 44. Llyfridog Llyfridog, vol 4. Mae'r Llyfridog Llyfridog yn gyntafol, ac mae Llyfridog Llyfridog yn gyntafol. Felly, mae'r ddweud yn cymrydol, rydyn ni'n gwybod Llyfridog.org. Rydyn ni'n gweithio ar Anffletcher Hobart 2019. Llyfridog Llyfridog, vol 4, gyda George W. M Reynolds. Ynchewch, ynchewch. Return we now to Charles Hatfield and Perdita? The gorgeous lestor of a perisian summer morning streamed through the muslin curtains of a handsome chamber in the hotel at which they had taken up their abode, and the glory of that sunlight shone upon the nuptual couch, where the newlywedded pair still slept. The night of bliss had passed, and werid with the love's dallions they had fallen into a deep slumber, drwng o'r ddweud o'r hynny fel fwyllt i gafos i ni o'r ffawr iawnol. Rwy'r drwng, o'r ddweud o'r ddweud o'r ddweud i gafosio cyfraffol, ac mae'r gwaith o'r fath, o'r fathau o'r ddweud o'r ddweud o'r ddweud o'r ddweud o'r gwaith o'r ddweud o'r fathau o'r fathau o'r ddweud. Y gweithu gwybol fydd yn gweithio'r llyffaeth rydyn ni'n awesol, rhaid yw'r ysgawddau y copper o llefyniaeth sy'n hyn a'r cyllid gymwysig o'r llwyth i gael ydyddwyd, a'i gael y llwyth o hyd yn ymgyrchu'r cyllid yn ysgawdd yma, o'ch cyhoedd o'r ysgawdd a'r cyfeirio llefyniaeth hwnnw wedi gweld ymgyrch, ond mae'r llefyniaeth wedi'u hynny yn ymgyrch. Mae'r llefyniaeth yma yw yn ymwysig, ac ydych yn ei ddweud y sylfyrdd a'u llwyddoedd yn ysgawdd. One fine, white and robust arm lay outside the coverlid, the other supported the head or rather half embraced the neck of her young and handsome husband. The sunbeams seemed to kiss her flowing hair, seemed to play with the exquisitely modelled arm that lay completely exposed, seemed also to revel in the treasures of her naked bosn, so firm, so rounded, and so regularly heaving. Sleip likewise sealed the eyes of Charles Hatfield, smiles likewise played upon his lips, and his countenance appeared a perfect specimen of godlike beauty incarnate in man. Yes, they were a handsome pair, and so far there was a remarkable fitness in their union, but in naught besides. In perfect happiness had they sunk into the profound slumber which still unwrapt them, for on the one side Charles Hatfield had become possessed of that woman of glorious loveliness who had enchanted, captivated, enthralled his very soul, and on the other Perdita believed herself to have gained the title of Vi Countess Marston already, and to have that of Countess of Ellingham in perspective. It was nine o'clock in the morning, the morning succeeding the bridal night, and thus were the newly wedded pair still sleeping in the nuptual couch. Presently the door opened, and Rosalie entered the room. Rosalie naturally so gay, blithe, and full of spirits, but now with a cloud upon her brow, and evident anxiety in her manner. Advancing towards the bed she paused, gazed for a few moments upon the sleepers, and murmured to herself in French, oh how handsome and how serenely happy they appear to be, what a pity it is to awake them. Then after another short pause she said hurriedly, and yet it must be, for the stranger is imperative. Thus speaking she touched Charles Hatfield gently on the arm, and he woke up with the start, but Rosalie immediately put her finger to her lip to enjoin silence, and the young man now completely aroused, suffayed her with mingled surprise and anger, surprise at her mysterious behaviour, and anger at her intrusion. She said in a low but emphatic tone, a gentleman insists upon seeing you, and as his manner is so curious I thought I'd better awake you first, sir, she added, glancing significantly toward her mistress, who still slept on. A gentleman, repeated Charles, a suspicion almost a certainty of the real truth flashing to his mind, described him, and he also spoke in a whisper, though with emphasis. Rosalie gave a hurried sketch of the individual who so imperiously demanded an immediate interview with her master, and Charles found that his conjecture was correct, too correct indeed. Go to him, and say I shall be with him in five minutes, he observed in a tone expressive of deep vexation, and Rosalie retired. Charles immediately rose from the couch but without a waking predator, and having hastily slipped on some clothing, he proceeded to the sitting-room belonging to the suite of apartments which he had hired at the hotel. He now found himself face to face with his father. Mr Hatfield was pacing the parlour in an agitated manner when the young man entered. His countenance was very pale and wore an expression of deep care. Indeed Charles was shocked when his parent turning round to accost him, thus presented to his view an aspect so profoundly wretched, so eloquently well begun. The young man, during the few minutes which had intervened from the time that Rosalie quitted his bed-chamber until the instant when he repaired to the sitting-room, had nerfed himself with all his energy, braced himself with all his courage, mustered all his resolution to undergo what he knew must prove a painful trial, for he expected accusations of disobedience and ingratitude reproaches for unmanly conduct towards Lady Frances Allingham in fine a repetition of those scenes which had bitterly occurred at the Earl's mansion in Palmoll, and which, characterised by so much misconception as they had been, had materially tended to diminish the authority of the father and the respect of the son. Yes, he had made up his mind to bear up braidings and encounter the most painful remonstrances. He had even resolved to recriminate in the old style, reproaching his father for the wrongs which he imagined himself to have sustained at his hands relative to the secrets attendant upon his birth and social position. But when he beheld the expression of deep care and the ashypala which sat upon that father's countenance, his rebellious heart softened, his stern resolves gave way, his better feelings once more stirred within him, and all on a sudden it struck him that there must be some reason for his parents altered appearance of a nature more grave, more serious than the mere grief which this runway match could possibly occasion. The thought that evil had happened to his mother flashed to his mind, and in an instant all his imaginary wrongs were forgotten. Father, oh dear father, he exclaimed in a tone of earnest appeal, keep me not in suspense, my mother is as well I hope as under circumstances she can possibly be interrupted Mr Hatfield in a hollow and somber tone. Oh, thank God! cried Charles fervently. Is it possible that you still love your mother? demanded Mr Hatfield, whose countenance brightened up in the faintest degree, but in a manner as sickly as if the gleam of a dying lamp fell upon the rigid features of a corpse. Is it possible that you can ask me the question, exclaim the young man? Oh, you know that I love my mother. My dear mother, he repeated, as a thousand proofs of her affection for him suddenly rose up in his mind, rapidly as the spell of an enchanter might cause flowers to appear upon the surface of a stern and arid waste. And you, my father, he continued, taking his parents' hand and pressing it to his lips. I love you also, in spite of what you may suppose to be my disobedient conduct. No, no, you love me not! exclaimed Mr Hatfield, hastily withdrawing his hand, which for a few moments he had abandoned to his son. Else never would you have acted thus. But tell me, Charles, tell me, for I did not condescend to question your flippant French servant. Tell me, have I come too late to save you? Are you married to that young woman? If you mean, father, whether Perdita fits Harding is now my wife, began Charles, drawing himself up proudly and speaking in a resolute, almost indignant tone, I… Perdita fits Harding, repeated the unhappy man, staggering as if from a sudden blow dealt by an invisible hand. Oh, then tis indeed she, and all my worst fears are confirmed. Villiers was right, and those officers were right also. What mean you, father? demanded Charles, now seriously alarmed, though knowing not what to think. You speak of a young lady of ravishing beauty, elegant manners and spotless character. Charles Hatfield, is she your wife? asked the parent, now advancing close up to the young man, and pressing his arm so violently with the strong spasm which convulsed his fingers, that Charles winced and almost cried out through the pain inflicted, for his arm felt as if it were grasped by fingers of iron. Yes, father, I am proud to inform you, he said, again assuming an air of noble independence, I am proud to inform you. Fool, madman, senseless idiot! exclaimed Mr Hatfield, his rage suddenly bursting forth with such volcanic fury that his son fell back in terror and dismay, and eyed his father as if he thought that he must be insane. You know not what you've done, the misery, the wretchedness you've prepared for yourself, the ashes you are heaping upon your own head, the infamy and disgrace you've brought down upon yourself and all connected with you. Father, father! cried Charles, now becoming full of wrath in his turn. You exceed the license which belongs to a parent even when the son is in his knowledge. Remember that you are alluding to the marriage which I have thought fit to contract. A marriage which will embitter the remainder of your days, sir, retorted Mr Hatfield, turning sharply round upon his son and speaking with almost savage rage. This is unworthy of you and I shall hear no more, said Charles, in a haughty tone and with a dignified manner as he made for the door. Stop, sir, cried Mr Hatfield, rushing after him and detaining him forcibly by the arm. We may not part thus. Speak not evil then of my wife, exclaimed Charles, turning round and darting on his sire a look of superb defiance. Your wife! repeated Mr Hatfield, his manly voice suddenly assuming the almost shrieking tone of a wild hysterical laugh. Your wife! he said, now echoing his own words. Oh, my God, that I should hear you call that woman, that vile, profligate woman, by the sacred name. Father, ejaculated Charles Hatfield, now goaded to desperation and raising his arm in a menacing manner. For bear, for bear, I say, he continued in a hoarse thick voice. Oh, by the heaven above us, I shall strike even you. Oh, listen, listen, Charles, for God's sake, have patience! cried Mr Hatfield, the thought now flashing to his mind that in his ungovernable passion he had dealt only in epithets and averments as yet unintelligible to his son, whereas he should at once have revealed facts, terrible and startling, crushing and overwhelming though they might be. I will hear you, Father, said the young man, now speaking in a tone of dogged sullenness, but again I warn you not to provoke me beyond the power of endurance. No, no, I will not anger you, my son, rejoined the unhappy parent, becoming comparatively calm and even mournful in his manner and aspect. For alas, I have tidings to reveal to you which will pierce like a dagger to your heart's core. The woman whom you have wedded as your wife, again that contemptuous name of the woman, ejaculated Charles, fire flashing from his eyes. Patience! exclaimed Mr Hatfield firmly, that woman has deceived you, duped you, entangled you, heaven alone knows how, to your utter undoing, for she is the profligate and abandoned daughter of a vile and tainted wretch, a return transport. It is false, false as hell! thundered Charles, the workings of his countenance, rendering him handsome, though he naturally was hideous and horrible to behold. Tis true! Tis true! cried Mr Hatfield, as if catching up the terrible emphasis with which his son had spoken. Perdita Slingesby, for that is her name, is a wanton, beauteous though she may be, and it was but two days ago that I accidentally heard the full narrative of her profligases in Sydney from two officers quartered at Dover. When the dreadful accusation that his wife was a wanton had fallen upon the young man's ears, his boiling rage was on the point of bursting forth with all the violence of language and clenched fist against the author of his being, but when the allusion to the officers at Dover immediately followed, the scene on the parade suddenly flashed to his memory, and a faintness, a sensation of sickness came over him, and he staggered to a sofa on which he sank as if exhausted and overcome. Father! Father! he murmured. Horrible suspicions now rising up one after another with lightning speed in his