The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 252: what you’re looking at

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9398939599809 9939 sss a eee nn ee oe rem TILE MYSTERIES. 237 unfastened the collar of the cloak which he wore; and, as the candles were placed on a high mantel, his neck, though now exposed, was in the shade. Raising his eyes, and encountering the benevolent looks of the Earl of Desborough, Ramsey mur- mured some few broken and indistinct words ex- pressive of thanks for the generous treatment which he had received. “T deserve no gratitude for performing a simple Christian duty,” answered the nobleman. “As the Countess of Desborough and myself were re- turning home from a party, you were discovered in a deep swoon on the steps of our front-door; and common humanity dictated the rest. I hope that you already feel much better.” “Oh! much better, thank God!” exclaimed Ram- sey: then, having understood from the Earl’s ob- servations who it was that had thus generously suc- coured him, he added, “ My lord, it is more than a mere act of common humanity as the world goes But to-morrow, I will explain m “Do not attempt a syllable of explanation for the present!” interrupted the nobleman. “Are you sufficiently recovered to be left aione ?—or will you have my own valet to assist you to undress and retire to repose ?” “T am sufficiently recovered, my lord——” “Then good night to you, sir,” said the Earl, ina kind tone: and, anxious to escape from any farther expression of thanks on the part of his guest, he quitted the apartment, followed by the two footmen. CHAPTER LXVIL FHE RESUSCITATED. WueEN Ramsey awoke ata late hour in the morning, he was some time before he could so far collect his thoughts as to remember all that had occurred dur- ing the past night. He found himself lying in a sumptuous bed; and, on putting aside the curtains, he perceived that he was in a spacious and elegant chamber, fitted up with every attention to the most luxurious comfort. No longer by sluggish degrees—but with whirl- wind rapidity—the whole train of truths swept in unto his startled soul;—and remembering that the accursed mark must be upon his neck—a mark which perhaps would linger there for many days to come— he hurriedly raised his hand to the collar of his shirt. It was just as he had disposed it on retiring to rest; and, moreover, he recollected that he had fastened the door in order to prevent any one from entering the room and observing him while he slept. Tranquillised by a conviction of security at least for the present, the resuscitated criminal was enabled to reflect with calmness upon his position. He was in a house where he had received and was still enjoying the most generous hospitality : but it would be necessary to volunteer some explana- tion regarding himself. A tale must be invented—a Name must be assumed. These were not difficult matters with one who had grown so inured to dupli- _ city and deception as Ramsey; and in a very short -_—— time he had a plausible history ready to narrate when occasion should demand. Thetime-piece upon the mantel showed him that it was eleveno’clock; and the light of day streaming a through the window-curtains made him aware that it was the forenoon. Rising from his bed, he unlocked the door; having done which, he retired to his couch again. For he not only felt weak and feeble still—but it likewise suited his purpose to represent himself to be so ee | exhausted as to afford an apology for remaining at the Earl of Desborough’s mansion at least until night-fall. Nevertheless, it was equally requisite, on the other hand, that he should not appear so unwell as to induce the Earl to send for a medical man; in- asmuch as some accident might reveal the fatal mark on his neck to the keen eye of professional expe- rience. Shortly after eleven, some one knocked at the door; and Ramsey invited the person to enter. A footman made his appearance, with the compliments of the Earl, who was anxious to know how his guest had slept and how he felt. “Present my most grateful thanks to your noble master,” said the resuscitated, “ and inform him that Iam considerably better; but that, with his lord- ship’s permission, I will repose myself for a few hours longer.” The domestic bowed and retired; and shortly afterwards another servant entered the room, bearing a massive silyer tray, on which were spread the ma- terials for a luxurious breakfast. When again left alone, Ramsey did justice to the meal; and he shuddered as he reflected that the last time food had passed his lips was within an hour or the fatal eight o’clock when he had ascended the steps leading to the scaffold ! Shortly after he had finished his breakfast, the re- suscitated received a visit from the Earl of Des- borough, who shook him kindly by the hand, and ex- pressed the joy which he experienced on finding him in so improved a condition. For the nobleman had perceived at the first glance, by Ramsey’s air and demeanour, that he was a gentleman—an impression which was speedily afterwards confirmed by the few words which had fallen from his lips when he was conveyed to that chamber, as already detailed. The Earl therefore treated him with a snitable courtesy; and, taking a chair near the bed-side, he said, “I beg that you will make my house your home until your full and complete recovery; and if you wish to communicate with your friends, my servants are at your disposal.” Now was the time for Ramsey to narrate his already well-concocted history. “In again expressing my deep gratitude to your lordship,” he said, “ for the kindness I have expe- rienced at your hands, I feel bound to inform you who I am, and under what circumstances I became reduced to the deplorable condition in which your lordship found me last night—or rather, at an early hour this morning. My name is Gustavus Wake- field—and my father was a West India planter, re- sidingin Jamaica, 1am anonlyson, and was brought up in all the indolence which characterises the existence of the wealthy in that clime. Ten months ago my father died, leaving his affairs in a most dis- tracted state—so that when all his liabilities were duly and honourably settled, I found myself penni- less. Happy, however, in having rescued the me- mory of a beloved parent from the stigma which would have attached itself to his name had his debts continued unliquidated, I embarked six weeks ago for England, in the hope that a good education, un- | | | | | Sm _psSnstse — LL eR RR | | | | | nn) 6)(0)©) (C(O) So . (C(O)