed would only aggravate the irritability of the wrong-headed young man then again it was impossible to abandon him thus to causes which might hurry him on to utter ruin and moreover the Lady Francis Ellingham had been so cruelly trifled with that an explanation with her parents became absolutely necessary now was it that Mr. Hadfield cursed the hour when he had been induced to leave Italy and return to England on this visit to his half-brother the visit which the Earl had by letter urged him to pay and to which he had assented in full confidence of the complete safety of the step bewildered with the variety of his conflicting thoughts and feeling the necessity as well as recognising the propriety of consulting the Earl Mr. Hadfield repaired to the library whence he dispatched a message to the nobleman requesting his lordship to join him there as speedily as possible for it still wanted upwards half an hour to the usual breakfast time the Earl of Ellingham was just issuing from his chamber when the message was delivered to him and immediately apprehending some evil news he hastened to the library where he found his half-brother pacing up and down in an agitated manner Mr. Hadfield without any disguise hesitation or circumlocution immediately unfolded to the Earl all that had taken place both on that and the preceding day in respect to Charles and Arthur listened with emotions of mingled pain astonishment and apprehension much as it would have delighted me he at length observed to witness the union of my daughter and your son Thomas I cannot for a moment recommend that the young man's inclinations should be forced such an union seemed necessary almost imperiously necessary under the peculiar circumstances in which we are placed while you the elder brother renounced the title which is your just right I the younger one have long borne it and bear it still though heaven knows that I value it indeed but little however added the Earl interrupting himself hastily I was about to observe that situated as we thus are it appears but natural and proper that your son should receive a positive and acknowledgement of mission family by means of an alliance with my daughter and she poor girl she loves him continue the nobleman his voice faltering and he has acted unwisely to use no harsher term in declaring an attachment which he does not feel and making a proposal which he cannot accomplish I'm at a loss how to act said Mr. Hatfield my god he cried in a tone expressive of deep feeling am I ever to be the means of giving annoyance and vexation to you my dear Arthur you who have been so kind and generous a friend to me not on this account must you distress yourself Thomas return the Earl emphatically you are not responsible for the wayward humours of your son but surely this sudden manifestation of a rebellious disposition on his part cannot arise wholly and solely from the connection which you believe him to have formed have you inquired concerning the character of the women the mother and daughter whom he visits in Suffolk Street no I contented myself with ascertaining that at the house which I saw him enter there is a young lady a very extraordinary beauty and you are convinced that Charles has learnt nothing relative to the events of former years nothing calculated to diminish I understand you Arthur said Mr. Hatfield seen that his half-brother hesitated you would ask whether I have any reason to believe that he has learnt ought which may have a tendency to diminish the respect he had until within these two days past maintained towards his parents on this head I am of course unable to answer you positively but my impression is that he is as much as ever in the dark relative to the dread occurrences of the past indeed how can he have possibly learnt a single fact may not the discovery that he is your son and not your nephew have induced him to seek for further information inquired the Earl of Ellingham may not some sentiment of ardent curiosity have been awakened within him but where could he address himself to this task of raising the veil from the mysteries of bygone years even if he had the slightest ground to suspect that such mysteries do exist demanded Mr. Hatfield interrupting the Earl to what source could he repair the means of elucidation I know not and yet I am now impressed with suspicions of a most unpleasant nature observed the Earl it is very essential that some immediate help should be taken to redeem this fine young man from a career of error perhaps of depravity oh yes yes exclaimed Mr. Hatfield my god if the sins of the father be in this case visited upon the son life will become intolerable to me rather would I at once have a full and complete understanding with Charles tell him all yes all reveal to him who I really am open to him the means of a complete retrospection embracing all my sad history and then throw myself on his mercy imploring him at least to have pity upon his innocent mother if not on me who am so guilty no no Thomas this humiliation may not be ejaculated the Earl for if as you believe your son has at present no suspicion of the past it would be madness to make unnecessary revelations bewildered cruelly perplexed I know not how to act cried Mr. Hatfield oh if I were confident that he has no such suspicions that he has learnt or surmised nothing calculated to diminish the respect due to his mother and myself how could he have fathomed the obscurity which hangs over your former life demanded the Earl and as to supposing that he could by any possible means obtain even the shadow of an idea of your real birth and parentage no for the papers those important papers which I gave you years