soul. Your words are terrible! They'll kill me! And yet, he added in a firmatone, as a ray of hope gleamed in upon his darkening thoughts, I'm a fool to believe this tale. No, no it is impossible. Perditor is pure and virtuous, and there is some dreadful mistake in all this. But even as he uttered these words, a secret voice seemed to whisper in his ears that he was only catching at a straw, and that he was in reality drowning in the ocean of truth which was pouring in with such sweeping rapidity and overwhelming might upon him. There is no mistake, my son, said Mr Hatfield, in a voice of profound melancholy. Wood to heaven that there were, he added, with such deep conviction of the misery which his words implied, that all hope perished suddenly in the breast of his son. You have become the prey to two designing women, for I heard terrible things at Dover, I can assure you. The officers to whom I am now alluded had recognised Perditor leaning on your arm. Yes, yes, I see it all now, exclaimed Charles, covering his face with his hands and pressing his fingers with almost frantic violence against his throbbing brows. And those officers, with sorrow and grief, do I tell you all this, had themselves shared the favours of Perditor in Sydney, and as for the mother of the abandoned girl, know you what has become of her, suddenly demanded Mr Hatfield? No, we missed her at Dover, just as we had embarked on board the French steamship. Then you are doomed to receive another dreadful shock, my poor boy, continued Mr Hatfield in a tone of deep commiseration. For Mrs Slingsby, or Mrs Fitzharding, or whatever she calls herself, was arrested at Dover, in consequence of a communication made by electric telegraph from London. Arrested! cried Charles, his amazement for a moment becoming stronger even than his deep, deep grief. Yes, arrested on suspicion of being concerned in a murder of an atrocious character at Pentonville, added Mr Hatfield in a solemn and impressive tone. Merciful God! ejaculated the young man, clasping his hands together as if in mortal agony. Surely I have fallen in with fiends in female disguise. But Perditor! Perditor! he cried, the lingering remnants of affection causing him to hope that he was destined to hear nothing more terrible of her than the revelations which had already crushed him as it were to the very dust. She at least, Father, is unsuspected in this dreadful affair. The old woman who is suspected and whose countenance was seen by a witness as she issued from the house of the murdered man, that old woman, who is no doubt Mrs Slingsby, was accompanied by another and younger female. Tell me no more, Father! almost yelled forth Charles Hatfield, literally writhing on the sofa, as if with the poignant anguish river wound in a vital part. Compose yourself, my dear son, if it be possible, said the disconsolate parent. For I have many other things to tell you, other dreams to destroy. Dreams equally as bright as the hallucinations which you had entertained relative to this wicked and hypocritical predator. But first I ought to observe that there appears to be no direct evidence to fix the murder of Mr Percival. Percival! repeated Charles, another and still more dreadful pang shooting through his heart. Tell me, Percival, did you say? Percival, a moneylender? The same, cried Mr Hatfield, for I last evening read the entire account of the murder in an English paper which I saw at the hotel where I have put up. Then is the horrible surmise too true, too accurate, said Charles in a hollow tone while his face grew ghastly once more. And it must have been these demons in female shape who caused his death. But on what night, father, he demanded with abrupt impatience, did the murder take place? The night before you quitted London was the answer. Oh, then it is clear, clear, clear beyond all possibility of doubt, exclaimed Charles. Yes, it was on the night in question that my note of hand was discounted by that same Percival, for Perlitor has since told me that such was the name of the moneylender. He continued in his soul harrowing musings. You have been raising money then, Charles? said Mr Hatfield. That's a miserable, a contemptible trifle compared to all the rest. May I, however, ask you on what security or on what prospects you have obtained alone and given a promissory note? Oh, father, henceforth there must be no secrets between us, return the young man, becoming respectful, submissive, and even imploring in his tone and demeanor. The dreadful revelations of this morning have destroyed all that egotistical confidence in myself and my own wisdom. Yes, Charles, interrupted Mr Hatfield taking his son's hand and speaking in a kind commiserating tone. You have been too susceptible to first impressions, you have formed hasty opinions, you have grasped at shadows, you have reveled in delicious hopes and pleasing aspirations without ever pausing to reflect that the very foundation stone of all this castle building was mere delusion. I do not comprehend you, father, said the young man, now surveying his parent with profound surprise, unless indeed you allude to the destruction of all the bright visions which I have conjured up respecting the false, the wicked, the abandoned predator. No, my dear son, I am now seeking to direct the conversation into another channel, responded Mr Hatfield with solemn emphasis. For alas I can too well divine the deplorable error which you have adopted and cherished as a substantial truth. An error, father, repeated Charles, still completely mystified. Yes, an error of the most afflicting nature, afflicting to you, afflicting to me, afflicting to your mother also, added Mr Hatfield, his voice becoming low and melancholy. In a word, Charles, you believe yourself to be that which you are not. Your ambition has blinded you, your pride has led you into the most fatal misconceptions. Father, you allude to my birth, exclaimed the young man starting as he spoke. Is there any delusion in my recently formed opinions in that respect? Mr Hatfield rose and paced the room for a few moments. The well-ming tide of recollections of the past was now combined with that of the sorrows of the present and the fears for the future, and his emotions were so powerful that his voice was choked. His faculty of speech was for the time suffocated by ineffable feelings. Father, keep me not in suspense, I implore you, said Charles, rising from the sofa and accosting his parent. I am nervd now to hear anything and everything, however terrible in relation to myself. Only keep me not in suspense, I beseach, I implore you. Alas, my dear boy, exclaimed Mr Hatfield, turning towards him with tearful eyes. If I tell you all connected with your birth, I shall unmask myself. I shall stand revealed before you as a monster whom you must henceforth loath and detest. No, no, cried Charles, now throwing himself into his father's arms and embracing him tenderly, for the fatal difficulties, the cruel embarrassments in which I have plunged myself by my accursed folly, my insane infatuation, all these convince me that I need a kind friend and advisor, and in you, my dearest father, I shall find both. Your language, your altered manner, your affection, determine me to throw myself upon your mercy, Charles, said Mr Hatfield, in a low and profoundly mournful tone. Yes, tis the strange and the unnatural spectacle of a father imploring a son to forgive him, the father, the stain of the stigma which marked that son's birth. Holy God, have I heard a right? Ejaculated Charles, pressing his hand to his brow, and staggering back, he sank on the sofa, not in a swoon, not in a state of insensibility, but stunned and stupefied as it were, and yet retaining a maddening consciousness of all. Yes, continued his father, speaking in a sepulchral unearthly tone and averting his head. You are, alas, illegitimate, my dear boy, and the hopes, the aspirations which I know you have formed, are all baseless visions. And yet, cried Charles, again starting suddenly from his seat, you assured me, emphatically assured me that my mother was pure, innocent and stainless, and it was this averment that led me, in connection with the discovery which I lately made of other great secrets, it was this declaration on your part, I say, which led me to form those hopes, indulging those aspirations. Oh, my God, it's now that I am to appear as a monster in your eyes, Charles, exclaimed the wretched father in a voice of bitter anguish, and yet to guard against all future misconceptions, since past ones have wrought such deplorable mischief. I must reveal everything to you. Yes, your mother was stainless, was pure, was innocent, and I, villain miscreant that I was, I forcibly took from her that jewel of chastity. Enough, enough, almost shrieked forth Charles Hatfield, extending his hands imploringly, utter not another word, I understand you too well already. And you have read the history of my past life, Charles, is it not so, as the unhappy parent? Yes, yes, I know you have read, in the annual register, the frightful narrative. Father, said the young man, rising and grasping the hands of his sire, you must not blush in the presence of your son. Once for all, let me state that I do know everything, and now let the past, so far as it regards yourself, be buried in oblivion. My impertent curiosity first led me to make those researches into mysteries which I should never have sought to penetrate, and the knowledge I accidentally acquired led me to form hopes which have exercised a fatal influence upon me. I discovered that you were the real Earl of Ellingham, and deeming myself to be your legitimately born son, I conceived that you had wronged me by keeping me in darkness in respect to the title which I fancied to be my own, in respect also to the higher title which I believed myself the heir. And now, now I can no longer blame you for having observed so much mystery. Oh no, on the contrary, I have rewarded all your kindness towards me with the blackest ingratitude. We will pardon and forgive each other, said Mr Hatfield solemnly. You shall pardon and forgive me for the stigma that attaches herself to your birth. You shall likewise pardon me your mother's wrongs, even as she herself has long, long since pardoned me. And I, on my part, will think no more of all that you have lately done. Save to extricate you from the cruel embarrassments in which, by your hasty conduct, your imprudence and your misconceptions, you have become involved. In a word, I will be to you as a kind friend and advisor, and if henceforth I may not hope for your affection, at least I may reckon upon your gratitude. Oh yes, oh both, both! cried Charles Hatfield, again embracing his father tenderly. Oh how wicked, how criminal I have been! A veil has fallen from my eyes. My soul has lost its dogged obstinacy. And I now perceive how ungrateful I have been to my dear mother and yourself. But if it be not too late to repair the past, he continued, retreating a few paces, and addressing his parent with a tone and manner of solemn earnestness. If it be not too late to regain my mother's love and yours also, oh then the remainder of my life shall be wholly and solely devoted to that one object. Yes, I will reinstate myself in your esteem. I will prove, by years of affection and obedience, how bitter is my remorse, and how sincere is my repentance for the follies and indiscretions of a few weeks. But in the meantime, Father, in the meantime, how am I to act towards the vile, the guilty woman whom I lately loved so madly? Where is she at present? demanded Mr Hatfield, profoundly touched by the contrition and altered feelings now manifested by his son. I left her asleep in a chamber belonging to this suite, was the reply. Oh, I dare not meet her again, for I fear that I should spring upon her like a tiger and sacrifice her to my resentment. For all my affection has now turned to a bitter burning hatred, a hatred against herself and her more vile mother. And I'm astounded when I reflect how completely I've been deluded by them. It appears to me a dream, a vision. I can scarcely bring myself to conceive that I could possibly have been so insensate, so mad, so blind, so besotted. Oh, I could dash my head against the walls to punish myself for this atrocious folly. And the young man struck his clenched fists forcibly against his forehead. Compose yourself in the name of God. Compose yourself! said his parent, rushing