The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 131: what you’re looking at

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

LORD AND LADY HOLDERNESS 109 crime which is to cement it. Then, continue, I say, and let me see how far you have gone already, so that I may hasten to emulate you. You observed that three persons were acquainted with your guilt in respect to Arthur Eaton? ”’ ‘“‘ Yes, three persons, all or any one of whom can therefore - give up my life to the hangman at any moment,” said Fer- nanda, with a coolness which was remarkable considering the nature of the communication she was making. ‘“ And those three persons? ’’ demanded her husband. “* Who are they? ” - “In the first place, there is Arthur Eaton himself,” replied Fernanda. ‘ Secondly, there is his valet, William Dudley; and thirdly, there is an old midwife named Lindley, who sold me the poison.”’ ‘And Arthur is aware that you thus sought his life? ”’ exclaimed Lord Holderness, gazing upon Fernanda with mingled amazement and incredulity. ‘‘ He discovered the secret of his malady,’ she answered, in atone that convinced her husband she was speaking the truth; “ and by the same means that he found out the bane did he arrive at the antidote.”’ | “Then how know you, Fernanda,” exclaimed the noble- man, becoming suddenly and seriously alarmed, “ how know you that he has not communicated the secret to others? Perhaps his father, Lord Marchmont, or your relatives, the Earl and Countess of Desborough, or Lord Montgomery, your cousin — ”’ “ Tranquillize yourself on that head,” interrupted Fer- nanda. ‘ Not one of all those whom you have mentioned ever dreams of such a thing. Arthur Eaton has kept the secret, religiously and faithfully kept it; nay, more, he has pardoned William Dudley, and, as you are doubtless aware, still retains the man in his service.” ‘‘ But such generosity as this—” began Lord Holder- ness. “ Ts not sufficient to turn me from my purpose,” remarked Fernanda, with an abruptness that overawed her husband in a@ moment and hushed the remonstrance that was still trembling upon his tongue. ‘‘ You have now heard a secret which makes you aware of my real position. At the hands of Arthur Eaton I fear little, if anything at all, as matters stand at present; but his valet and the old woman might, CORNUC } KS \