The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 30: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. —_ drinple on the chin likewise lingers, though the , upon his ghastly countenance. At thesamo time, a 13 sweet face has lost somewhat of his chubbiness. | the surgeon, with the methodical precision which Poor little thing! Doubtless it has not been so well cared for as when beneath this roof. But we will take care that the darling shall not be torn from us again.” And desisting for a moment from his enthusi- astic rhapsodies, the good old gentleman bent his eyes upon Nalph, as much as to say that he was at no loss to conjecture whose wickedness it was that had led to the temporary abstraction of the infant. “ Without fora single moment wishing to creatu any bad feeling,’ said Ralph, not choosing to notice Mr. Clifton’s significant regards, “but as a matter of common justice to myself And I am sure,” he added, suddenly turning towards the surgeon, “this gentleman, as a disinterested person, will acquit me of any impropriety a “ish! T understand you, sir,” interrupted Lady Saxondale, with a somewhat haughty air: ‘ you wish to be assured that this is indeed the beloved child that was lost? I might observe that it is only those who are themselves capable of actions the vilest and the basest, that entertain kindred suspicions of others: but in the solemn circum- stauces which have brought you hither, sir, I will raise no subject for indecorous altercation. Nay, I will even admit that it is natural for you to insist upon receiving those proofs to which you have alluded.” “ Perhaps, then, your ladyship,” said Ralph, ‘‘ will condescend to explain how you recovered possession of your son: because, well-meaning and honourably-intentioned as your ladyship may be, guarantees must be afforded that no deception has been practised towards yourself by any one who may have been instrumental in consigning that child to your care.” “Sir,” answered Lady Saxondale, “ this inter- view is for many reasons too painful to be pro- longed; and therefore you will pardon me for de- clining to enter upon any verbal explanations at al]. Nature herself has afforded the means of giving you the best proof that can possibly exist. This gentleman,” she added, flinging a glance to- wards the surgeon, “ received my son at its birth, and can no doubt testify to its identity with the child I now hold in my arms.” Thus speaking, Lady Saxondale sat down; and retaining the babe upon her lap, she calmly and deliberately proceeded to unfasten its clothing. Ralph watched her with a suspense that was truly awful to endure. He watched her thus, not only with intenseanxiety to see whetherthe mark would actually appear upon the child’s shoulder; but also did he watch her to observe whether any trouble was in her own looks—any betrayal on her part of conscious deception! But no: a grave solemnity sat upon her handsome countenance; and not a finger trembled, nor even appeared to hesitate to do its work, as she unfastened the strings of the babe’s clothing. ‘This process did not oceupy more than half a minute; but in Ralph's estimation it seemed whole hours—and therein were concen- trated the agonies, the tortures, and the excrucia- tions of centuries. At lergth it was done: the garments were pulled down—aund the mark of the strawberry appeared upon the child’s shoulder ! Ralph feltannihilated. He moved not—bespoke not—lescarcel y seemed to breathe: but statue-like se stood transfixed, unutterable thoughts working | SSS is characteristic of his profession, and not with the slightest idea of positively satisfying himself upon the point,—for there was not a doubt upon his mind which requiredclearing up at all—bent down and for a few moments scrutinized the mark. “ Yes,” he said, lifting his head again: “if I were on my death-bed, I could unhesitatingly swear to it.” ‘As a matter of course, madam, I have not another word to say,” murmured Ralph, with sickness at the heart and dizziness in the brain: and then he stood staring with mingled vacancy and wildness upon the infant, as Lady Saxondale calmly and deliberately proceeded to tie the strings of its clothes again. When this was done Lady Saxondale gave the child to Mabel; and rising from her seat, she said, ‘Mr. Farefield, if you wish to attend your late uncle’s remains to the tomb, I cannot for a single moment offer any objection.” ‘‘ Madam !” he ejaculated, starting as if froma dream: then somewhat recovering himself, he appeared to hesitate for a few moments. “ Will you allow me to say one word to your ladyship in private 2” ‘““ Not in any other privacy than this,” she an- swered, walking into the recess of the window that was remotest from the group: and as the room was very spacious, the distance was suffi- cient to place them beyond earshot—for Ralpi: at once followed her to that recess. ‘* Madam,” he said, with the look and voice of an utterly broken and helpless man, “I am well aware that I ought to expect no favour from your ladyship. But still I would venture to beseech that you do not altogether suffer me to go forth penniless upon the wide world. For that my uncle has mentioned my name in his will, I can- not entertain the slightest expectation.” “And Iam sure that he has not,” answered Lady Saxondale. “But 1 do not wish to deal too severely with you, Mr. Farefield,” she im- mediately added; “though heaven knows! I have suffered enough through your wickedness.” His looks quailed beneath the meaning glance which she bent upon him with the full power of her dark eyes; and he murmuringly said, “I thank you at least for the few cheering words which preceded the latter portion of your specch. ‘T'ell me, is my presence within these walls hate- ful to your ladyship ? If so, give me the means, and I will depart at once But without them J cannot: for it is a beggar—a veritable beggar— that you see before you !” Lady Saxondale appeared to reflect for some moments: and then she said with more rapid ut- terance than she had previously used, “ When we were boy and girl, Ralph Farefield, we were companions; and ofteu and often have we played together, as happy joyous children, in those gar- deus. J cannot think of all that and not feel some little sympathy on your behalf though, God knows, you do not deserve it! But you cannot remain here; you must depart to-morrow—and l have many things to say to you Do not mistake me: it is merely what [ purpose to do for your welfare that I wish to speak to youabout. At the same time I do not choose that others”—and she glanced over her shoulder towards the spot - ee CORRIEGLOO S (CO)