in upon him and the restraining him from the commission of further violence. Give not way to despair, my dear son. Meet your misfortune with courage. It's easy thus to recommend patience and endurance, exclaimed Charles Bitterly, but think how cruelly I've been deceived. I was fascinated as by the eyes of a serpent, the magic of her charms, the melody of her voice, the sophistry of her tongue, and the excitement of her caresses through spells of an irresistible nature upon me. I was enchanted, held captive in silken chains, dazzled by the almost superhuman beauty of that prodigy of deceit and wantonness. I was not allowed time for reflection. Suspicion had no leisure to rise up in my bosom, much less to fix its habitation there. For I was whirled along as in a delirious dream, from the first instant that I met that woman, until the instant when your revelations of this morning dispelled the entire illusion. The artfulness of that designing creature sustained a constant illusian excitement in my soul, a perpetual succession of insidious wiles of apparent proofs of deep tenderness, and of caresses that would enthrall the heart of a saint. Such was the magic course in which I was horrid maddly along. Endowed with a wondrous presence of mind, she had a ready answer for every question that I put to her, even to the explanation of her singular name. With an artfulness as deep as it was calculated to enchant and captivate, she invested the history of her early days with a mystery which only increased my admiration and made her appear more interesting in my eyes. You cannot wonder then that you were so completely deceived, my poor boy," said Mr Hatfield, who had listened with great, though mournful interest, to the eloquent delineation of causes and defects which the impassioned language of the young man had so graphically shaped. But as for the designing creature's name, I heard its origin from the officers whom I met at Dover. She is called a perdita, or the lost one, because she was born in Newgate, and her mother, in the moment of repentance for her own crimes, gave her that appellation as a memorial and a warning. Heavens, ejaculated Charles, and I believe the specious, the plausible explanation which the artful girl gave me relative to her name. Oh, she is made up of deceit. The world has never known her equal in that respect. I have read of Cersei with her spells, and of the sirens with their perilous allurements. I have also read of those mermaids with the heads and busts of beauteous women, and the tales of monsters, and whose melting looks and ravishing songs entice sailors to their coasts, only to fall victims to these unnatural devourers of human flesh. But all these wonders of heath and mythology are surpassed by this modern Cersei, this siren of the 19th century, this mermaid who prays not on mortal flesh, but on immortal souls. There was a terrible earnestness in the tone and manner of Charles as he gave utterance to these words, and his father perceived that the heart of the young man was painfully lacerated by the conviction of Perdita's tremendous duplicity. Yes, resumed Charles, and Mr Hatfield allowed him to speak on, knowing that feeling so powerfully excited as his had been, and still were, must have a prop event in order that the soul might regain something approaching to the equilibrium of calmness. Yes, exclaimed the young man passionately, she whom I believe to be the mirror in which all excellent qualities were reflected, is the embodiment of every possible vice, every earthly iniquity. Oh, what a splendid personification of sin would she make for the painter or the architect. But it must be a bold pencil or a powerful pen that could do justice to her, in a man deeply read in the mysteries of human life to portray her character with accuracy. And that character I can read now. And I know her to be a creature who has studied sensuality, with all the ardour of a glowing temperament, with all the vivid sensibility that could enhance the joys of amorous enchantment. Mine was an idolatry such as a rapt enthusiasm pays in its blind belief to the spirit of evil, conceiving it to be the source of every virtue. Fatal mistake, deplorable error! Shall I ever surmount the terrible consequences? Yes, by taking courage, following my counsel, and placing me in full possession of all the minutest details of this distressing and perplexing case, said Mr Hatfield, assuming the part of a comforter, now that the indignation of his son had in some degree expended itself in those passionate outpourings which we have endeavoured to describe. Oh fear not, my beloved father, my only friend! cried Charles warmly. Fear not that I shall now conceal ought from you. I have obeyed the impulses of my own wrong-headedness, and am suffering terribly in consequence. I have followed the dictates of my own wilfulness, and I have gone lamentably astray. The result is that I have no more confidence in myself. From the pinnacle of that proud independence which I sought to assume, I am dashed down into a state of childish helplessness. If you abandon me, I should not have courage even to attempt to extricate myself from this maze of embarrassments in which I am so cruelly involved. I should resign myself to my fate. I should sink into despair. Cheer up, my beloved son, and think not for a moment of these dreadful alternatives, said Mr Hatfield, but answer me a few questions, and I shall then know better how to act. Did you not find certain papers in a secret recess in the Earl's Library? Oh yes, and those papers are safe, replied Charles. At least, Perditor has them secure in her writing desk, and we will make her surrender them presently. Oh well, as her husband, alas I should have to speak of you as such, you may break open that desk and take them by force, said Mr Hatfield. Does the young woman know their contents? Unfortunately, she does, was the mournful answer. And her mother is equally well acquainted with them, said Charles, even to save you a pang, and heaven knows I would now do much to spare you any additional uneasiness. I will not deceive nor mislead you in a single detail. No, this is not a time nor a case for trifling, Charles, observed Mr Hatfield. Then both these women know who I am, he added, in a low and hoarse voice. Oh my God! cried Charles, giving vent to his deep vexation, and obeying the impulse of his self-accusing spirit. To what humiliations have I not exposed you, my dearest father? Can you, will you ever forgive me for all this? Have we not had much to pardon? Much to explain on either side already, asked Mr Hatfield, his voice now regaining its mildness, a mildness that was however mournfully subdued. Well then, my dear boy, do not give way to these self-reproaches, for if I be anxious to obtain a certain knowledge of the full extent of these evils, it is only with the view of falling into no error and committing no oversight in extricating both yourself and me from the embarrassments that surround us. To return, then, to the immediate subject of our discourse, those women know all. All, everything, replied Charles, in that blind infatuation, Compose yourself, my dear boy, said Mr Hatfield, in a voice slightly indicative of paternal authority. Respecting the promise, re-notes, you gave the moneylender personable. Oh, now I shrink indeed from telling you the truth, interrupted Charles, his countenance glowing with shame and confusion. And yet, faithful to my promise, I will not mislead you. The note of hand to which you allude was signed by Viscount Marston. Well, if I recollect a right, said Mr Hatfield, the account of the murder, as reported in the newspapers, states distinctly that no papers nor documents of any kind were found in the victim's house, the tin box in which such things were probably kept, having been emptied of its contents. The assassin or assassins, then, whoever they may be, possessed themselves of all the poor man's papers, and your note doubtless among the rest. In this case we shall probably never hear of it again. But knowing the two women as you do, can you believe that they were the murderesses? No, I cannot think it, exclaimed Charles. What motive could they have had? Certainly not to recover my promissory note, since they believed me to be the heir to immense wealth. And as they no doubt fancied that their connection with me would place ample resources at their command, they were not likely to peril their lives by killing the man for the sake of the money which he might have had in the house. Besides, when I saw them on the following morning, there was no confusion, nothing on their part to denote that they had so recently committed a horrible crime. And, depraved and wicked and unscrupulous as they evidently are, I cannot bring myself to imagine that they could meet me with calm and unruffled countenances only a few hours after having accomplished a midnight murder. Let us hope that they are indeed innocent, said Mr Hatfield Sonomly. And now I will explain to you the manner in which I propose to deal with this perdita. The interest and detention of Charles red doubled, if possible, as his father uttered these words. Thank heaven, continued Mr Hatfield, I possess wealth. And by means of gold, everything can be accomplished with such mercenary adventuresses as these. Perdita shall receive a handsome sum of ready money, and a suitable income allowed her so long as she shall consent to dwell upon the continent. Take any other name than that which you have unfortunately given her, and nevermore molest you. But scarcely had Mr Hatfield uttered these words, and before his son had time to offer a single comment upon the proposed plan to be adopted, the door opened, and Perdita entered the room. End of Section 44. Section 45 of the 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 Anne Fletcher, Hobart 2019. The Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds. The father, the son, and the son's wife. The magnificent creature whom Mr Hatfield now beheld for the first time had perhaps never shone to greater advantage than on the present occasion. She was absolutely dazzling, radiant, supernally grand in all the glory of her queen-like beauty. A French cambric wrapper worked and trimmed with costly lace, enveloped her form, fitting loosely, yet defining all the rich contours of her voluptuous shape. And though, having risen hurriedly almost immediately after awakening, she had no stays on, the natural firmness of her bust maintained its rounded proportions without any artificial support. We have said before that her early initiation in a career of wantonness and the licentious course which she had pursued in Australia had marred nothing of the first freshness of youth in respect to her. And thus, though her wrapper was so far open at the bosom as to show that the glowing orbs of snowy whiteness were unsustained by the usual article of apparel, their contours were of virgin roundness. Her dark brown hair had been hastily gathered up in two massive bands, silken and glossy, and serving as a frame to set off the height and widths of the fine forehead, which rose above brows arching majestically and almost meeting between the temples. Her cheeks were slightly flushed with a carnation hue, her large grey eyes shone brilliantly, and appeared to give a halo of light to her whole countenance. Her moist red lips, parted with a smile of happiness and satisfaction, revealed the teeth so perfectly regular and of such pearly whiteness, and her neck arched proudly and with swan-like grace. One arm hung negligently, but slightly rounded by her side, the other thrown across her form just above the waist, kept the folds of the wrapper together, and from beneath the skirt of that elegant tasteful garment of almost gauzy likeness and transparency, peeped forth the beautifully modelled ankles in their flesh-coloured silk stockings and the charming feet in their embroidered slippers of pale blue satin. Though, as we have before stated, she was not above the middle height, yet there was something truly regal and commanding in her deportment, something more than graceful and less than imperious in her carriage, and altogether she appeared a being to whom it would not be idolatrous to kneel. On the contrary, prejudiced and naturally inveterous as he was against her, Mr Hatfield could well comprehend, even at the first glance which he threw upon her, how a young man of enthusiastic disposition