The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

THE TOKENS Oo” feelings that belong to our nature. Because I have vowed to frustrate the schemes which are in progress to accom- plish the ruin of a persecuted and injured princess, — for that this is the cause of my imprisonment I can, of course, full well conceive — ”’ “Let us not bandy words,’ interrupted the prefect. ‘““The means of liberty are within your reach; and at all events there will be no harm in your perusing the bond,” he added, drawing a parchment from his pocket. Loftus took the deed, opened it, and endeavoured to read its contents. But only a few hours had elapsed since he had awakened to consciousness from the protracted delirium of fever, and a mist was still upon his eyes, so that he could not concentrate the powers of vision upon minute points. Dropping the document from his hand and sinking back upon the pillow, he said, in a bitter tone, “ I cannot read it; and even if I could, I am persuaded it would be useless.”’ ‘““ Nevertheless, permit me,’ exclaimed the prefect, ‘‘ to describe the leading points in the bond.” Then, perceiving that Jocelyn offered no objection, he continued to say, ““ The first stipulation is to the effect that you solemnly and sacredly pledge yourself to bury in oblivion all the informa- tion you may ever have received relative to the mission of the Misses Owen and their appointment to situations about the person of her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. Secondly, you renounce all idea of forming so unequal a match as that which you have contemplated in respect to Miss Louisa Stanley. Thirdly, you resume before the world your proper name, and make due submission to — ”’ ‘Enough, enough!” cried Jocelyn Loftus, the flush of indignation appearing upon his countenance, a moment before so pale. ‘‘ Were your infamous Bastile still in exist- ence, I would sooner be consigned to eternal immurement in one of its living tombs than assent to the terms contained in that document. And now I can full well understand from what quarter emanate these persecutions. But, O God! ”’ he exclaimed, an expression of sudden agony passing over his countenance as a thought struck him, “ grant that poor Louisa fall not into the meshes and toils — ”’ The remainder of the sentence was lost in a suffocating sob which burst from Jocelyn’s lips, and for two or three connicloooks (C(O)