The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 197: what you’re looking at

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

THE EXAMINATION 171 “ What did he tell you, my love? ’”’ demanded Mrs. Brace. “‘ Let me know all he said, that I may see whether he deliv- ered my message properly and completely.” “He told me that yourself and the prince had paid him a very large sum of money to take my cause in hand and make my innocence transpire,’’ said Rose; ‘‘ and that your- self and his Royal Highness were well satisfied that I am innocent. He moreover advised ‘me to leave everything to the barrister whom he had retained in my behalf, and be- sought me to spare the prince and you in any statement that I might unavoidably be called upon to make in order to account for my wandering abroad last night. He added that my innocence was sure to be rendered apparent, and that on being discharged he was authorized to give me a hundred guineas on your behalf, and either recommend me to some respectable family or see me safe off by coach to any country place whither I might choose to repair. This was the sum of the communications made to me by the tall, stout constable.” ‘““And you may perceive, my dear Rose,’’ observed Mrs. Brace, ‘‘ that the prince and myself are deeply penitent for all we have caused you to undergo. You have forgiven me as a Christian — I dare not ask you to look upon me again asafriend. Nevertheless, I will act as one toward you; and please God that your innocence becomes manifest to- day.” ‘Oh, is there any doubt of it? Can there be any uncer- tainty in the case? ”’ exclaimed Rose, suddenly alarmed by the milliner’s observation. ‘‘ What means this prorogation of the hearing? What meant all that mystery respecting the knife? And what was the reason that Mr. Eaton became so powerfully affected at the end of the proceedings? ”’ ‘You forget, my love,’”’ answered Mrs. Brace, “ that I have not been present at the examination. I have been waiting here in the cruellest suspense, and in tears, as you found me. All I know is that something important sud- denly transpired in your favour, and that the renewal of the investigation promises to be characterized by the most vivid, startling, and thrilling interest.”’ ‘“ Alas! alas! if circumstantial evidence should prevail against me!’’ murmured Rose, clasping her hands convul- sively at the bare idea of being consigned to that gaol which ] (C(O) Anyi } KS \