and keen sensibility might love that enchanting creature with a devotion amounting to a worship. The apartment was large and beautifully furnished. The uncarpeted floor of oak was polished almost to mirror-like brightness. Vast-looking glasses set in splendid frames were suspended to the walls. A massive ormaloo timepiece and handsome porcel and vases filled with flowers freshly gathered that morning stood on the mantle, and through the casements which reached from the ceiling to the floor and which were only partially shaded by muslin curtains, flowed the gorgeous lustre of the cloudless sun, so that the room seemed filled with a transparent and impalpable haze of gold dust. Thus the whole aspect of that large and lofty apartment was magnificent and rich, bright and joyous, and had the minds of the father and son at the instant been in a different mood, they would have felt thrilled with admiration and delight at the presence of the magnificent creature who now entered an atmosphere so congenially glorious and sunny. It seemed as if the beauties being herself were surrounded with a golden halo, as if the perfume of the freshly gathered flowers were the delicious fragrance of her breath, as if the delicate feet and ankles bore her glancingly along a polished surface which she scarcely appeared to touch, while the immense mirrors multiplied the voluptuous form, as though other and kindred hurries were moving about in attendance on their queen. The effulgence of the warm sun played on her shining hair, as if a glory sat on that exquisitely shaped head, gave additional brightness to the eyes that flashed with the natural fire of joy, and rendered the fine and faultless countenance radiant and dazzling in its surpassing beauty. Were that a room in a palatial dwelling? Were it an empress making her appearance, and were the two men courtiers awaiting her presence, the effect could not have been more grand, more striking, and the courtiers would have fallen on their knees in mute adoration of a being that seemed almost divine. But, alas, circumstances marred all those fine effects which the transcendent charms of a lovely woman might have produced, for the soul of this woman corresponded not with her captivating exterior. It was dark and hideous, inspiring horrible thoughts and suggesting ideas of a nature so sinister, somber and gloomy, as to throw into shade all the glory of the outward loveliness. But unsuspicious of the storm which was about to explode against her, Perdita entered that room, and the influence of a night of love and voluptuousness, and of Elysian dreams lingered upon her countenance in the smile that it wore. She had slept for nearly an hour after Charles Hatfield had risen so noisiously from her side in the nuptial couch, and when she at length awoke, she imagined that her young husband had been unwilling to disturb her when he himself arose. Nevertheless, she determined to seek him ere she had passed through the routine of the toilette, and hastily fastening up her hair and assuming a slight apparel, she had proceeded to the sitting-room where she supposed him to be, and there indeed he was, but not alone. Still, when Perdita, on first entering the apartment, beheld another person with him whom she sought, she had no suspicion of the real truth, but imagined it must be some friend who had found out her husband's residence in Paris, and had perhaps called to congratulate him on his bridle. Thus it was that her countenance wore that delicious expression of pleasure and satisfaction as she advanced towards Charles and that other, and it was not until she was within a few paces of them that she observed the foreboding looks which they cast upon her, even the aversion and the hate with which they both regarded her. Then she stopped suddenly short, her countenance undergoing an immediate change, the smile disappearing and giving place to an expression of proud defiance and haughty contempt, though she was still unconscious of the nature of the storm that she saw lowering so ominously. Charles, who is this person? she demanded, indicating Mr Hatfield with a movement of the head accompanied by a slight inflection of the whole form, a gesture which would have become a queen. My father answered the young man quietly, and he turned away towards the mantel piece. For an instant a predator seems shocked by this announcement, but in the next moment, as the thought swept across her brain that it was impossible for Mr Hatfield to know or seriously detrimental to her character, she crossed the room in a majestic manner, and laying her long, tapered fingers gently upon her husband's arm, said, is it possible that the remonstrances of your father should have induced you to repent of this alliance? You who have sworn to love and cherish me in spite of parents and all the world beside. When a man discovers that he has taken a reptile to his bosom, said Charles, the words hissing through his almost set teeth, he flings it away from him. He ought to crush it beneath his heel. The last sentence was added after a moment's pause, and air, a predator, who was astounded at the tone and manner and words of her husband, had regained the power of utterance so as to enable her lips to shape a comment or a reply. Is it to me that this insulting allusion applies? she demanded at length, her countenance becoming ashy pale, and her lips quivering with a rage which she still sought to subdue. It is to you that I addressed myself, exclaimed Charles, now turning round and confronting the woman whom he had lately loved with such madness, and whom he now loathed with such savage aversion. Vile, polluted, wanton thing, he cried, unabashed, undismaid by the lightning glances that flashed from her wildly dilating orbs. The mask is torn from your face as the film from my eyes, and I am no longer your dupe, though alas I am perhaps still your victim. I know all, all everything, the depravity of your past life, the hypocrisy of your present course, all, all is now revealed to me. Your evil fame has followed you from beyond the seas. It overtook you on the marine parade at Dover, and it now attaches itself forever to your steps in the capital of France. Oh, my God, how cruelly, how miserably have I been deceived! And the young man darted a glance of savage hatred upon the woman who pale and motionless as a marble statue seemed petrified by the crushing truths that fell upon her ears. Meantime Mr Hatfield stood aloof with folded arms, listening to the words that his son addressed to Perdita and marking their effect. That you were born in Newgate of a woman condemned to death for felony and then reprieved, this was no fault of yours, continued Charles in a slow and measured tone, for he sought as much as possible to prevent a violent outburst of the rage that boiled within him. That the mystic name of Perdita, or the lost one, should have proved prophetic of your afterlife, you also could not help. And that among the felonry of New South Wales you should have become polluted and contaminated, and indeed lost, was perhaps a fate for which you are rather to be pitted than blamed. But here all sympathy ceases for you. Wherefore, on your arrival in England, did you seek me out to become your victim? Wherefore did your wretched mother dog my footsteps, accost me, and snare me into a discourse to which she imparted a mysterious interest, and then lead me into your presence? Why did you open the battery of all your meretricious charms upon me? Why cast your spells around me, wean my affections from an estimable young lady who is as white as snow compared with the blackness of your soul? And lead me on until the crowning act of ruin was accomplished yesterday in the chapel of the British Embassy. I have heard you with patience, and if you possess the generosity of a man and an Englishman, you will give me an equal share of your attention," said Perdita, who during her husband's address had recovered all her won'ted presence of mind, though her heart was wounded in its very core. It is true that I was born in Newgate, that I deceived you respecting the origin of my Christian name, and that I escaped not the contamination of a far-off climb into which my sad destiny is through me. But when my mother, for reasons which I think she made satisfactorily apparent to you, sought an interview with you, and when that circumstance introduced us to each other, did you not profit me your friendship of your own accord? Did you not next assure me that this sentiment had changed to the feeling of love? Did you not implore me almost on your knees to become your wife at the altar? I, who in the first instance had proposed and agreed to become your mistress only? And then you dare to speak of our marriage as the crowning act of your ruin? That marriage on which you yourself so imploringly, so earnestly and so solemnly insisted. Oh yes, because I deemed you pure and virtuous, exclaimed Charles, almost gnashing his teeth, as the words of Perdita reminded him of all the arts which she had practised to ensnare him, all the sophistry she had used to make herself appear in his eyes, everything that she was not. Was it to be supposed, she asked impatiently and heartily, that shameless Perdita, was it to be supposed that I would reveal to you the incidents of my past life? And yet even if I had, I do firmly and sincerely believe that you would have still made me your wife. No, never, never! cried Charles, his voice and manner expressing loathing, abhorrens and indignation. But let us not, bandy words, thus I have intelligence, which lost and depraved as you are, and vilely as you have treated me, I nevertheless grieve to have to convey to you. For I cannot even in my anger and hate forget that you are a woman. And that intelligence, demanded Perdita, suffering not her countenance nor her manner, to betray the deep curiosity and the suspense which her husband's words had suddenly excited within her boson. The intelligence regards your mother, and explains her mysterious disappearance at Dover, continued Charles, who as well as his father now intensely watched the young woman's countenance. Speak on, she said, not a muscle of her face betraying any emotion, and still she stood motionless and statue-like. Your mother was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the murder of Mr Percival, the moneylender whom you represented to me as the discounter of my promissory note. And as Charles uttered these words in slow and measured tones, he maintained his eyes fixed upon the pale but unchanging features of his wife. Then my mother has been accused of that, whereof she is innocent, said Perdita, in a voice so firm and resolute, yet devoid of passion, that her hearers felt convinced she was practising no artifice now. It is true that Percival discounted your note. I myself received the money, and you can doubtless give your father a satisfactory explanation relative to the expenditure of the portion that is gone. If Percival have indeed met his death by violent means, it was not by the hands of two weak women that he fell. Thank heaven, this crime at least cannot then be attributed to you, said Charles. There must be enough upon your conscience without that. And have you nothing wherewith to reproach yourself? demanded Perdita, still maintaining that majesty of demeanor, which with her now marble-like features, her motionless attitude, and her fine form enveloped in drapery, that fairly classic plaats and graceful folds around her, gave her the air of a statue of Diana the Huntress or of Juno, Queen of Heaven. Have you inflicted no injury upon me? she asked. O, yes, yes, and I will convince you that your conduct has been far from blameless in that respect. You loved me, loved me almost from the first instant that you beheld me. Yours was not a tranquil, serene and sickly sensation. It was a fury, a wild passion, a delirium, a species of hurricane of the strongest, most fervent emotions. I was all everything to you. Parents, family, friends. O, you cared for none of these in comparison to me. The holiest ties you would have broken, the most sacred bonds you would have snapped, the most solemn obligations you would have violated sooner than have resigned your hope of possessing me. All this is true, and you know it. Your love amounted to a madness, a frenzy capable of the most unheard of sacrifices, and is likely to hurry you into the most desperate extremes. For had I provoked