The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 179: 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 CORNICE IOOLKKS (E(0)