The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 253: what you’re looking at

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i ee CT e>” 238 THE MYSTERIES. ex:ceptionable letters of introduction, and a resolu- tion to do justice to any situation which [ might be fortunate enough to procure, would enable me to vanquish an adverse fate and fortune and gain my bread. Yesterday morning I set foot fcr 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 seught for employment. Having therefore pro- cured a lodging in a house which I considered to be respectable, I left my small portmanteau there and sallied forth to render myself better acquainted with London, In the evening I returned to my lodging, exhausted with many hours’ rambling ; and sleep soon visited my eyes. But I was presently awakened by the most terrific screaming, fighting, and quarrelling; and hastily dressing myself, I rushed down stairs to protect the females who were being ill-treated. The door of a room stood open ; and in that apartinent | beheld an orgie of so disgust- ing a nature as to convince me ina moment that I had been cruelly deceived in respect to the charac- ter of the house. Interference with the brawlers I perceived to be useless; but I resolved not to re- main another moment ina place whose very atmos- phere was contamination. I therefore hurried up stairs—threw my portmanteau over my shoulder—. and abruptly quitted the abode of infamy, although I had paid a week’s rent in advance. Under the impression that I should find some tavern open, where I could take up my quarters, I hastened along—threading street after street—but observing that ail the houses were closed. Atlength I grew so wearied that I was compelled to sit down and rest myself. Two respectable-looking men -—at least so far as [ could judge of them by the uncer- tain moonlight—accosted me; and I ingenuously told them all that had happened. They expressed their 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, | hesitated not to follow them. One of the men, noticing that I was much exhausted, insisted on carrying my portmanteau; and though I felt ashamed to give him so much trouble, I was co pelled to yield to what appeared his generous solivitude. We walked on for some little distance, and at Jength 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 upon me—flung me violently upon the steps leading to a house-door— and rifled me of my purse and pocket-book. The resistance I made was feeble and ineffectual: for I was nearly stunned by the maltreatment I had re- ceived. Nevertheless, { did struggle with the ruffian to the utmost of my ability: but having succeeded in robbing me, he dashed me back again with such savayve ferocity on the stones that | remember no- thing more until I was aroused to consciousness beneath your lordship’s roof.” Ramsey ceased; and with so much apparent frankness had he told his story, that the Earl of Desborough was completely deceived by it. “it isa narrative the concludiug incidents of which are unfortunately of no rare occurrence,” said the nobleman, “ Villanies of that class are more common than good deeds in this metropolis, Mr. Wakefield.” “But the laws—the magistrates—the constables, — -—- ol —— SOC oO OO CO OO" my lord,” exclaimed Ramsey, with a well feigned simplicity, “ will procure me the restoration of my property.” “There is not the least chance of recovering i¢,” replied? the Earl. “My God! what will become of me ?” ejaculated the hypocrite, clasping his hands together. “ All that I possessed in the world was contained in the portmanteau aud the 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 deep despondency. * Tranquillise yourself, Mr. Wakefield,” said the nobleman: “ you shall not jeave this house penni- less or friendless. Iam not disposed to do things by halves; and your history—your mauner—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 debts, must enlist the sympathies of every humane heart in your favour: the precipitation with which you fled from a disreputable house led to the results 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 bitterly com- menced your experience of London life: for the unpleasant adventure of last night has thrown you in my way—and I 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; and the generous, un- suspecting, kind-hearted nobleman was _ thereby confirmed in the good opinion which he had already entertained of his guest. “You shall pass a few days beneath this roof, Mr. Wakefield,” he said; “and in the interval we will talk over the different plans that L may sug- gest fur your contemplation. J shall 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 iord,” 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—loviny seclu- sion—-and little acquainted with the manners and customs of English life, [ 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 house uutil I can settle some plan for your benefit, I am de- termined: but whether 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- field, and repaired to the apartment of the Coun- tess to recite to her ladyship all that their guest had told him. An hour later the nobleman’s valet entered Ram- sey’s room with a change of linen and other neces- saries of the toilette; and soon after the domestic had retired, the criminal rose from his couch. Fortunately he possessed a good suit of clothes— the very same in which he had appeared upon the (C(O)|NN) Cc 6)(0)() (C(0) Sc