The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 205: what you’re looking at

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

190 the old gentleman’s threats: but William Deveril stood with his arms folded, his looks bent down, his face pale, and his lips white and quivering. He said not a word; and yet it was evident that he deeply felt the indignity offered to Mr. Gunthorpe. The Captain and Mr. Forester, having done their work, hastened back to the measured ground in order to hurry on the proceedings as quick as pos- sible, so as to prevent farther interruption. The military surgeon walked up to Mr. Gunthorpe, who was struggling desperately to emancipate himself from his bonds; and producing his brandy-flask, he offered to pour some down the captive’s throat, “in order to soothe him.” But Mr. Gunthorpe bade him begone with such fierce indignation, that the doctor did not persist in his proposal. Meanwhile Captain Lennox had resumed his former position, with the white handkerchief ready to drop: Lord Harold and-William Deveril again found themselves confronted according to the laws of honour—the signal was given—but only one pistol was fired. That one was Lord Harold Staun- ton’s. Deveril however stood unhurt. * You did not fire, sir!’ exclaimed Captain Len- nox to the young artist. “Tt was not my intentiom,’ was the latter’s cold but firm reply. “It was not I who provoked this duel——” “Enough! say nothing, Deveril!” interrupted Mr. Forester. “I presume that Lord Harold Staunton” is now satisfied?” he added, turning towards that individual. The young nobleman hesitated what reply to give. His better feelings prompted him to answer in the affirmative: but “the empire which the lady of the masquerade had acquired over him, became paramount—he felt that to obtain the crowning favour of her love he must prosecute the murderous game still farther—and his decision was therefore taken accordingly. ‘‘T cannot consider it an act of bravery on Mr Deveril’s part to abstain from firing,” he said: “but I choose to regard it as a proof that he was resolved to avoid the chance of a second exchange of shots. Therefore I am not satisfied.” “We must proceed, Mr. Forester,” said Captain Lennox, with cold-bluoded laconism. “This is nothing short of downright savage butchery and barbarous murder!” vociterated Mr. Gunthorpe, now struggling more desperately than ever to extricate himself from his bonds. ‘‘ Deveril —Lord Harold——” But here the old gentleman’s throat became so dry with excitement and hoarseness, that his voice failed him and he could say no more. Fresh yistols had in the meanwhile been handed to Lord Harold Staunton and William Deveril— i ET Captain Lennox again took his post—the. signal | with the white handkerchief was given—and a sharp — report rang through the morning air. Again was it Lord Harold’s weapon that was alone fired: but this time not without effect—for Deveril dropped upon the grass ! “You have murdered him!” cried Mr. Gun- thorpe, now suddenly recovering his voice: and with a superhuman effort he broke away from the gate to which he had been bound. The military surgeon was already rushing to the THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT, Deveril. Lord Harold, much agitated, likewise lent his assistance. The young man’s eyes were closed—his shirt and waistcoat over his right breast were already saturated with blood—his lips moved not—the breath of life appeared to waver there no more ! “Fly, fly!” exclaimed the military surgeon: “ he is dead; It is useless for you to remain.” “Dead! My God, is it possible? Dead! no— no!” ejaculated Mr. Gunthorpe, who now reached the spot: and falling upon his knees, he bent over the inanimate form of William Deveril. “ Here, sir,” said Mr. Forester. ‘‘ You are in- nocent of any hand in all this—take that key—it opens a desk at poor Deveril’s lodgings—and there you will find certain instructions to be fulfilled. For God’s sake, do not neglect them.” - Thus speaking,. Forester thrust the key into the hands of Mr. Gunthorpe, who was sobbing and weeping over the young artist as if his heart would break. Forester then sped away, along with Lord Harold Staunton and Captain Lennox,—Mr. Gun- thorpe and the surgeon alone remaining with him who had fallen in the duel. It must not however be thought that Forester meant to leave them to manage as they might in the matter. He made straight for the spot where he was to meet his carriage, and ordered it to pro- ceed as near to the field as it possibly could get— likewise giving instructions to his domestics that they were to hurry to the scene, render what assist- ance they were able in removing the body into the vehicle, and then hold themselves entirely at the orders of Mr. Gunthorpe. Having done this, Forester rejoined Lord Harold and Captain Lennox, and hastened away with them in their own vehicle. CHAPTER XLL MORE SCENES AT SAXONDALE HOUSE. Ir was about half-past ten o’clock at night, when the tall forn: of a man, with a hat slouched over his countenance, and muffled in a cloak, advanced hur- riedly up Park Lane. Considering that it was the middle of swnmer, it was doubtless somewhat sin- gular for an individual to be thus apparelled; and such a super‘luity as a capacious mantle could only be for the purpose of disguise. So thought the po- liceman who was sauntering leisurely down the street: but in that aristocratic quarter the consta- ble could not think of interfering with the object of his notice. He set it down as some affair of gal- lantry, aad proceeded on his way. The muffled figure stopped at the door of Saxon- dale House—knocked and rang—and during the few moments that elapsed ere his summons was answered, appeared excessively impatient and ner- vous. The door was however soon opened; and at once entering the hall, he himself, anticipating the functions of the porter, shut the door quickly; then removing his hat, he revealed the countenance of spot where Forester and Lennox were raising Mr, | ee en ee eS + Lord Harold Staunton. He likewise threw off his cloak,—at the same time saying In an agitated manner to the porter, ‘‘ Of course you know what has occurred ? Hence this disguise! Is Lord Saxon- dale at home ?” “ No, my lord—he is not,” was the reply. oe ee ee ee ee ECORNIECLOO (C Ss (E()