your jealousy, you would have murdered me. Had I fled or abandoned you, you would have pined to death or committed suicide. In fine. Yours was no common love, no ordinary affection. Poets never dreamt, and novelists never depicted a love so boundless, so absorbing, so immense as yours. And what could result from such a love as this? The consequence was inevitable. And that consequence was that I, who had never loved before, received into my soul a transfusion of the spirit that animated you. You were so happy in your love that my imagination doubtless longed to revel in the same paradise which you had created for yourself. And I was taught by you to love us profoundly and as well. In a word, you ensnared my heart. You obtained a hold upon my affections. And as there is a living God above us, I swear that when you led me to the altar, you loved me not better than I loved you. And this love which I experienced for you would have made me a good wife, a sincere friend, a conscientious advisor. I should have entered upon a new existence, and my soul would have become purified. True it is that I gave to the marriage bed a body that was polluted and unchaste. But I gave also a heart that was holy and solely thine. And from the instant that our hands were united by the minister of God, it would have proved as impossible for me to have played the wanton with another as that the infant child should harbour thoughts of villainy and murder. Now you have learnt the antecedents of my life, and your love is suddenly changed into hatred. But did you not take me for better or worse? Did you not wed me because you loved me? Did you not espouse me for myself alone? Oh, you should pity me for the past, and cherish me at present and for the future, and your conscience tells you thus much even now. Charles Hatfield, who had listened with deep and solemn interest, for his soul was absolutely unchained by this strange display of natural eloquence, now shook his head impatiently. No. Then, Mark, how fatal your love will have proved to me, exclaimed Perditor. You cast me off, you put me away from you, and yet you cannot give me back the heart which you have ensnared. Wherefore, wherefore did you bring to bear upon me the influence of your ardent love, unless you were prepared to make every sacrifice unto the end? I am young, I am beautiful, and I might gain a high and a proud position by means of marriage. But no, I am chained to you, and you are intent upon discarding me. Now reflect well on the probable consequences of this proceeding on your part, continued Perditor, her melodious voice gathering energy, and a tinge of rosebud hue appearing on her cheeks, and gradually deepening into a flush, while her eyes shone with a luster that gave an almost unearthly radiance to her entire countenance. Reflect well, I say, she repeated, on the probable consequences of the resolution which you have taken. As your wife, and dwelling with you as such, I should have clung to you, loved you with unceasing devotion, exerted all my powers to retain your esteem. Nay more, in time I should have won your good opinion by my actions, as I had already secured it by my words. Amongst the entire community of women there would have been none more exemplary than I, and thus your love would have proved a saving influence, valuable to society at large, and blessed by the almighty ruler whom you worship. But how changed are these prospects? You are prepared to discard me, to thrust me away from your presence, to push me out into the great world where I must battle for myself. There I shall find my circumstances terribly and fearfully altered from what they were before your lips whispered the delicious but fatal tale of love in mine ears. For if I retain your name, I thereby proclaim myself a divorced wife. If I pass myself off as an unmarried young lady, I shall not dare to accept proposals for an alliance, be it never so advantageous, because the fear of a prosecution for bigger me would hang over my head. Will you then forgive me for the past, and receive me as an affectionate wife, and reformed woman to your arms? Or will you send me forth an outcast, with ruined hopes, blighted prospects, and a damaged character? Gradually as she approached the end of this speech, Perdita had suffered her voice to lose its energy and its firmness, and grow tender, pathetic, and mournful, until at the close of her appeal it became tremulously plaintiff and profoundly touching, while her form simultaneously relaxed from its statue-like rigidity, the head slightly inclining, the body bending in the least degree forward, and the hands joining as the last words fell from her lips. For an instant Charles was about to yield to the appeal commenced with the dignity so well assumed, and terminated with the tenderness so well affected. But at the critical moment, Mr Hatfield, who had hitherto remained a mute spectator of this extraordinary scene, stepped forward, exclaiming, No, no, a compromise of such nature is impossible. Charles, the sophistry is indeed most specious, but the peril is likewise tremendous. Yes, yes, cried the young man, instantly recovering his presence of mind. I told you, father, that she was a seosie, a siren, and now you have ample proofs of the assertion. While he was yet speaking, the appearance of Perdita underwent a rapid and signal change. She suddenly seemed to throw off the air of a suppliant as if she were discarding a mean garment that was unbecoming and abhorrent. Her cheeks acquired a deeper flush, her eyes are more dazzling brilliantly. The blue veins in her forehead grew more clearly traceable, her nostrils dilated, her lips wreathed into an expression of sovereign disdain, and her entire form appeared to expand into more majestic proportions. A moment before she had seemed a voluptuous beauty in the melting softness of an appeal for pardon at love's shrine. Now she stood in the presence of the father and son, proud, haughty, and magnificent as Juno, and armed with authority to wield the lightning shafts and thunderbolts of Jove. Let us think of peace no more, she exclaimed, but war, terrible war, war to the knife. Cast me off, thrust me from you, denounce me as the wanton Perdita. Proclaim me to be born of a felon and to have first seen the light in Newgate. Do all this, if you will. I shall not the less remain your wife, Charles. And as your wife I am ennobled, I bear the proud title of Viscountus Maston. Miserable woman, cried Mr Hatfield, you deceive yourself, even as Charles has been by himself deceived, for know that he is illegitimate. Tis false, you would delude, you would mislead me, exclaimed Perdita, who in spite of the tone of confidence in which she uttered these ejaculations was painfully affected by the revelation that had elicited them. It is true, too true, cried Charles, with a bitterness that carried conviction to the mind of Perdita. Then, if I cannot proclaim myself to be Viscountus Maston, she said, concealing with a desperate and painful effort the shock which she had just experienced, I can still have my revenge against you both, for if my mother were a felon, Charles, your father were the same. If I were born in Newgate, the author of your being has passed through the hands of the public executioner. Fiend, rich, ejaculated the young man, springing forward as if about to dash her on the floor and trample her underfoot. But the hand of his father suddenly grasped him as in an iron vice and held him back. And all the while Perdita had maintained her ground, shrinking not a step, retreating not a pace. Coward, she exclaimed, in a tone of ineffable contempt, as she kept her eyes, her large shining grey eyes, fixed with disdain upon him whom she had lately loved so fervently and so well. Charles, Charles, said Mr Hatfield in an imploring voice as he held his son firmly by both arms, merit not by your actions that infamous woman's reproaches. I was prepared for what she dared to address to me. Oh, my dear father, this is terrible! murmured the young man, who felt a faintness coming over him as the words which Perdita had spoken concerning his parents still rang in his ears, and as he observed the deadly pallor which had spread over that parent's countenance. Compose yourself, Charles, said Mr Hatfield, conducting him to a seat. Then, turning round under costing Perdita, he exclaimed, Madam, let us treat this most unpleasant affair as a purely business matter. In short, let us effect an arrangement which may be proper and suitable for both parties, the basis being the immediate separation of yourself and my son. Yes, I have no longer any objection to offer to that proposal, said Perdita, for after his attempt to strike me, I despise even more than I hate him. Oh, and just now, exclaimed the young man, starting from his seat, you declared that I possessed your heart. Oh, I am rejoiced that you have admitted your hatred towards me, because I have thereby received another proof of your boundless duplicity. Perdita smiled scornfully, but deigned no reply. Leave the affair in my hand, Charles, said Mr Hatfield, in an authoritative tone, then observing with satisfaction that his son returned to his seat, the father addressed himself once more to Perdita, who remained standing near the mantle. Madam, he continued, you have already heard that the bright hopes in which your husband had indulged, and the golden visions which he had conjured up, are all destroyed by the revelation which I have this morning made to him, the revelation of the one fatal secret. Instead, then, of being Viscount Marston at present, and Earl of Ellingham in perspective, he is still plain and simple Charles Hatfield, and so he is likely to remain. By consequence, you, madam, are Mrs Hatfield, and not Viscount Marston now, nor with any chance of becoming Countess of Ellingham. If you require proofs of what I am now telling you, I can exhibit them at once, for knowing beforehand the nature of the delusions in which my son had cradled his fancy, and the necessity of destroying them, I set out on this journey provided with several papers of importance. For instance, continued Mr Hatfield, taking forth his pocket book, here is the certificate of my marriage with Lady Georgiana Hatfield, and you may at once perceive by the date how impossible it is that our son could have been born in wedlock. While thus speaking, Mr Hatfield had sunk his voice to the lowest audible whisper, so that Perdita alone heard him. For the revelation he was making was of a most painful nature, although rendered imperatively necessary under the circumstances. Perdita glanced rapidly over the certificate, and bit her lip with a vexations she could no longer conceal. For that document effectually set at rest the question of her husband's legitimacy or illegitimacy, and she indeed found that instead of gaining a noble title by marriage, she had formed an alliance with an obscure young man who was dependent on his parents for even a morsel of bread. It now remains for you to decide whether you choose to proclaim yourself wherever you go to be the wife of Mr Charles Hatfield, or whether you will think fit to resume your maiden name, or any other that may suit your purposes, and maintain a strict silence henceforth relative to this most unfortunate alliance. Thus spoke Mr Hatfield, and Perdita appeared to be plunged in deep thought for a few minutes. And what are the conditions you annex to those alternatives? she asked at length, fixing her eyes, which now shone with subdued and somber luster in a penetrating manner upon Mr Hatfield's countenance, as if she were there read the reply to her question even before his lips could frame it. If you proclaim yourself my son's wife, said he, meeting her look firmly and speaking resolutely, I shall spare no expense in bringing the whole transaction before the proper tribunals in England, with the ultimate view of enabling him to obtain a divorce. And in this case I should not allow you one single farthing, no not even, to save you from starvation. And have you not reflected, asked Perdita, in a tone and with a gesture indicative of superb disdain, have you not reflected that a judicial investigation must inevitably lay bare all the tremendous secrets connected with yourself and family? For you cannot suppose that if you commence the part of a persecutor against me, I shall evince any forbearance towards you. No, it would be, as I said just now, a terrible