The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 161: what you’re looking at

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

130 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘What more can I do for you, my good man?” asked the commercial traveller, in a mild and encouraging tone. ‘“ You seem to be very, very ill — and alone — ”’ ‘ Yes — yes — all alone —alone!’’ murmured the in- valid, knitting his brows in a manner indicative of mingled rage and despair. ‘‘ The ungrateful girl — Julia — to desert her own father — leave me for hours — yes, hours — ” “Then you are hungry? — you require food, and you are unable to rise from your bed to take it?’ enclaimed Page. ‘Ah! I understand, poor man, but I will get you food.” ‘““ Stay, sir — stay!’ said the invalid, as the commercial traveller was turning toward the cupboard to fetch a morsel of bread to place between the famished being’s lips. “ Stay, sir,’ he repeated, his voice acquiring strength, now that his throat was no longer parched with a torturing thirst; “ I do not require food — I could not eat — I — I am dying! ” “1 will run and fetch hither a doctor!’ exclaimed the bustling and agile Page, now springing toward the door. ‘“ No — no — stay, I implore you!” said the invalid, in an appealing tone. ‘“ I am past all hope — beyond the in- fluence of human aid — I feel that I am dying! And when I am gone — but I must not waste words— my voice is failing me —a dimness is coming over my eyes — where are you, sir? — why have you put out the light? ” And the workings of the invalid’s ghastly countenance were horrible — horrible to behold. ‘““T am here, my good man, and I have not extinguished the light,’’ returned Page, bending over the bed. ‘“ But speak — tell me what you have to say — give me your in- junctions — ” ‘“ Stoop down — place your ear close to my lips,’”’ resumed the dying man, now speaking with extreme difficulty. “Are you close?” ‘“ Yes — yes — proceed!” exclaimed the commercial traveller, breathless with suspense. ‘“Place your hand beneath my pillow — just under my head,” gasped the old man. ‘ There — take that pocket- book — tell Julia— Oh! I am dying! My God! my God! pardon — mercy — Hannah — Julia — Julia— Oh! mercy — pardon — pardon — ”’ And with a deep groan he expired. At the same instant, as if with an ominous emblematic COmMICMOOoOkKS.C©