The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 178: what you’re looking at

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

152 THE COURT OF LONDON increased trepidation alike of voice and manner. ‘“ Ah! Fernanda, conscience renders us the most despicable of cowards — ”’ | ‘Say rather that conscience renders you a coward,” exclaimed Fernanda, her scarlet lips wreathing with a con-. temptuous expression, and her violet eyes flashing a look of ineffable scorn upon her husband. ‘ For my part,” she continued, in. that haughty tone of proud defiance which she was so frequently wont to adopt, ‘ I acknowledge not the power of conscience.” ‘‘ How often, Fernanda, oh, how often,’ cried Lord Holder- ness, trembling visibly, ‘‘ must I implore you not to add blasphemy and impiety to the other crimes — ”’ ‘Which we have both committed, eh?” observed that young patrician female who was strong-minded in her wicked- ness. ‘ But do not give way to idle terrors, Walter,’”’ she added, in a milder tone. “ At first I must confess that I was not particularly well pleased with an encounter that might lead to mischief and could not possibly do any good; but I have no doubt that Caroline Walters has gone her ways and will not let us hear of her any more. Besides, what after all could she say against me? That I was an inmate of Mrs. Lindley’s establishment under particular circumstances. But to scandalize me behind my back would be to draw down suspicious looks upon herself; and those suspicious looks would speedily penetrate the disguise in which she has clothed herself. No, no; trust me, Walter, that we have nothing to fear from that young woman.” Scarcely were these words uttered, when a loud double knock at the front door resounded through the house; and in a few moments the footman appeared, ushering Caroline Walters (whom the domestic of course took for a young naval officer) into the presence of Lord and Lady Holder- ness. ‘What means this intrusion?” demanded Fernanda, haughtily and fiercely, the moment the footman had with- drawn, and her eyes shot forth lightnings at Caroline. “Did we not pledge an eternal friendship at Mrs. Lind- ley’s? ”’ was the exclamation of her to whom the peremptory query was addressed. , ‘But do you imagine me to be ignorant of the fact that you are charged with the murder of that woman? ”’ cried Eomicdoo Ss (E(@) m