The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 388: what you’re looking at

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382 there as a prisoner until Laura’s flight should be ensured, he himself was the most proper person to hold her in such custody. Hdgar Beverley’s pre- sence in the rescue of his beloved was of course absolutely necessary; and Christian felt that the mountebank might not possibly be quite so firm or strenuous as he himself would be in holding the negress fast. “She may hold out promises of heavier bribes from Sir John than Edgar can give,” thought our hero to himself; “and the juggler might be tempted. The guardianship of this woman for the present shall consequently be my own care.” So soon as Beverley and the mountebank had hastened away from the spot, Christian said to the negress, “I have already assured you that no harm will befall you if you remain silent and motionless on the spot where you now stand. But I charge you uot to trust too much to my forbearance: for I should be little inclined to stand upon punctilious terms with one who has been instrumental in keeping an innocent young lady in an odious cap- tivity.” The horrible black woman was completely over- awed by Christian’s words and manner, which he purposely rendered fierce and threatening: and she continued quiet. In the meantime Edgar Beverley and the moun- tebank had advanced towards the mansion; and the former had no difficulty in at once discovering which was the chamber occupied by his beloved Laura. Indeed, at the very moment that he and his assistant arrived in front of the dwelling, a light appeared in that particular room, Hdgar’s heart beat quickly: his ear could catch its pulsa- tions as he and the mountebank paused in front of Verner House to assure themselves that no one else was lurking about outside. The night was very dark, but perfectly mild; and no suspicious sound reached them—nor could their eyes, strain- ing to penetrate through the obscurity, discern any human form moving about. The ladder was accordingly planted against the window of Laura’s chamber: and Edgar, rapidly ascending it, tapped gently at the glass. The few moments which fol- lowed ere the summons was answered, were full of acutest suspense for the lieutenant,—inasmuch as he could not see into the room, the heavy draperies being drawn completely over the casement, and it might not be Laura who was there—or if it were, it was by no means certain that she was alone. Her sister or a maid-servant might happen to be with her—although her note to her lover had given rise to a hope in altogether a contrary sense. The suspense of Edgar Beverley was not how- ever of long duration: the draperies parted in the centre—and the well-beloved Laura appeared to his view. Ob, with what ecstacy beat his heart! what joy thrilled through his form! The light of the wax-candles inside the chamber beamed upon his countenance; and a kindred animation of wild delight irradiated the young maiden’s features as she recognised him who was dearer to her than any being in the world beside. Nevertheless, caution was not lost sight of—the window was opened gently—and then Laura’s fair hand was pressed to Edgar’s lips. “Come, dearest—come!” he said in a low but fervid whisper: “the chaise is waiting —there must not be an instant’s delay !” a —_—_— THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. “ Dearest Edgar!’ murmured the damsel, her joy being so excessive that her emotions now found vent in tears. “ You know not how much I have suffered But never, never, Edgar,” she added more firmly, and likewise with a sudden access of solemnity,—‘“ never, never will 1 forget all this goodness on your part!” She pressed his hand, and flew to put on her bonnet and shawl: but her heart fluttered and her hand trembled so that she felt as if she had in- curred the danger of being as much overpowered by joy as but a short time back she stood the chance of being overwhelmed with affliction. At length however, after the lapse of some moments —which seemed ages to the impatient lover—she was ready attired; and she rejoined him at the window. Still so timid and nervous was she, how- ever, that he perceived at a glance she would not be able to descend the ladder without the most careful assistance ; and vaulting over the window- sill, he sprang into the room, that.he might help her out first, and thus be enabled to hold her hand as she descended the ladder. But at that very instant the sound of a door opening in the first room of the suite, reached the ears of the lovers; and Laura, suddenly becoming pale as death, faintly ejaculated, “ My sister!” Not for a single instant did Edgar Beverley lose his presence of mind: on the contrary, it all in a moment received the most vivid impulse; and with one spring across the room, he reached the door of communication between the two chambers. ‘The handle of that door was already turning in the grasp of Mrs. Oxenden,—when the key itself was turned by Edgar Beverley; and the next instant he was by Laura’s side again. “Open the door, Laura!” exclaimed the voice of Mrs. Oxenden from the opposite side of the secured portal: “open the door directly, f com- mand you!” “Hnergy, dearest Laura—energy and courage, for God’s sake!’ whispered Beverley. “ The least hesitation—and everything is lost!” But as Mrs, Oxenden’s voice continued to peal from the opposite side of the door, the poor damsel was almost overwhelmed with affright ; in such dread did she stand of her sister, that she could not possibly conquer her terrors. Nevertheless, by some little exertion on her own part, but more through the assistance of her lover, she passed over the window-sill and got upon the ladder,—at the same time that the voice of Mrs. Oxenden sud- denly ceased to be heard from the opposite side of the door: though the excitement experienced by both the lovers prevented them from hearing the sounds of the unprincipled woman’s rapidly re- treating footsteps. The crisis was now a serious one—for though Beverley was determined to defend Laura with his very life, if necessary, yet he likewise knew that his uncle had a numerous retinue of male depen. dants, and that he would not scruple to urge them to any deed of violence. However, by the joint assistance of her lover and the mountebank, Laura descended the ladder, and reached the ground iv safety. Then away towards the post- chaise! But all in an instant the front door of the mansion opened—Sir John Steward and Mrs. Oxenden rushed out first-—-a troop of men-servants ollowed next; and from a side-door three or four ————— sinned ee ea en RETEST cAaiUSEiOReseTAEGTil: eB lnSNA ARS na SSSI SR TT iio Go 0)(0)0) S (©)