ago and which I requested you to destroy those papers I say exclaimed Mr. Hatfield could alone make such important revelations to my son and thank heaven they are not in existence my dear brother returned the Earl of Ellingham taking Mr. Hatfield's hand and speaking in a very serious tone I most frankly and honestly inform you that those papers have not been destroyed at the same time they have been kept in a place of perfect security a secret recess known only to myself and wherefore were not such dangerous documents burnt annihilated asked Mr. Hatfield in a reproachful tone I dared not perform a deed which would argue so much selfishness on my part replied the Earl of Ellingham now speaking with a strong emphasis the result and impulse of his generous lofty honourable feelings so long as those papers remain in existence you my dear brother can at any moment say to me I repent of the step which I took him renouncing my just rights and privileges and I now claim them and should you at any time that address me it would only be for me to produce the papers that establish your claims oh Arthur you are generous even to a fault exclaimed Mr. Hatfield you know or at least I again assure you for the hundredth time that not for the worlds that heap disgrace on a noble man by daring to assume it merciful heavens shall the coronet which becomes you so well be snatched from your brows and transferred to those of hush Thomas hush this excitement is most unnecessary interrupted the Earl you must not blame me for the motives which induced me to keep the documents and now if you will have them restored to you yes yes give them to me Arthur quite Mr. Hatfield resolving to destroy the papers without further delay you claim them they are yours and they shall at once be returned into your hands said the nobleman but I conjure you to act not hastily nor rashly fear nothing Arthur exclaimed Mr. Hatfield but give me the papers there is no time to lose the ladies will be waiting for us at the breakfast table true ejaculated the Earl and approaching that shelf at the back which the secret recess was formed he said once every year I have inspected this well concealed depository once every year have I assured myself that the precious documents were safe and on those occasions I have cleansed them of the dust which even accumulates in a place that is almost hermetically sealed as the Earl thus spoke he took down from the shelf the book switch stood immediately before the recess and Mr. Hatfield receiving the volumes in his hands he placed them upon the table while performing this simple and almost mechanical act his eyes were suddenly attracted to the name and date of one of the books and his looks were riveted as it were on the words annual register 1827 for the nature of the volume and the date of the year whose incidents it's recorded suddenly revived the poignancy of many bitter recollections the sharpness of which had been somewhat blunted by time was in a moment of strange nervousness or idiosyncratic excitement that he opened the book which thus had aroused those painful memories an ejaculation of horror a repressible horror escaped his lips for he had lighted on the very page which contained the account of his execution at Horsemonger Lane and at the very same instant a cry of mingled amazement and alarm burst from the Earl of Ellingham oh is this a mere accident exclaimed Mr. Hatfield a warning massifil heaven the papers ejaculated the nobleman a warning that my son has seen this added the unhappy father almost distracted with the idea some miscreant has done this cried the Earl stamping his foot with rage and it was seldom that he thus gave way to his passion the brothers turned towards each other exchanging hasty glances of mutual and anxious inquiry the papers are gone said the Earl clasping his hands in despair gone repeated Mr. Hatfield staggering as if struck by a sudden blow and this book he faltered in a faint tone was in the immediate vicinity of the recess he who took the papers might have read also in that volume the terrible account Mr. Hatfield could say no more overpowered by his feelings he sank exhausted on the nearest seat the Earl glanced at the open page which his half-brother had indicated and observing the nature of the statement there recorded he instantly comprehended the cause of Mr. Hatfield's emotions and also of the suspicions which had suddenly seized upon him yes yes this book has been read lately and hurried manner behold the corners of the covers have been recently injured oh my god what does all this mean it will be recollected that on the memorable night when Charles Hatfield pursued his successful researches in the library he had hurled away from him in his rage and almost maddening grief the volume that made such strange such appalling revelations and the violence of the action had so far injured the book had grazed the corners of the binding the marks of the injury remaining clearly visible and the white interior of the leather being laid bare and thus proving how recently the work had been used the book has been read very lately murmured Mr. Hatfield in a musing tone and the papers have perhaps been stolen lately yes exclaimed the Earl for not a month has elapsed since I inspected that recess then who could have done this quite Mr. Hatfield starting from his seat in a sudden access of excitement which was accompanied by a return of moral and physical energy oh is it possible that Charles is the author of all that seems so mysterious has he searched for the records of my earlier life has he by accident discovered and perloined those papers those fatal papers yes it must be exclaimed the