The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 377: what you’re looking at

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from suspense. What do you know of my affairs? —what can you do for me?—and who are you ?” “T know everything concerning you, Mr. Claren- don,” rejoined the lady; “ not only your position— but likewise your secret thoughts. When I was with you on the former occasion, I read your sou thoroughly and comprehended your character well You are ambitious—and your longings may be gra- tified, if you have the courage to enter upon the course which [ shall point out.” “And that course ?” said Mr. Clarendon, trem- bling with agitation. *‘ Ts not free from erime,” answered the lady, in a resolute tone: and, as she leant slightly forward, it seemed to Mr. Clarendon that her eyes shone with a sinister lustre even through the thick folds of the black veil. “ Crime!— crime!” murmured the ambitious man: “isthe world, then, so constituted that nothing can be done without crime? But there are degrees in crime, Jady,” he said aloud, and addressing him- self directly to her. “ He who aspires to great things, must not hesitate to commit great crimes,” was the startling response: and the voice which gave utterance to these ferocious words was suitably stern anc merciless in its tone. “Great crimes!" repeated Mr. Clarendon. “ Yes —to wrovg the orphan or rob the widow—to plunder the confiding and the unprotected,—these are great crimes: but——” “But they are nothing in comparison with the deeds which men must often perpetrate to gain a special end,” exclaimed the lady. ‘“ Forgery is a greater crime than any you have named; and mur- der," she added, sinking her voice to g low whisper, so that her words came hissing through the veil as if it were a serpeut’s head that were concealed behind it,—“ murder is the greatest crime of all !” “Murder!” repeated Mr. Clarendon, his whole frame convulsing with a shudder that was perfectly visible. “ Who art thou, temptress?— why dost thou come hither to try me?— what dost thou mean ?” “ Listen,” said the lady, with imperturbable calm- ness and self-possession. “ Suppose that you were walking in company with the Hon. Arthur Eaton along the brink of a tremendous precipice over- looking the sea; and suppose that no eye saw you save that of God—and you were well convinced that human suspicion would never attach itself to you, but that you might continue to hold your head erect——” “Enough! enough!” exclaimed Mr. Clarendon: “TI understand you but too well. Great heaven! what feeling is this that prompts me to fall into your views—that impels me to rush blindly into the course which you are already developing with a dim yet horrible significancy ——”’ “Oh! give not way to a maudlin sentimentalism,”’ cried the lady, in a toneof contempt: “ but proclaim yourself at once a man who is able to resolve sternly and act courageously. I say, then—would you, in the case which I propounded, thrust forth your hand and hurl from the precipice the only human being who stands between yourself aud a proud title with a princely fortune 2?” “Who are you that ask this question 2?” demanded Clarendon, rising from his seat. “ What guarantee THE MYSTERIES. “The guarantee that there are no witnesses to our discourse, and that you could indignantly deny any averments I might choose to make publicly re- specting the particulars of this interview. This is y ~ ‘xd the lady, emphatically. i Mr. Clarendun. “ Well—I nt which is already beginning vill throw myself entirely upon ‘cy—and I will confess all that pit. Now do you understand tisfied?” t you will not hesitate at any C necessary to accomplish certain r “ promise me this—and I shall we 4t 4.4 oP af ered Mr. Clarendon, in a tone _ , , desperation of a soul suddenly nerved to accomplish any turpitude: “nay more— I swear!” “ Good ” exclaimed the lady, ina voice expressive of that deep concentrated satisfaction which a tigress might be supposed to feel after feasting her ravenous maw on human flesh. “ And now listen to the terms on which I offer to serve you. But start not—the condition is a singular one—and it is ——” “Name it—name it!" ejaculated Mr. Clarendon, his suspense being once more raised to @ feverish pitch. “ What is this condition ?” “ That you marry me!” was the reply. “Woman, you are mad—or you are making a cruel mockery of my feelings!” cried Mr. Claren- don, springing from his seat. “I never was more gerious in my life,” observed the lady, in that calm, imperturbable tone which be- spoke alike the remorseless nature of her disposition and the strength of her character. “Resume your seat—and listen attentively.” Mr. Clarendon sate down accordingly. “The Hon. Arthur Eaton,” continued the lady, “stands between you and the Marchmont peerage. Consequently bis removal from the theatre of this world is necessary to your interests. On the other hand, his death can alone appease the now insatiate vengeance which I entertain towards him. But you cannot make him your victim without practising violence or stratagem—and in either case suspicion may fall upon you: and J am powerless, so long as I remain unaided and alone. But together, we may accomplish our purpose; and the same result which ministers to your ambition, gratifies my rev Now, Mr. Clarendon, do you comprehend me ?” “I do,” was the gloomy answer. “ But what hap- piness, think you, will result from an alliance such as this which you propose that we should form ?” “ Happiness!” ejaculated the lady, in a tone of ineffable contempt: “what care we for domestic happiness? Our aims are of a higher nature and have a grander scope. You have your ambition te gratify—J my vengeance: you will attain the object of your desires—J shall reach ming. These aids once accomplished, what matters it whether we suit each other as husband and wife? On the contrary, Jet us each pursue our own course according to our respective fancy and taste. Have you your mis- tresses, should it se please you: but blame me not if I likewise have my lovers. But should it chance that we experience an affection for each other,— . should your courage in executing our purpose win have I that no treachery is intended by your visit— | my heart, and should my beauty captivate you,— that uo suure is laid for me by yeur languaze 2” ‘Ean well, so much the better! For I am beauutul— COONAN atteilo) FD) S co