The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 334: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE OOURT. 823 CHAPTER CXLVIIL. LOBD CLANDON. Ws need hardly inform the reader that immense was the public excitement when it became re- ported abroad that Lord Clandon was innocent of the thurder of his uncle many years back—that he who had so long borne the ducal title since that tragic event, was the veritable assassin — that having ina last illness thade a full confession, ha had prematurely paid the debt of ndture—that his unhappy wife, as innocent as he was puilty, had perished through affliction at the same time—ahd that a youthful heir had been found for thé title of Marchmont. But it did not transpire by what means these revelations and these circumstances had been brought about: the secret of Queen In- dora’s arrangements in respect to the tribunal, was faithfully kept by the old steward Purvis and the other domestics at Oaklands who had been necessarily privy to thoée measures. The Queen and the twins returned to London : Christina remained with her Majesty—but Chris- tian, by the advice of Mr. Coleman, and likewise at the earnest recotimendation of his cousin Lord Clandon, proceeded to take up his abodé at March. mont. Howse in Beigrave Square. There, at a mansion in which he had formerly filled a com- paratively hamble position, he was now receivéd as a lord and a master; and the onrrisgés of the highest aristocracy were continuously driving up to the door that cards might be left for the young Duke of Marehmont. The day for Lord Clandon’s trial was now at hand: the law required that this ceremony ehould take place, though every one knew that it must prove a mere matter of form, and that the inno- cence of his lordship would be fally made mani- feat. Indeed, immediately after the events at Oaklands Lord Clandon ceased to occupy a cell in the prison of Newgate—but was lodged in the best apartments of the Governot’s house, where he was treated with all possible distinction. He did not however avail himself of the altered circumstances of hie case to demand permission to issue from the prison-walls: but he was daily visited by Queen Indora, the young Duke of Marehmont, and Lady Christina Vivian. The day of the trial arrived; and the court was crowded to excees. Indora and Christina weré not there: they considered that it would not be seomly for them to make their appearance thus in public. But Christian was present; and ad he eat upon the bench near the judge, he was an ob- ject of the utmost interest on the part of all the epectators. Clad in mourning—which he however wore rather for the sake of the hapless Lavinia than for that of the assassin of his own father— looking pale and slightly careworn with the effects of much excitement,—the young Duke maintained a demeanour in which dignity and modesty were biended ; and he longed for the términation of these proceedings that he might accompany his loved relative Lord Clandon to tho home prepared for his reception in Belgrave Square. A profound silence for a few minutes reigned in the Court when Lord Clandon was ushered into the dock; and a feeling of deep sympathy prez vailed on behalf of that nobleman. He, as well as Christian, was clad in mourning: for inasmuch as his brother had died penitent, Bertram did not conceive that he ought to refuse that tribute to the memory of the deceased. The jury having been sworn and the indictment réad, there was a pause to afford an opportunity for the proseenting counsel, if any, to rise and open the case. But there was none; and the judge observed—glanecing with mach kin@ness and sympathy towards the prisoner,—“ I¢ is notorious that in this cage the nobleman who stands in the dock will in a few minutes make his innocence completely manifest; and it is therefore a most unnecessary humiliation to keep him in a place which criminals only should occupy.” This hint was immiediately welcomed by mur. murs of approbation; and the turnkey at once re- quested Lord Clandoh to issue from the dock and take a seat at the barristers’ table. Then several noblemen and gentlemen, who had known him in his youngér days, crowded round to shake him by the hand: and several friends of a more recent date likewise pressed forward for the same par- poss. Amongst these latter were Sit William Stanley, his son Captain Stanley, and Sir Frederick Latham. Mr. Coleman was hkewi¢e there, —hav- ing in his possession the important doéumenst which had recently been drawn up at Oaklands, aiid which was now to be produced. This was the confession. In the first place Purvis the steward, and the physivian who had attended at the murdérer’s death-bed, were placed in the witriess-box and sworn; and they declared that they had attested the document which was now exhibited to them. Mr. Coleman went through the same ceremony, and the clerk of the Court then road the confes- sion. It was listened to with the attention and interest which such a narrative was so well calcu- lated to excite; and when the reading was termi- nated, the foreman of the jury at once rose, saying, “It is with unfeigned pleasure that we formally prociaim that with whivh the court was already acquainted ; namely, the innocence of Lord Clan- don.” “ Before your lordship pronounces my dis- charge,” said Bertram, rising from the seat which he had taken at the barristers’ table, “I would crave your indulgence and that of the jury while I speak a few words on my own behalf. I admit my object to be that they should go forth to the public through tho ordinary channels of intell:- gence. I havé two distinct parposes in view: in the first place, to rescue the memory of a deceased lad from even the slightest remnant of suspicion which may rest against it -— and in the second place to prové how for several long years I was in utter ignoraneé of my uncle’s tragic end, and how for even some time after that intelligence reached me, E was unable to take any steps towards tho demonstration of my innocence.” Lord Clandon paused for a few moments: he Was deeply affected at that allusion which he had mado to the deceased Dachess Eliza. Having re- gained his self-possession, and amidst the breath- lees tilenco which prevailed in the court, he pfoe ceeded aa follows: — * Not for an instant do I attempt to deny that I fondly and devotedly loved Elisa Lacey, with CONNUG NOOK (CO