Earl for did you not tell me that he spoke of claims and right and privileges unjustly withheld and that he has harped upon what he termed the unnatural conduct of his parents inconcealing from him the secret of his birth Thomas my dear Thomas continued Lord Ellingham speaking in a lower more measured and more impressive tone I can see it all that young man has found out he has learnt that you are the rightful heir to the honours and estates which I enjoy and believing himself to be your legitimate son according to the assurance that you were forced for your wife's sake to give him the deluded, deceived Charles Hatfield fancies himself to be the lawful heir to the elder you have defined the truth Arthur quite Mr. Hatfield his heart rung to its very core maddening fears and torturing reflections which were thus suddenly excited within him oh dreadful embarrassments what frightful complications will this misapprehension entail on my unhappy son on you on me on all who are connected with us there is not a moment to lose exclaimed Lord Ellingham we must hasten after this infatuated young man at that moment the door opened and Clarence Villiers entered the library the Earl having requested him on the previous day to visit him at the hour when true to the appointment he thus made his appearance Villiers perceiving at the first glance that something unusual was agitating Lord Ellingham and Mr. Hatfield was about to retire when the Earl beckoning him to advance turned hastily round to his half-brother and said in a hurried whisper we must entrust this matter to Villiers he will conduct it with less excitement than you and I and as he knows your secret yes but all he does know is that Mr. Hatfield of today is identical with the Thomas Rainford of former times interrupted the Earl's half-brother also speaking in a low and hasty tone remember he is unacquainted with all of our family secrets ignorant of the parentage of Charles neither is it necessary that he should be made acquainted with all these fats interrupted Arthur but leave the matter to me then turning towards Clarence he said my dear Mr. Villiers you come most opportunity to render us an important service we have every reason to believe that Charles has formed an improper connection with a young female of great beauty residing with her mother in very handsome lodgings in Suffolk Street we likewise conclude that he is there at this present moment hasten thither my good friend demand an immediate interview with Charles and tell him that certain discoveries have been made at home in which he is deeply interested in a word compel him to accompany you away from the designing women who have doubtless entangled him in their meshes nay let us not judge hastily cried Mr. Hatfield remember I have heard nothing against the characters of these ladies may be a virtuous and honest affection after all that renders Charles a visitor at their house let Mr. Villiers then act with circumspection and behave with the strictest courtesy towards these ladies should he encounter them yes but under any circumstances you must persuade Charles to return with you immediately to this house said the Earl Mr. Hatfield will acquaint you with the precise address of the lodgings in Suffolk Street the Earl's half-brother mentioned the number of the dwelling to which he had traced his son on the preceding evening adding the name of the ladies is Fitzharding and I heard that the daughter bears the singular denomination of Perdita Perdita cried Villiers starting violently oh if this be the case unhappy lost Charles Hatfield Good heavens what mean you demanded the wretched father to be anxious by those ominous words that fell on his ears like a death knell two ladies mother and daughter dwelling together and the girl named Perdita mused Clarence Villiers not immediately heeding the earnest appeal of Mr. Hatfield yes yes it must be they my aunt my wretched wretched aunt who has returned from transportation and her profligate but beautyous daughter do you mean that Mrs. Slingsby who years ago you know to what I elude asked Mr. Hatfield in a hurried tone as he grasped Clarence violently by the wrist yes I do mean that bad woman exclaimed Villiers who had now become painfully excited in his turn and I regret oh I regret to say that she has brought over to England her daughter whom report mentions as an angel of beauty and a demon of profligacy my god Mr. Villiers save Charles save my Charles from these incarnate fiends quite Mr. Hatfield alright myself and he was rushing to the door of the library when the Earl held him back saying no Thomas you must not go in this excited state let Villiers take the affair in hand Mr. Hatfield fell back into a seat a prey to the most painful the most agonizing emotions while Clarence hurriedly departed to execute the commission entrusted to him the Earl now addressed himself to the task of consoling his unfortunate brother-in-law and he had just succeeded in inducing Mr. Hatfield to assume as composed a demeanour as possible preparatory to their joint appearance at the breakfast table when Clarence Villiers rushed into the room not a quarter of an hour had elapsed since his departure and this speedy return together with his agitated manner raised new alarms in the breasts of the Earl and Mr. Hatfield they are gone fled all three together cried Villiers throwing himself exhausted on an ottoman and panting for breath gone repeated the miserable father surveying Clarence with eyes stared wildly and unnaturally yes gone said Villiers before I reached Suffolk Street my aunt, her daughter and Mr. Charles departed in a post-Chase which had been sent for apparently in