warfare, a warfare to the very death, and in which human ingenuity would rack itself to discover and set in motion all possible means of a fearful vengeance. I have weighed all this, said Mr Hatfield calmly, and I have resolved to dare exposure of every kind, nay, to sacrifice myself if necessary, in order to save my son. And now for the conditions annexed to the second alternative, said Perdita, maintaining a remarkable coolness and self-possession, although in the secret recesses of her soul she harbored the conviction that the triumph was as yet on the other side, and that she must end by accepting the best terms she could obtain. If you will sign a paper undertaking never to represent yourself as my son's wife, said Mr Hatfield, never to molest him in any way, never to return to England, but to affix your abode in some continental state, and lastly, that you will retain inviably secret not only the fact of this most inauspicious marriage, but likewise all matters connected with myself and family, if you affix your name to such a document, continued Mr Hatfield, I will immediately pay you the sum of one thousand pounds, and I will allow you five hundred pounds a year, so long as the convention shall be duly kept on your part. And should you happen to die before me? said Perdita, her manna now, being of that cold, passionless nature which rendered it impossible for Mr Hatfield to conjecture what sort of an impression his alternatives and their conditions had made upon her mind. Before you must remember, she added, that such an event is to be reckoned upon in the common course of nature. Granted was the prompt reply. My will shall contain a clause enjoining and empowering my executors to continue the payment of your income, from a fund especially sunk for the purposes, so long as your conduct shall be in accordance with the conditions stipulated. And am I to understand that if I leave your son unmolested, I shall remain unmolested also? demanded Perdita. I scarcely comprehend you, said Mr Hatfield, evidently perplexed. I mean, replied Perdita, in a slow and measured tone, so that her words could not be misapprehended nor their sense mistaken. I mean, that if I go forth into the world again as Miss Fitzharding, or Miss Fitzgerald, or any other name I may choose to take, and if receiving a suitable offer of marriage I contract such an alliance, I mean then to ask whether I may calculate upon acting thus with impunity at your hands. My God! what interest can I have to molest you in any way? cried Mr Hatfield. What a heaven that you could both of you sign a paper effectually emancipating you from any claim on each other in respect to this accursed, this miserable marriage. You are now speaking with unnecessary excitement, sir, after having reproved your son for the same fault, and also after having yourself proposed to discuss this matter in a purely business-like manner, said Perdita, her lip curling slightly with an expression of scornful triumph. True, madam, observed Mr Hatfield, who throughout this dialogue, since his son had remained seated apart, had treated Perdita with a perfect, though frigid, courtesy. I was in error to give way to any intemperance of tone or manner, and I ask your pardon. You have now heard all that I have to propose. And I accept the conditions, she said. Indeed, I shall be happy for this scene to terminate as speedily as possible. A few minutes more will suffice, madam, observed Mr Hatfield, if you will have the kindness to provide me with writing materials, I shall not be compelled to intrude upon you much longer. Perdita bowed slightly and quitted the room, not in haste, but with stately demeanor and measured tread, as if she were merely a consenting party to a business transaction, and not a vanquished one on whom conditions had been imposed. The moment the door closed behind her, Mr Hatfield said to his son, that woman is indeed a prodigy of beauty and a very demon at heart. What an angelic creature she would have been were she as pure and virtuous as she is lovely. Oh, my dear father, return Charles, who appeared to be completely spirit-broken and overwhelmed by the terrible occurrences and revelations of this memorable morning. You can now comprehend, perhaps, at least to some extent, the nature of that infatuation which I experienced in respect to this singular being. The world has never seen her equal for beauty and for wickedness. Well, the sooner you'll remove from the sphere of her fatal influence, the better, observed Mr Hatfield. When she reappears, do you quit the room, and hasten as much as possible your preparations to depart with me? Oh, fear not, my dear father, responded Charles, that I shall of my own accord interpose any delay. But the papers. She will surrender them. Oh, as a matter of course, you may have observed, added the parent, that in spite of her haughty coldness, she was subdued and vanquished. At this instant the door opened and Perdita returned, bearing her writing desk in her hands. Her countenance, though flushed and thus presenting a striking contrast to its colourless appearance some time before, gave no indication of the nature of her feelings. Impossible was it to judge of the emotions that might occupy her bosom by that which is won't to be denominated the mirror of the soul. Her step was still measured and stately while her attitude was graceful, and as she advanced toward the table, passing through the golden flood of luster that filled the room, the waving of her white drapes gave an additional charm to the undulating nature of her motion. From beneath her richly fringe lids, while affecting to keep her eyes half bent downward as if on the rosewood desk which she carried, she darted a rapid glance at Mr Hatfield, and then her look dwelt the least thing more lingeringly on her husband, who had risen from his seat and was leaning on the mantle. By a natural effect of curiosity, perhaps also in obedience to a last remaining particle of that immense love which he had so lately borne her, Charles Hatfield likewise glanced towards her, from beneath his half-closed lids, and also while he wished to appear as if fixing his gaze downward. Thus their looks met, unavoidably met, and the blood rushed to the countenance of the young man as he felt overwhelmed with shame and bitterly indignant with himself for having given way to this momentary proof of weakness. On the other hand, a smile of triumph, though faint and perceptible only to her husband, not to his father, who saw not with eyes that had once looked love towards her, curled the rich red lips of Perdita, and she thought within herself, even in the bitterness of your hate the power of my charms revives a spark, albeit an evanescent one, of the fires that will won't to burn within your breast in adoration of me. All this dumb show, this mute expression of the strangest and yet the most natural feelings on either side, occupied but a few moments, and then as Perdita placed the desk upon the table, Charles turned to quit the room. Here are writing materials, sir, she said to Mr Hatfield, not choosing to appear to notice the departure of her husband. For all the pride of this extraordinary woman was aroused to a degree which in a being of lesser energy would have been totally incompatible with the frightful exposure that had been made of her depravity and deceit. But the consciousness of possessing the loveliness of an angel rose superior to the shame of being proved to be endowed with the proflegacy of a demon. The knowledge that she was so preeminently beautiful was for her a triumph and a glory which in her estimation threw into shade the certainty of her wantonness and guile. She flattered herself and fancied that even were her true character revealed in its proper colours to all the world, the darkness of her soul would be absorbed and rendered invisible by the transcendent brilliancy of her outward charms. Thus, even in the presence of the husband to whom she was unmasked, and of the indignant father who had unmasked her, the pride of her loveliness enabled her to maintain that haughty demeanor which we have explained. For it was not Perditor who was likely to melt into tears, to supplicate for mercy, to acknowledge shame or remorse, or to kneel to those whom she now looked upon as her enemies. Unless indeed she had some grand object to accomplish, or some important end to gain, and then she could veil her pride beneath an assumption of all the passions, all the emotions, and all the tender feelings which she might deem it expedient to effect. To return to the thread of our narrative. Here are the writing materials, sir, she remarked, as she placed the desk upon the table. And then, drawing a chair near, she seated herself in a calm and dignified manner, and with all the appearance of one who knew and felt that she had important business in hand. Mr Hatfield Bowd seated himself likewise, and proceeded to draw up a document including the conditions which he had already specified and which the lady had agreed to. While he was writing Perditor kept her eyes fixed upon him, as if she could tell by the movement of the pen the very words it was forming as the hand which held it travelled rapidly over the paper. At length the document was finished, and Mr Hatfield presented it to Perditor for her perusal. While she was engaged in reading it he drew forth his pocket-book, and counted then ten notes each of a hundred pounds upon the table. I have no objection to offer to this deed, said Perditor, taking up the pen to sign it. Here is the amount promised, said Mr Hatfield, and I will now give you an undertaking relative to the payment of the income which I have promised to you. Perditor bowed coldly, and he immediately drew up the second paper. I must now request you to give me up all the private documents which my son placed in your hands for safe keeping, observed Mr Hatfield. There in the upper part of that desk, and you can take them, said Perditor without the least hesitation, for she was naturally prepared for this demand, and had no object to serve in refusing it. She then signed her undertaking, while Mr Hatfield possessed himself of the documents, and looked them carefully over to ascertain that none were missing. Having satisfied himself on this head, he gave Perditor the money and the undertaking which he had prepared, and thus terminated this strange business. I have now a few observations to make, said Perditor, but they are not of a nature to revive any unpleasant discussion. They concern matters entirely personal to myself. Although I have declared and emphatically declare again that my mother is innocent of the crime on suspicion of which you inform me she has been arrested, the judicial investigation will naturally lead to a most unpleasant exposure of her name. It is therefore probable that my interests and views may be served by a change of my name, as I shall not of course bear that which the marriage ceremony of yesterday gave to me. Should I adopt such a course, I will acquaint you by letter of the fact. Pardon me for interrupting you, madam, said Mr Hatfield, but I shall seek not to become acquainted with any particulars that may hear after concern you. Every quarter you can draw upon me through any banker in any part of the world where you may happen to be, and you are at liberty to use any name you may think fit, save one. I shall know that the draft is yours, and you may rest assured that it will be duly honoured. Then we have no more to say to each other, observed Perditor, rising from her seat and mechanically drawing the muslin wrapper around her, in such a manner that it displayed all the full proportions of her fine figure. Mr Hatfield bowed a negative, and then immediately added, but perhaps you will have no objection, madam, to remain here until my son shall have made his preparations for departure. Oh, certainly! cried the young woman, her lip curling haughtily. Think not, sir, that I shall condescente use any arts in order to win him back to me, though I am well aware that if I choose to do so I should speedily behold him languishing at my feet. Scarcely were these words uttered when Rosalie entered the room, and addressing herself to Mr Hatfield said, my master sir is waiting for you below. The Abigail, who was evidently at a loss to comprehend the nature of all that was going on, though she saw enough to convince her that something very uncommon and unusual