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

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

362 from suspense. What do you know of my afiairs? —what can you do for me?—and who are you?” “TI 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 I shall point out.” “And that course ?” said Mr. Clarendon, trem- bling with agitation. “Ts not free from crime,” answered the lady, ina 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, lady,” 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 and merciless in its tone. “Great crimes!” repeated Mr. Clarendon. “ Yes —to wrong the orphan or rob the widow—to plunder the confiding and the unprotected,—these are great crimes: bat——” “But they are nothing in comparison with the deeds which meh 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 a low whisper, so that her words came hissing through the veil as if it were a serpent’s head that were concealed beliind 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 2?” “ Listen,” said the lady, with imperturbabie 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- Jooking 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: “J 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 significancey - “Oh! give not way to a maudlin sentimentalism,” cried the lady, in a toneof contempt: “ but proclaim yourself at once aman 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 TIE 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 your guarantee,” added the lady, emphatically. “True!” ejaculated Mr. Clarendon. “ Well—I will yield to the current which is already beginning to bear me along—{I will throw myself entirely upon your honour and mercy—and I will confess all that you desire me to admit. Now do you understand me ?—and are you satisfied?” “T understand that you will not hesitate at any crime which may be necessary to accomplish certain aims,” said the lady : “ promise me this—and [ shall be satisfied.” “f promise,” answered Mr. Clarendon, in a tone rendered firm by the desperation of a soul suddenly nerved to accomplish any turpitude: “nay more— T 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 nowlisten 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 a feverish pitch. “ What is this condition?” “That you marry me!” was the reply. “\Voman, you are mad—or you are making a erue! mockery of my feelings!” cried Mr. Claren- don, springing from his seat, “TT never was more serious 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 his 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 revenge. Now, Mr. Clarendon, do you comprehend me 2” “T do,” was the gloomy answer. “ But what hap- piness, think you, will result from an alliance suchas this which you propose that we should form ?” “ Happiness!” ejaculated the lady, in a tone of ineilable contempt: “what care we for domestic happiness? Our aims are of a higher nature and have a grander scope. You have your ambition to oratify—J my vengeance: you will attain the object of your desires—JZ shall reach mine. These e.ds once accomplished, what matters it whether we suit each other as husband and wife? On the contrary, let us each pursue our own course according to our respective fancy and taste. Have you your mis- who stands between yourself and a proud title with | tresses, should it so please you: but blame me not if a princely fortune 2” “ Who are you that ask this question ?” demanded Clarendon, rising from his seat. “ What guarantee have I that no treachery is intended by your visit— | that no snare is laid for me by your language 2” — Sees a a ET Cn en 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 my heart, and should my beauty captivate you,— | well, so much the better! For I am beautitul— Go 9)(0)©) AMUC SiGO