consequence of some sudden plan for the people of the house were previously unacquainted with the intention of their lodgers thus to leave so abruptly but where was the Shays hired and which road has it taken demanded Mr. Hatfield now manifesting an energy and determination that proved his readiness to meet the emergency to adopt measures to pursue the fugitives I sought for that information in vain returned Clarence Villiers it appears that my aunt herself went out to order the post-Chase and that care was taken not to allow the people of the house any opportunity to converse with the post-boys the rent and other liabilities were all duly paid and the landlady of the lodgings accordingly makes no complaint of the women who have quitted her abode what course do you intend to adopt hastily demanded the Earl turning to his half-brother order me your best horse to be saddled forthwith said Mr. Hatfield and I will proceed in pursuit of the runaways it is ten to one that I will obtain some trace of them perhaps Mr. Villiers will likewise mount horse and take the northern road while I shall do the same and pursue a westerly direction observed the Earl good for it was my intention to choose the route towards Dover said Mr. Hatfield and now one word more Arthur he continued the moment Villiers had left the room to give the necessary orders respecting the horses as it is probable that we may recover and reclaim my self-willed son and as in that case penitence on his part might induce you to forgive this absurd freak so that the result may yet be favourable to our nearest and dearest wishes under all these circumstances I say suffer not Francis to learn ought disparaging to his character I understand you Thomas exclaimed the Earl ringing his half-brother's hand in token of cordial assent to this proposition I will even speak as warily and cautiously as I made to my wife while on your side oh I must tell everything to Georgiana said Mr. Hatfield suspense and uncertainty would be intolerable to her I shall now seek her for the purpose of making a hasty but most sad communication and then away in pursuit of the ingrate a quarter of an hour afterwards the Earl of Ellingham Mr. Hatfield and Clarence Villiers all three equipped for their journeys repaired to the nobleman's stables in the immediate vicinity of the mansion and thence they speedily issued forth well-mounted and each taking a separate direction End of Section 31 Section 32 of Mysteries of London Volume 4 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Brian Keenan Mysteries of London Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds The Flight Upon breaking away from the presence of his father in the manner already described Charles Hatfield hurried to the house in Suffolk Street and bursting into the room where Mrs. Fitzharding and Perdita were seated at breakfast he exclaimed I have at length thrown off all allegiance to my parents and I must now act wholly and solely for my own interests Not altogether for your own Charles, dear Charles said Perdita fixing upon him a plaintive and half reproachful look which made her appear ravishingly beautiful in his eyes No, not altogether for myself will I act, he cried embracing her tenderly but for thee also, my angel Yes, for thee whom I love adore, worship What has occurred this morning to render your lordship thus agitated inquired Mrs. Fitzharding Oh, a quarrel with my father exclaimed Charles who, in the enthusiasm of his blind devotion to Perdita, had forgotten the old woman's presence He has played the part of a spy upon me He has followed me to your door He knows that I visit you and he will doubtless endeavour to cause a breach between us Let us depart hence, now At a moment's warning, cried Perdita We have ample funds for the purpose Last night a moneylender discounted your note, Charles and I have the proceeds safe in my own keeping Fortune favours us then said the infatuated young man Yes, we will depart without delay We will hasten to some retired place where we can deliberate Fearless of interruption on the course which it will now be necessary for me to pursue I will hasten to order a post-chase observed Mrs. Fitzharding This task had better be performed by myself so that we may leave behind us no trace of the route we shall have taken Thanks A thousand thanks, my dear madam cried Charles Then, when the old woman had left the room he caught Perdita in his arms and pressing her fondly to his bosom said My parents are resolved to force me into a marriage with Lady Frances Ellingham They would separate me from you Oh, Charles We're such a destiny in store for me, said Perdita effecting to be melted to tears I shall not be able to bear up against the misfortune For on you are all my hopes now fixed To you have I given my heart irrevocably given it and were you the various mendicant on the face of the earth I would never cease to love you as now I love Adored Perdita cried the young man and raptured by the tender words and the enchanting manner of the siren as he strained her to his breast and imprinted a thousand kisses on her brow, her cheeks, and her lips Oh, never Never could I prove faithless to thee, my beloved Perdita Would that you were mine indissolubly That you were mine by the rites of the church and the sanction of the law For then we might defy the world to separate us Would you have me renounce the peculiar opinions which I have formed, asked Perdita, her heart palpitating with joy, for the young man had thus of his own accord broached the delicate subject on which she longed to speak, yet knew not how to begin Because, if such be your wish my beloved Charles, I will make even