The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 238: what you’re looking at

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

TTT TT = THE MYSTERIES. rope—and exclaimed, “ No—no—I am better now —IL assure youthat lam! But there are moments when this sudden indisposition, to which I am sub- ject, seizes upon me with excruciating agonies.” The Earl immediately rallied; and the Prince was fully satisfied with the explanation which had been given. They remained conversing together for a few minutes longer; and then Lord Des- borough in person conducted his Royal Highness to the ehamber prepared for him. The chandeliers were extinguished in the dining and drawing-rooms—one by one, but in quick suc- cession, the domestics ascended to their rooms— one by one also the lights disappeared from the win- dows of their respective chambers; and in a short time a profound silence reigned throughout the spacious mansion. The church-clocks were proclaiming the hour of one, when the door of the Prince’s apartment was opened slowly and-cautiously ;—and his Royal High- ness stole forth into the passage, where a lamp was burning. But searcely had he crossed the threshold, when an ejaculation of surprise fell upon his ears ;— and, to his horror and dismay, he found himself face to face with the Magsman! CHAPTER LXII. THE PRINCE AND THE MAGSMAN. Roortep to the spot—paralysed, as it were—trans- fixed by the varied feelings which the sudden ap- _ parition of this ruffian conjured up in his mind all in a moment,—the heir-apparent could not utter a word, but stood gazing in speechless terror and surprise on the hang-dog countenance which, once ‘seen, could never be forgotten. “ Well, I’m blowed if this isn’t the rummest lark I ever knew im my life!” said the Magsman at length ; for, well aware that the Prince would not venture to alarm the house and give him into custody, he was as free and independent as pos- sible. “Por heaven’s sake, come this way!” whispered his Royal Highness, now recovering the powers of speech, and uttering these words in a voice of mingled entreaty and command. ‘The Magsman accordingly followed the Prince into the bed-chamber, the door of which his Royal Highness carefully closed. Scarcely, however, had that door shut, when the Countess of Desborough came airily and lightly down the passage—but with trembling limbs, a countenance ghastly pale, and a bosom upheaved with the suspended breath. For she had left her own door ajar—she had heard that of the Prince open, in spite of the caution which he ob- ‘served—then she had heard the ejaculation of sur- prise which had fallen from the Magsman’s lips, but which her fancy, influesced by the sudden terror that seized upon it, tortured into an exclamation of rage—next came the sounds of whispering voices —and lastly the door of the heir-apparent’s cham- ber closed again. Ske looked forth into the passage: no one was there. Her fears rose to an intolerable height. She felt convinced that her husband, sus- pecting the understanding into which the Prince had drawn her, had watched in the passage—had 223 intercepted his Royal Highness as he was about to seek her apartment—and had followed him into his own chamber, either to cover him with reproaches, or perhaps for some more desperate purpose. For Eleanor had heard of duels fought across tables, by persons holding handkerchiefs between them so that there should be-no flinching and no retreat without the imputation of cowardice : she had also read of injured husbands taking the law in their own hands in a very summary manner, and shooting without remorse those adventurous gallants who had either debauched their wives or endeavoured to seduce them;—and, knowing the high feelings and exalted sentiments which her husband enter- tained, she was struck with the appalling idea that he would not hesitate to wreak his vengeance on his treacherous guest, all Prince and heir-apparent though he were! Quick as lightning did this train of reflections Sweep across the mind of the unhappy lady, con- vulsing her whole form with anguish, blanching her cheeks, and suspending her very breath: and, under the influence of that fearful consternation, did she hurry along the passage—step noiselessly up to the door of the Prince’s chamber-—apply her ear to the key-hole—and listen with the atten- tion of an awful interest to what was taking place within. But her feclings, so tensely wrung—so exeru- ciatingly tried, speedily experienced a boundlegs relief in one sense,—although only to undergo a painful transition into a state of ineffable wonder- ment, indignation, and deep humiliation. Let us however describe the scene that took | place in the chamber at the door of which the nobie, elegant, and handsome Countess of Des- ! borough was playing the part of eaves-dropper. | “ What are you doing in this house ?” demanded | the Prince, after a long hesitation how he should | address the ferocious ruffian who, leaning against | the bed-post, surveyed him with cool defiance. | “1 suppose I’ve just as much right to ask you the same question,’ was the insolent response: “seeing that it’s no more your house than it is mine.” | “Do you forget who Fam, sirrah?” exclaimed | the Prince, the words hissing through his set teeth | —for he was quivering with a rage that was all the | more furious because of its utter impotency. “Well, I can’t say that I do,” answered the Magsman. ‘ You're the heir to the throne—and a | | | | CO a en et precious rum heir you are, too. But it seems that you forget who Lam: and so [ll just tell you. My name’s Joseph Warren—I don’t Hsquire myself, you see: better known by intimate friends as Joe the Magsman. My wife is that dear soul who now passes in the fine world as Mrs. Brace, and whom you've done me the honour to make your mistress. Yes—and I haven't the slightest doubt that she’s | your go-between—and pander—and procuress— | and everything else good and agreeable. Lord bless ye! d’ye think I can’t read the secret of that fine establishment she keeps, and all those pretty girls that she has about her. But why do you stand looking at me in that savage style? Im only tell- ing you the truth. By the bye, I must thank your Royal Highness for the five hundred guineas you sent me three or four weeks ago through my wife——” ““Wretch! will you make an end of this hideous - COMIC OOO SHo(CO)