The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 237: what you’re looking at

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

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF LONDON LIFE. “Now,” said the minister, as soon as they were alone, “ you would speak with me—be quick, What is it you 1equire ?” “ My life,” whispered the prisoner. es And at what price do you propose to purchase t “My silence,” said the prisoner. hears the stificate of your son’s marriage, and can a queer tale of hat dimaiineie law's death, Beside, that is not all. Your grandson——” “ My grandson!” repeated the baronet, turning pale; “ what of him?” - “Tsin my hands. I brought him up, and can pro- duce him, like a bagged fox, to be turned out when I require him. Is it a bargain?” “ Tt is,” “T am free, then?” “Impossible,” said the great man; “the king himself could not release you till after your trial,” “ After my trial,’ repeated the gipsy, slowly. “No —a word from you, and those yelping, fawning curs who watch at the door of my cell would leave it wide enough. I can’t stand my trial—I won't.” “You must,” said the baronet. “T won't,” replied the prisoner, “Do your utmost, then,” said Sir Walter; “my rank and name will screen, if they do not justify, me in the eyes of the world. At the worst,” he added, “it is but retiring from public life, Farewell. But remember, if once I pass from this cell, not all the world shall save you from the gibbet.” There was a pause; the speakers, though born in such unequal rarks of life, had hitherto treated almost on a footing of equality, and the proud baronet bitterly felt the ion to which he had submitted. Had it been merely to preserve his life, he would have spurned it without a moment’s hesitation; but his honour, his hitherto unsullied name, that at least was worth a struggle to preserve; to say nothing of his descent, contaminated, as he supposed, by the marriage | tary of his ‘heir with the daughter and sister of a poor country curate. “ Stay,” faltered the prisoner; “ if 1 stand my trial and keep dark, what proof have [—what security— that you will not bilk me at the last ?” “ My word.” “T'll take it,” sighed the gipsy; “I must take it. But mark me, he added, “ if you break faith with me, at the foot of the galiows I’ll proclaim your villany ; my soul shall return from hell to haunt you; I willset | on those to dog your steps shall leave you nor rest nor ; I’ll have your lying tongue torn from its roots, and nailed to the gate of Newgate.” “ Be it so,” said his visitor, with difficulty bending his haughty soul to the task he had undertaker ; “ we understand each other, Before your trial I am power- less; after it, a stroke of my per can commute your ; ” Agreed.” Agreed,” repeated the baronet but remember, must keep silence with those around you.” knocking at the door of the cell, the governor, chaplain entered. Curiosity was marked | features of all, but respect kept them from an explanation. % Governor,” said the minister, this man has given information which may prove of the utmost portance to the government. You will show him indulgence compatible with the regulations of n and the security of his person,” The functionary bowed, ——_ -_— ~~. --— . a > bets: upon the ae 231 “Let Prim, the attorney, at all times have access to him—it will be necessary to employ him in this case. I know him to be @ respectable man—he has my confidence, Mr. Sheriff, 1 sball be happy to present you at the next levee, Mr. Chaplain, I shall not forget your zeal. Persevere,” he added, turning to the prisoner, “in the good resolutions you have framed, and it may be well for you.” As the officials conducted the visitor to his carriage he impressed upon all of them the necvssity of silence respecting what had transpired, and left them charmed with his urbanity and condescension. The next morning the leading ministerial paper contained the following article :— “ Visir oF Sin WALTER MowsBray TO NEWGATE. —The new secretary of state, attended by the sherifis, inspected the prison, and expressed himself highly satisfied to the authorities at the order, discipline, and cleanliness which prevail throughout that vast esta- blishment. It is said to be the honourable baronet’s intention to visit every prison in the metropolis. This is as it should be: we have long required an active : head at the Home Department.” It would seem that humbug was as well understood in those days as at present. CHAPTER XIV. Who pulls the bow too taut, o’ershoots the mark, Passing the bourn it aimed at. THE night efter the conversation at supper Lady Penelope’s dreams were of Fitzgerald. At first sight his elegant person had made a favourable impression upon her susceptible heart, and her former lover was forgottep, Long experience had taught her that it was no very easy task to blind the ogre eyes of her sister-in-law, whose quick-sightedness had detected the early symptoms of her passion for the former secre- , and arranged for his dismissal in consequence. She determined, therefore, to be more prudent with his successor, Full of this resolution, she joined the breakfast-table on the following morning, and was delighted to find that our hero, as she thought, understood her tactics. Instead of paying him the least attention, she devoted herself to her female companion, an unpretending old maid, whom she en- gaged as a foil to her own, as she fancied, superior charms, “What is your opinion now?” demanded the earl, of his lady, as soon as the party had retired from the breakfast room, “ You saw they scarcely spoke to- gether.” “So much the worse, my lord. I should have been better pleased had they conversed as unreservedly as yesterday,” replied his more subtle wife, “The change is too sudden to be without some design,” “ But you saw that he was absolutely attentive to Miss Wilton. Pen must have seen it too, and yet she remained perfectly composed; nay, treated her dependant with more than usual civility. Not one sarcasm, not one word by which women, no matter what age, resent a slight!” “Pooh! the effect of a preconcerted arrangement, Your sister is an experienced hand at carrying on a flirtation.” “But Fitzgerald is too young,” urged the peer, who dreaded losing his talented secretary, “to be so perfectly master of the art of deception; and Pen too old and too deficient in personal attractions to have apy charm for him,” -_——— = ope ee Ce - - -_ io - ECORRICLOO — rr S (E©)