the sacrifice of my strongest prejudices to your heart's desire Now, indeed, do I know that you love me, sweetest dearest girl, interrupted Charles experiencing ineffable happiness at the idea of possessing the beauteous Perdita, on terms which would not render him ashamed of his connection Yes Yes, I do demand that sacrifice at your hands and, if you yield to my wishes in this respect, I shall receive your assent as the most eloquent most convincing proof of the attachment you avow and, moreover Perdita, dearest dearest Perdita, I shall be so rejoiced to place a coronet on that fair brow of thine so proud to present thee to the world as my wife Never, never will enraptured husband have experienced a triumph so complete as that which will be mine when I shall conduct thee so radiant, so dazzling in thy beauty amongst the friends whom the declaration of my rank will gather around me and when I shall introduce thee adored one, as the vicountess Marston Yes I shall indeed be proud of thee, my angel and now will you not breathe the word that is to promise me all this triumph and all this joy will you not say Charles, for thy sake I will accompany thee to the altar and wed thee according to the rites of the Protestant church and the exigences of the community Oh, not for another instant can I hesitate my well-beloved my handsome, my generous Charles exclaimed the siren casting her arms round his neck and pressing him as if in rapture to her glowing bosom Then, in the sweetest, most dulcet intonations of her melodious voice she said Yes, Charles, for thy sake I will accompany thee to the altar and will wed thee according to the rites of the Protestant church and the usages of that society in which we live Now am I supremely happy, cried Charles Hadfield his tone and manner fully corroborating his words We will repair to Paris, my beloved Perdita for there we could be united by the chaplain of the British embassy without an instance unnecessary delay and thence also can I write to my father, solemnly and formally calling upon him to assert his right to the peerage which he has so long permitted his younger brother to usurp and in Paris my Perdita will be the signature of all interest Oh, yes, let us visit that delightful city of which I have heard so much interrupted the young woman her eyes gleaming resplendently with the pleasing sensations excited by the idea But I must now leave you for a moment to prepare for this sudden journey as my mother cannot be long before she returns Perdita rose from the sofa and hastened from the room kissing her hand with playful fondness to her lover as she crossed the threshold even that simple action on her part excited the most ravishing feelings in his soul for as she thus turned round for an instant ere the door closed behind her his looks swept all the fullness all the contours all the rich proportions of her voluptuous form while the morning sunlight rosey from the hues of the hangings through which it penetrated shone on her beautyous countenance giving splendor to the fine large eyes freshness to the vermilion lips and a halo to her glossy hair she disappeared and Charles who had risen from his seat simultaneously with herself advanced to the window the street was quiet but the sounds of the rapid vehicles in Coxpur Street met his ears and he wondered whether the post-chase were yet approaching the dwelling this idea led him to ponder the step which he was about to take and a sensation of sadness slowly crept upon him as he reflected that he was on the point of leaving his home abandoning his parents and friends the recollection of his mother smote him smote him painfully and yet he did not seek by inward silent reasoning to improve this better state of feeling and act upon its warnings no with that perverseness which so frequently characterizes those who were on the point of adopting a measure which they secretly know to be injudicious and unwisely precipitated even if no worse he sought in sophistry and specious mental argument an apology for his conduct again he reminded himself that his parents had acted unnaturally towards him and that their uniform conduct in this respect had now been followed up by harshness upgradings menaces and espionage on the part of his father then he feasted his imagination with the thoughts of possessing Perdita in a few days she would be his irrevocably his and in a manner which would enable him to present her proudly to the world as his wedded wife from this strain of meditations he glided into glorious, gorgeous visions of future greatness the words my lord and your lordship only so recently addressed to him sounded like delicious music in his ears and his painful reflections were subdued by the feelings of triumph now once more awakened within him love ambition hope all all his yearnings all his cravings were now on the point of being gratified he should cast off that parental yoke which had laterally weighed so heavily upon him he was about to visit Paris he would appear as a vicount and with a beauteous bride in the sphere of fashion the most refined elegance the most perfect and civilization the most consonant and he already fancied himself walking in the delicious gardens of the two theories with Perdita the observed of all observers leaning fondly on his arm these visions sweeping like a gorgeous pageantry through his excited imagination brought him to that state of mind in which all regrets were banished all remorse was forgotten and when Perdita returned to the apartment ready attired for the journey he flew towards her he wound his arms around her wasp-like waist and pressed her enthusiastically to his bosom this was the first