was taking place, retired as soon as she had delivered this message, and Mr Hatfield, as he glanced towards Perditor while bowing to take his leave, observed that her countenance had again grown marble-like with pallor. For now that the conviction that Charles really was gone was forced upon her mind, a pang of regret struck to her heart, regret to lose one, the first whom she had ever really loved, and for a few instance she felt as if all her affection for him had suddenly revived with tenfold violence. But this weakness on her part was speedily dissipated, her pride resumed its empire, and she remembered likewise that her connection with him had not only put her in possession of a large sum of ready money, but had likewise assured her of a handsome annual income for the remainder of her days. Thus, almost before Mr Hatfield had reached the room door, the colour had returned to her cheeks, and her countenance became radiant with triumph, for she murmured to herself as she contrasted her present position with that in which she had first set foot on European soil. It is my beauty that has done all this. End of Section 45 Section 46 of the 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 Anne Fletcher, Hobart 2019. The Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M Reynolds. Father and Son. Mr Hatfield found his son waiting for him in the coffee room, and entering the Citadine, or One Horse Hackney Coach, in which the former had arrived, they proceeded to the hotel at which he had put up and which was in the Place Vendôme. It was now past eleven o'clock, for the incidents related in the two preceding chapters had occupied two full hours, and during that interval how many revelations had been made, what changes of feeling effected, what new emotions engendered, and what bright visions destroyed. Yet such is human life, and two minutes instead of two hours are often sufficient to hurl down the finest fabrics of happiness which the imagination has ever built up in the realms of fancy or the sphere of reality. On arriving at the hotel in the Place Vendôme, the father and son repaired the apartment occupied by the former, and Charles threw himself on a sofa, as if exhausted and overwhelmed by the terrible excitement he had undergone that morning. Mr Hatfield related to him all that had passed between Perditor and himself after the young man had quitted the room, and Charles was rejoiced, if rejoiced he could be in the midst of the strange thoughts and reminiscences which crowded upon him, to learn that the family papers were secure in his father's possession. And those papers shall no longer be a source of alarm and embarrassment to those whom they so deeply regard," said Mr Hatfield, when he had brought his brief narrative to a conclusion, and then ringing the bell he ordered the waiter who answered the summons to bring him a lighted candle. This command was speedily obeyed, and when the domestic had retired Mr Hatfield, having thrown all the documents upon the hearth, set them alight. While they were consuming those precious papers which were worth an earldom to him did he choose to avail himself of the proofs which they contained, both himself and his son watched them with a fixed gaze, but with different emotions. For Charles sighed as he thought of the bright dreams which the perusal of those papers had so lately excited in his imagination, and Mr Hatfield experienced an indescribable relief in witnessing their destruction. Now, he exclaimed in a tone of triumph, no living soul can dispute my brother's right to the rank which he bears and the estates which he possesses. Nor think, Charles, he added, turning to his son and speaking in a calmer and more measured voice, think not that it costs me a pang thus to dispose of these papers. The flame has died away, nor save a heap of tinder remains. And I have willingly and cheerfully resigned the power of ever doing mischief or being made the instrument of wrong toward a brother to whom I owe so much. But enough of this, and now tell me, Charles, in details as ample as you can bring your mind to endure, the whole particulars of your unfortunate connection with these women, in order to convince me that nothing more remains to be accomplished to rid ourselves completely of them. For you must remember that though we have managed to dispose of the daughter, the mother still possesses a knowledge of many secrets which we would not have revealed. Charles immediately complied with his father's request, and narrated how Mrs Fitzharding had accosted him in the street, how she had spoken mysteriously, and thereby induced him to accompany her to Suffolk Street, how he had there found himself in the presence of Perdita, and how Mrs Fitzharding on a subsequent occasion mentioned certain family matters evincing her knowledge of special secrets which she alleged to have been revealed to her by the Gypsy Miranda. Then it was not from your lips that she first learnt the circumstances connected with myself, said Mr Hatfield interrogatively. Oh no, she particularly mentioned the Gypsy as her authority for all she knew and alluded to, was the reply. But the Gypsy was unaware of the fact of my mother's marriage with the late Earl of Allingham, observed Mr Hatfield, and consequently she was ignorant of the legitimacy of my birth and the rights belonging to me thereon. Oh, now a light breaks in upon my mind, exclaimed Charles. I remember that she was surprised when I told her that I was a young nobleman, as I did then really believe myself to be, and I likewise recollect that she afterwards spoke to me in a manner which, while pretending a full and perfect acquaintance with all our family affairs, led me to give answers which were doubtless and revelations of secrets to her. But all this did not strike me at the time. Now, however, that the film has been removed from my eyes, I behold things in a clearer and truer light. Yes, and I can also understand this matter, said Mr Hatfield after a few moments' deep thought. On their return to England, these women must have fallen in with Miranda. From her lips they heard enough to put them in possession of secrets which they doubtless intended to use for the purpose of extorting money from me through you. Then your infatuation in respect to the daughter led you to speak to the mother in such a random inconsiderate manner as to make her more fully aware of our family's position. Thus, while affecting to know all, she drew from you those details which filled up the chapters that were wanting in the history as Miranda originally told it. Yes, this must be the truth and the explanation of the whole affair. And now it remains for us to hasten to England without delay, and in case the old woman shall be relieved from the charge at present existing against her, purchase her secrecy and her exile in the same way as we have arranged with her daughter. But how can I face my mother, as Charles, in a tone expressive of the deepest grief? How meet the Earl of Ellingham whom I have sought to injure, and Lady Francis, to whom I've conducted myself in so scandalous a manner. Oh, now you recognize the impropriety of your behaviour towards her, exclaimed Mr Hatfield. Oh, I am rejoiced to perceive that your heart is open to impressions of such a saving nature. Incidents of this day have made me an altered man, said Charles emphatically. Then I am most happy that they have occurred, cried his father. The teachings have been bitter, bitter indeed, my poor boy. But the results may constitute an ample recompense alike to yourself and your parents. We have recovered a son. You have acquired an experience ten thousand times more valuable than the best precepts ever inculcated by mortal tongue. Oh, this is true, most true, Father, exclaimed Charles. But you have not answered the questions, the painful questions, which I have put to you. First then, with regard to your mother, responded Mr Hatfield, you know that she will receive you with open arms. In respect to the earl, he must be told all, everything, and you may count upon his generosity. But it is with reference to Lady Francis Allingham, who loves you, and from whom the causes of your flight have been carefully concealed, and who cannot be informed of your sad connection with a profligate woman. Oh, it's in regard to her that I know not how to act, that I am bewildered, cruelly embarrassed. Oh, remember, my dear father, said Charles in a tone of deep humility, that henceforth I shall do your bidding in all things. You have but to speak, and I obey. Oh, think not, my dear son, answered Mr Hatfield, that I shall claim of you a deference incompatible with your age and social position, or that I shall attempt to exercise an authority that may seem to have borrowed any taint of severity from the experience of the past. No, but I shall counsel and advise you as a friend, and in your best interest shall I ever speak. On our arrival in London we will not return immediately to Paul Mall, but we will repair to an hotel, whence I will send privately for the Earl, and his advice will assist me in respect to the course to be observed towards his amiable daughter. And now, Charles, do you feel yourself capable of commencing at once our journey homeward, or are you too much exhausted? Oh, no, no! Let us depart from Paris without delay, exclaimed the young man. I have no longer any object in remaining here. Mr Hatfield rang the bell, and a waiter made his appearance. A chaise and four as speedily as possible, was a laconic command given, and you must have our passports backed for Beloyne or Calais. The domestic bowed and withdrew. Two hours afterwards the father and son were seated together in a chaise, which was rolling rapidly along the road to Saint-Denis. I will now give you some account of the adventures which I experienced in pursuit of you," said Mr Hatfield, who felt that the silence previously existing between himself and Charles was growing painful, for they had not uttered a word from the moment they entered the vehicle until Mr Hatfield now spoke, an interval of nearly half an hour. I shall be pleased to hear them, observe the young man, anxious to divert his thoughts from the painful topics that were naturally occupying them, for I must confess that I'm at a loss to conjecture how you happened to fall in with the officers at Dover, and how we were unable to trace me to the hotel where you this morning found me. The explanation of all this is readily given," said Mr Hatfield, and as the chaise was rolling along the unpaved part of the road there was no effort necessary to make his voice audible. I shall commence with the incidents of the morning on which you quitted London in company with the two females whose pernicious influence has worked so much mischief. You remember that a most painful interview took place between yourself and me in the library, and that you burst away, perhaps just at the moment when explanations might have arisen to convince you of the futility of your ambitious hopes and golden visions in respect to birth and title. Shortly after you thus left me, the earl entered the room, and a conversation which took place led to the mention of the secret papers. He sought for them in the recess to which he had consigned them, and they were gone. At the same moment I obtained the conviction that the annual register for a certain year and containing a certain dreadful narrative had been lately read. Then a light broke in upon the earl and myself, and we penetrated the motives of the strange conduct you had recently observed towards your parents. At this juncture Mr Clarence Villiers made his appearance, and on consulting him we learnt to our dismay that the women who passed under the name Fitz Harding were his aunt and cousin, Mrs Slingsby, who was transported years ago for forgery, and Perdita, her illegitimate child, born in Newgate a few weeks previous to her departure. You may conceive the anguish which we endured when we found that you had become connected with such women, and Villiers hastened to Suffolk Street to obtain an interview with you. What a god that he'd succeeded in finding me that my departure with those wretches had been only delayed a few minutes! cried Charles, still a prey to the most harrowing feelings. Alas, you had already fled, continued Mr Hatfield, and when Villiers returned to communicate this fact an instantaneous pursuit was resolved upon. Clarence took one road, the