The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 249: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

> =—_. exceptionable Jetters of introduction, and a resolu- tion to do justice to any situation which I might be fertunate enouyh to procure, would enable me to wanguish an adverse fute aod fortune and gain my bread. Yesterday morning I set foot for the first time in the British metropolis; and I resolved to devote one day to viewing the different attractions of this mighty city ere I delivered my letters and sought for employment. Having therefore pro- eured a lodging in a house which I considered to we respectable, I left my small portmanteau thera and sallied forth to render myself better acquainted with Londun, In the evening I returned to my lodging, exhausted with many hours’ rambling ; and sleep soon visited my eyes. But 1 was presently awakened by the most terrific screaming, fighting, aud qoarrelling; and hastily dressing myself, I rushed down stairs to protect the females woo were being ill-treated. The door of a room stood open; and in that apartinent | beheld an orgie of so disgust- ing a nature a3 to convince me na moment that I had been cruelly deceived in respect to the charac- ter of the house. Interference with the brawlers | perceived to be useless; but I resolved not to re- main another moment in a place whose very atmos. phere was contamination. I therefore hurried up étairs—threw my portmanteau over my shoulder— and abraptly quitted the abode of infamy, although I had paid a week's rent in advance. Under the impression that I should find sume tavern open, where I could take up my quarters, I hastened aloung—threading street after street—but observing y that all the houses were closed. Atlength I grew so wearied that I was compelled to ait down and rest myself. Two respectable-looking men —at least so far as I could judge of them by the uncer- tain moonlight—accosted me; and I ingenuously told them all that had happened. They expressed tneir commiseration, and offered to conduct me to a decent tavern where I could obtain a bed for the rest of the night. Cordially thanking them for their proposal, I hesitated not to follow them. One of the men, noticing that I was much exhausted, fasisted on carrying my portmanteau; and though I felt ashamed to give him so much trouble, I was co upelled to yield to what appeared his generous Solicvitude. Was walked on for some little distance, and at length entered a large Square, The man who had the portmanteau was a few paces in ad- vance: his friend was by my side. All on a sudden this latter villain threw himself apon me—flung me violently upon the steps leading to a house-door— and rifled me of my purse and pocket-book. The resistance 1 made was feeble aud ineffectual: for I was nearly stunued by the maltreatment I had re- ceived. Nevertheless, | did atruggle with the raffian to the utmost of my ability: but having succeeded in robbing me, he dashed me back again with such savaye ferocity on the stones that 1 remember n>- thing more until I was aroused to consciousness beneath your lordship’s roof.” Ramey ceased; and with so much apparent frankness had he told his story, that the Earl of Desborough was completely deceived by it. “{t isa narrative the eoocluding incidents of which are unfortunately of uo rare occurreuce,” said the nobleman. “ Villanies of that class are more bommon than good deeds in this metropolis, Mr. Wakefield.” “ But the laws—the magistrates -the constables, a en eel ce a -a Ct = my lord,” exclaimed Ramsey, with a well feigned simplicity, “ will proeure me the resteration of my property.” “ There ir not the least chance of recovering 8," ceplio? the Earl. “My God! what will become of me ?° ejaculated the hypocrite, clasping his hands tegether. “AR that I possessed in the world was contained in the portmantean and éhe purse; and in the pocket. book were the letters of introduction which I had brought with me from Jamaica!” he added, as- suming a tone of decp despondency. “ Tranguillise yoursel Mr. Wakefield,” aaid the nobleman: “ you shall not leave this house peani- less or friendiess. Isam not disposed te do things by halves; and your history—your manner—your language, all convince me that you are a deserving person. The honourable way in which you impo- verished yourself to pay your father’s debta, mast enlist the sympathies of every humane heart ia your favour: the precipitation with which you fled from a disreputable house led to the resalts which actually seem a punishment inflicted on virtue. But it may perhaps prove fortunate fur you in the long run that you should have thus bitzerly com- menced your experience of London life: for the uapleasant adventure of last nizht has thrown you in my way—and | will not desert you.” it was easy for Ramsey to weep tears of-joy— easy to express his thanks with an appearance of the most grateful ardour; aud the generous, un- suspecting, kind-hearted nobleman was thereby couficmed in the good opinion which he had already entertained of his guest. “You shal) pass a few days beneath this roof, Mr. Wakefield,” he said; “and in the interval we will talk over the different plans that I may sug- gest fur your contemplation. | shal! then be better able to judge of your views—your capacities—your inclinations ; and my purse and interest shall alike be placed at your disposal.” . “Ah! my lord,” exclaimed Ramsey, “ such good- | ness is indeed unprecedented. But I will not in- | trude many hours longer upon your lordship's hos- | pitality. Naturally of retired habits—lovinz seciu- | sion—-and little acquaiuted with the maaners and ' customs of English life, I should only render my- ! self ridiculous by my awkwardness, which would like- wise humiliate me and increase my embarrass- ment.” “ At all events, Mr. Wakefield, the Countess and | myself dine alone to-day,” said the Earl; “and - you will favour us with your company, if you be well enough to rise from your couch towards the evening. That you shall remain in this huuse antil I can settle some plau for your benefit, I am de- termined: but wheth2r you will keep your own room or join us at our table, shall be left to your discretion.” Having thus spoken, the Earl of Desborough took a temporary leave of the fictitious Mr. Wake- Geld, and repaired to the apartinent of the Coun- tess to recite to her ladyship all that their guest had told hin. An hour later the aobleman’s valet entered Ram- sey's room with a change of linen and other neces saries of the toilette; and soon after the domeste had retired, the criminal] rose from his couch. Fortunately he pussessed a good suit of clothea— the very same in which he had appeared upun the COMICOOOKS.COM