The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 261: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAISING OF THE STONE 231 link in that chain. As for suspecting any of these honest — people about here, it is out of the question,” added the man of business, in whose mind a suspicion was.already rising up, a suspicion which, though as yet faint and vague in its inception, was still strong enough to prompt the declaration he had just made. | “TI am glad, sir, that you echo my own belief,” said the marchioness, now speaking in a conciliatory tone to the attorney’s clerk and abandoning the reserve she had hitherto maintained toward him. ‘ Your legal experience is an important auxiliary in this difficult and delicate business; and you deserve the best thanks of all present for the manly and honest way in which you expressed your opinion. It would be cruel indeed if unjust suspicion fell upon any individual who could have had no earthly motive for the perpetration of this dreadful crime.’’ ‘There will be an inquest, of course, my lady,” said the steward; ‘‘ and then the whole matter will be duly and prop- erly investigated. Meantime, all opinions should be sus- pended.” ‘“‘ Precisely so,’ observed the marchioness. “ Let the corpse be conveyed to the hall and the usual notice sent to the coroner. I am compelled to depart forthwith on my return to London; but should my presence be needed for any purpose, my steward will communicate with me, and in a few days I shall be enabled to revisit this neighbourhood, if required.”’ ‘‘ And I must also depart at once,’ said Mr. Rigden’s clerk. Then, having made a low obeisance to the marchioness, he hurried back to his post-chaise, which immediately drove away. The corpse of Lord Raymond Montgomery was covered with a sheet brought from Malden Farm, and borne upon a stretcher to Bellenden Hall. The ceremony respecting the bridge was of course abandoned under the mournful circum- stances which had transpired, and the marchioness returned to the homestead where she had passed the night. “Oh, my lady,” said Brooks, now approaching her with anguish and dismay pictured upon his countenance, “ I hope your ladyship is well assured — ”’ ‘That you are innocent of this crime? ”’ exclaimed the marchioness, in a tone of firm decision. ‘‘ I am certain that COU boo S (C(O)