time that he had seen her in a walking dress and he thought that she even appeared more ravishingly beautiful than when in her morning de-chable or her drawing-room garb the pink crepe bonnet adorned with artificial flowers set off her fine countenance with such admirable effect the flowing drapery of the elegant summer shawl meandered over the proportions of the symmetrical form developing each contour with its wavy undulations and the straw-colored kid gloves fitting tightly to a fault described the shape of the beautiful tapering fingers you are lovely beyond the loveliness of women murmured Charles Hadfield surveying her with an admiration the most sincere and you Charles are not you my own handsome dearly beloved Charles so soon to be my husband asked Perdita you said just now that you should be proud to present me as your wife to your friends oh I feel yes I feel that I shall also be proud to be so presented my mind seems to have undergone a complete change since I made you that promise to wed you at the altar and you must forget dear Charles that I ever wished it otherwise Hadfield for all answer impressed a burning kiss upon her rosy lips and the young woman's eyes became soft and melting in expression voluptuous and languid with desire at this instant her mother returned with the announcement that the post-chase would be at the door in less than a quarter of an hour and the old woman hastened to the bedrooms to pack up the trunks her daughter who kept the purse then gave her the necessary money to liquidate all liabilities due to the landlady of the house and while this was being done Perdita placed the gold and banknotes in Charles's hand, saying in the excitement of the morning's incidents I forgot to tender you this amount before henceforth all that I have is yours equally my beloved said the young man as he secured the money about his person the post-chase in four now appeared and while the trunks were being strapped on to the vehicle Mrs. Fitzharding super-intended the process apparently with the bustling officiousness of an old woman of particular habits but in reality to prevent any communication between the post boys and the people of the dwelling for she knew how inquisitive lodging housekeepers were apt to be and that post aliens were proportionately communicative at length all the arrangements were completed Charles handed his Perdita into the vehicle manifested the same politeness towards the old mother and then entered it himself Mrs. Fitzharding had placed herself with her back to the horses on an imperious sign from Perdita to that effect so that the young couple were next to each other on the same seat the post-chase rolled rapidly away from Suffolk Street and passed down Whitehall towards Westminster Bridge so long as the wheels rattled over the stones but little conversation took place inside the vehicle though Charles and Perdita conveyed to each other many tender assurances by means of the eloquent language of the eyes and the pressure of hands when however the chase emerged from the more crowded thoroughfares of the metropolis and entered upon the Dover Road the travelling party were enabled to discourse at ease the day was very sultry but the upper part of the Baruch was now thrown open and the speed at which they travelled created a current of air that mitigated the intensity of the heat however Perdita put up her parasol and as the faces of the happy pair were not very far apart the silk canopy circumscribed though it were shaded those fine countenances which really seemed to be side by side with each other both being so handsome for a short time the conversation was general amongst the three gradually however Mrs. Fitzharding was, as it were excluded from its range not rudely so but because it became of a tender description between the young gentleman and her daughter and then it languished somewhat in as much as the old woman was restrained upon them at length there was a pause altogether but still Charles and Perdita felt no weariness in each other's society they gazed on each other drinking drots of love in each other's looks and often pressing each other's hands for Perdita really loved the young man loved him with a deep and ardent affection of which however sensuality formed no inconsiderable portion nevertheless she did love him after the fashion of her own heart and thus to some extent the snare had become ensnared it was in a humor of melting an voluptuous languor that suddenly breaking the silence noticed above Perdita said in her soft dulcet tones Charles how delicious is it to travel in this manner do you know that I feel as if I should like you to repeat to me a piece of poetry or tell me some interesting tale for it is so sweet to hear the sound of your voice but if you thus gratify my caprice this whim of the moment let the theme of your recitation be love I will endeavor to please you my charmer return the young man and at this moment I bethink me myself some few years ago one day when the mania for scribbling suddenly seized upon me oh that will be truly delightful exclaimed Perdita a story of your own composition begin Charles dear Charles I am dying to hear this specimen of your abilities I am afraid it will prove but a poor one returned Hatfield at the same time such as it is I will repeat it I am dying to hear this dialogue intimated the pleasure she should experience and listen to the tale and as the chase was now rolling along a road rendered as it were soft by the accumulation of the dust of summer Charles was not compelled to pitch his voice to a key unpleasantly high in relating the ensuing narrative end of section 32 recording by Brian Keenan