earl another, and I chose the road to Dover. I was mounted on a good horse and must inevitably have overtaken you before you had preceded many miles. When on turning an angle of the road, I suddenly encountered a light chaise cart that was turning the corner at a furious rate. The shock was violent, and I was hurled from my horse with such force that I was stunned by the fall. When I recovered my senses, I was lying on a bed at a small roadside tavern, and a candle was burning in the room. It was night. Hours had elapsed since the accident which had occurred, and during that long interval I had remained senseless, unconscious of all that was passing. A surgeon had been sent for from Greenwich near which place the accident occurred, and he was an ignorant quack who had adopted no effective measures to recover me. But nature had at length asserted her empire in that where medical mismanagement had necessarily failed to produce any good result, and I recovered my powers of thought, only to experience the bitterest anguish at the delay that had taken place. Ill and suffering as I was, I endeavoured to rise, with the determination of pursuing my journey, but this was impossible, for in the first place I was too much exhausted to leave the couch on which I was thus helplessly stretched, and secondly, I learnt to my increased annoyance that my horse was injured in a serious manner. To be brief, I resigned myself to the necessity of at least remaining a few hours longer in that place, and a deep sleep came over me. In the morning I awoke much refreshed, though still suffering from the pain of the severe contusions that I had received. All hope of continuing my journey on horseback was destroyed, and I accordingly procured a post-chaise in which I hastened on to Dover. There I arrived in the afternoon, and by accident I put up at the same hotel where you and your female companions had stopped. On enquiring I heard that yourself and the young lady had departed for Calais in the morning, and that the old one had been arrested on her way to the port, in consequence of a communication received by electric telegraph from London. No steam vessel was to leave for France until the following day, and I was therefore compelled to wait patiently at the hotel. Patiently indeed! No, that was impossible, for all these delays were maddening under the circumstances. But I will not dwell at unnecessary length on any portion of my narrative, much less upon the nature of the feelings which I experienced at that time. In the evening I dined in the coffee-room, if the mere mockery of sitting down to table and eating nothing can be called dining. And while I was thus seated at a repast which I did not touch, I was suddenly interested in a conversation which was taking place between two officers who were discussing a bottle of wine at an adjacent table. Oh, I ought to have perceived that there was something mysterious and wrong in that adventure upon the marine parade! cried Charles, literally savoured with himself at his blindness and folly. But I was so completely infatuated by that artful designing creature. I must implore you to compose yourself, interrupted Mr Hatfield in an earnest but kind tone. For if I am now relating to you all that occurred to me, it is only that you may become acquainted with everything, and have nothing left behind as a cause for future excitement. Therefore I will be explicit with you, respecting the substance of the conversation which was passing between those officers in the manner I have described. Indeed, you may conceive my astonishment when I overheard one of them mention the name of Perdita, for that is by no means a common one. And perhaps this woman is the only being on the face of the earth who bears it. I accordingly listened, and in a short time the whole adventure which had taken place on the parade the evening before became known to me. Then I addressed myself to the two officers, stating that I had overheard their remarks and apologising for my rudeness in listening. But excusing myself on the ground that the young gentleman whom they had seen with Perdita was nearly allied to me, and that I was in fact in pursuit of him. They assured me that no apology was necessary, and I joined them in conversation. Then it was that I learnt a dreadful tale of female depravity. For it appears that Perdita became indeed the lost one at a very early age, and that her favours were distributed in Sydney to any good-looking young man who might happen to please her fancy. Oh, vile, detested Perdita, ejaculated Charles, almost gnashing his teeth with rage. Yes, you must know her character fully, my poor boy, said Mr Hatfield, for fear that she should ever again endeavour to exercise her sire and influence upon you. Oh, such an attempt would be utter madness on her part, cried Charles, now speaking with every symptom of the deepest indignation and even loathing. But what more said the officers whom you thus singularly encountered? Well, it appears, continued Mr Hatfield, that Perdita was not thoroughly depraved in the sense which we allude to an unfortunate woman who plies her hideous trade for bread. No, she bartered not her charms for gold. Indeed, though very poor, she would scarcely ever receive any recompense from her favourites, unless delicately conveyed in the form of presents. But money she never took. Her pride revolted at that. And it was purely through the wantonness of her disposition and the burning ardour of her temperament that she plunged headlong into a career of licentiousness. Oh, and I too have fallen the victim to such a polluted wretch, exclaimed the young man. Well, at Sydney, continued Mr Hatfield, she was looked upon as a species of prodigy. Endowed with an intellect as powerful as her beauty was great, and possessing extraordinary natural abilities, she listened with eagerness to the conversation of those officers and other gentlemen who became her favourites, and treasured up all the information she could thus acquire. She was also fond of reading the newspapers sent from England and all works treating of the mother country and the principal nations of Europe. And thus she gleaned a vast amount of miscellaneous knowledge, fitting her to become a woman of the world. With singular facility too she studied and appropriated the gentility of gait, demeanor and manners which she observed in her superiors. And the very bearing of the ladies in Sydney as they walked abroad was noted and adopted by her. Thus even in her poverty, to which she clung rather than surrender up her independence by becoming a wife or a kept mistress, for she might have been either, even in her poverty I say, there was an air of lofty pride and calm auteur about her, which would have led a stranger to fancy that she had sprung from an aristocratic stock whose family fortunes had decayed. Moreover, her spirit was indomitable and fiery, and she knew full well how to avenge an insult. And did she receive overtures from any one who was displeasing to her, she would reject them with scorn, and if possible she would punish the adventurous suitor in one way or another for his insolence in addressing her. It was her delight at times to throw around herself and her deeds her words and even her entire character, a veil of mystery, and to effect an eccentricity of habits and a singularity of manner which made many ignorant and credulous people imagine that she was a being of no common order. Amongst those who might be properly styled her equals, she was reserved, cold and distant, and even to those whom in the same sense we may denominate her superiors, she demeaned herself condescendingly, as if conferring a favour on them by her presence. In her amores she maintained this singular pride as if she were a Catherine of Russia, inviting her lovers to her arms, but never yielding to the invitation that might come from them. In a word, this perdita was looked upon as the most remarkable and at the same time the most unintelligible, the most incomprehensible character at Sydney, and even the most respectable persons were anxious to have her pointed out to them when they walked abroad. Endowed with such a splendid intellect, possessed of such rare and almost superhuman loveliness, robing herself as it were a mystery, and evincing so proud a spirit, as well as such an aptitude for the self-appropriation of the refinements and the etiquette of gentile breeding, it cannot be wondered at if perdita should have been regarded in no common light by the inhabitants of the penal settlement. But from all I have now told you, Charles, it is easy for you to comprehend how dangerous is the character of such a woman, how completely she must be the mistress of every art in the school of hypocrisy, guile and deceit, and if I have been thus elaborate in my details respecting her, if I have thus my nutly recapitulated all that I learnt from the two officers at Dover, it is simply to place you more effectually on your guard with reference to that siren. I have already said, interrupted Charles, speaking with the vehemans of sincerity and of deep conviction, that never, never could she resume her empire over me. Oh, my dear father, the lesson has been too terrible not to have served as a warning, and sooner would I seek the embrace of a hideous serpent than suffer myself to be allured back to the arms of perdita. And oh, ejaculated the young man, a sudden reminiscence flashing to his mind, I should have taken warning days and days ago, for I recollect a fearful dream which I had, and which I now must look upon as providential, madman that I was to neglect so solemn a foreshadowing of the truth. Compose yourself, Charles, cried Mr Hatfield, and now let me finish my narrative. I had reached that point which related to my accidental interview with the officers at Dover, where I was compelled to pass the night, a night of cruel and torturing suspense. Next morning I crossed to Calais, and there I obtained a trace of you at Desan's Hotel. Without delay I took a post-chase and hurried on in pursuit. I reached Paris at five last evening and put up at the hotel once we started just now. But I had not any time to lose, for I felt convinced that you intended to marry perdita. I accordingly hurried off to the British Embassy, either to know the worst if the worst were indeed already accomplished, or to take any measures I could to anticipate the ceremony in case it should not have been as yet performed. But I could not obtain any satisfactory intelligence. No one to whom I addressed myself was able to state whether certain persons whom I described had been married during the day or not. I drove to the dwelling of the Chaplin, but he had gone a few miles into the country. I found out the abode of his clerk, but this official was likewise from home. Almost distracted, I sped to the prefecture of police to ascertain if it were possible to discover your address in Paris, knowing that the landlords of all hotels are under the necessity of making daily returns of the names of their lodgers to the proper authorities. But I found the prefecture closed for the night, and I returned exhausted with fatigue and disconsolate in mind to the hotel. Summoning the commissionaire, I gave him the necessary instructions to make particular inquiries at the prefecture the moment that establishment should open in the morning. This, he promised to do, and I retired to bed, but not to rest. Oh, my dear father! exclaimed Charles, seizing his parents' hand and pressing it with fervour to his lips. How can you ever pardon me for all the uneasiness I've occasioned you? And if you can, how shall I hope to receive the forgiveness of my mother when she learns all the sorrow you've endured on my account? It is not perhaps necessary that your mother should be made acquainted with everything, observed Mr Hatfield emphatically, but all this will depend upon circumstances, especially on the results of our previous and private interview with Lord Ellingham. As for you and me, Charles, we have already forgiven each other everything, said Mr Hatfield in a solemn tone. And now my narrative has reached its conclusion, he added. For shortly after eight o'clock this morning, the commissionaire came and informed me that he had discovered the hotel where you were residing. You know the rest. Charles sighed, but made no answer, and the journey was continued for a long time in profound silence. End of section 46