Section 52 of Mysteries of London, Volume 4. This is a LibraVox recording, all LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibraVox.org. Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds. Mrs. Mortimer's adventures continued. The individual alluded to was a man of middle height of rather spare form and slightly bowed, so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered 60, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above 70. A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression, for his features were handsome and well preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence. His hair was of that iron gray which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness, and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering. He wore no whiskers, and his countenance was smooth but pale. In a word his frame still preserved much of its pristine vigor, though its spareness and the slightly curved back were calculated, as above mentioned, to impress a casual observer with the idea that the individual whom we are describing was older than in reality he was. We have said that his features were handsome, and we should now state that their general expression was pleasing, conciliating, and agreeable, amiability of disposition, generosity of heart, and an acquaintance with affliction were easily read upon that calm, pensive countenance, but commingled therewith was an air of serene dignity which bespoke a consciousness of some kind of superiority, whether of rank, wealth, or intellect could not, however, be immediately decided by the observer. At all events the person whom we have now introduced to our readers was not one to be passed by, within difference nor confounded with the ordinary mass of mankind. We must, however, explain that he was rather characterized by a distinguished air of good-breeding and consummate politeness than by aristocratic haughture, at the same time there was so much dignity and loftiness about him as to debar even the most obtrusive and unceremonious from taking advantage of that blandness of disposition which was expressed by the countenance. We have only to add that he was dressed with taste, if not elegance, and the reader has before him as perfect a picture as we can draw the personal appearance of the individual who now entered the parlor of the cottage. The moment he had crossed the threshold of the room, Agnes sprang towards him, saying, my dearest father, I am delighted to see you, but let me hope that nothing unpleasant has caused this late visit. And as she spoke she embraced with almost infantile tenderness the parent who affectionately returned her caresses. Nothing unpleasant, my dear child, was the reply, and the young maiden's father cast an inquiring glance towards Mrs. Mortimer. This lady, said Agnes, is the widow of a general who recently died in India, and having herself occupied the cottage many years ago, she felt anxious on her return to England to visit the place which had so many pleasing and some melancholy associations for her. The lady is most welcome, observed the gentleman and her name. Is Mrs. Mortimer added Agnes, then within genuine affability, she said, turning to the old woman, Madam, permit me to introduce my beloved father, Mr. Vernon, but Mr. Vernon bowed coldly and even eyed the visitor suspiciously as he observed I was not aware that any general officer bearing the name of Mortimer had recently died in India. My deceased husband, said the old woman, with admirable presence of mind, was not in the English service. He was in that of the Honorable East India Company. I was not aware, repeated Mr. Vernon still in the same chilling tone that there were general officers in the service of the East India Company. Madam, he continued, now fixing his gaze sternly upon her. Wherefore have you come hither on what pretense have you intruded yourself upon the sacred privacy of my daughter? The motive was the one which Mrs. Vernon has explained to you, sir, replied Mrs. Mortimer, whose self-possession had been for a few moments considerably disturbed by the confident manner in which the young lady's father had exposed her second falsehood. Then if that motive were really the true one, Madam, he said his sternness again, changing to freezing politeness, your object is probably gained by this time and as it is now ten o'clock you will perhaps have the kindness to leave me with my daughter. Oh, assuredly, sir, exclaimed Mrs. Mortimer, glad of an opportunity to escape from the house, and Mr. Vernon with constrained courtesy hastened to open the door to afford her egress. The old woman breathed more freely when she was once more outside the walls of the cottage, for the sudden advent of the young maiden's father had not a little embarrassed even if it had not altogether discompleted her. But no sooner was she in the open air when she began to ask herself a thousand questions as she retraced her way up the lane. What meant the mystery which evidently hung around the present occupant of the cottage? Wherefore did that charming creature dwell there alone? Why was her father only a visitor instead of being a resident at his daughter's abode, and for what aim or through what motive was so fair a flower buried in such seclusion? That agnus was indeed the pure innocent, artless creature which she appeared to be the old crown was sure too well acquainted with the world was Mrs. Mortimer not to perceive that the ingenuous naivete of the young girl was real and natural and not artificial and assumed. For an instant the impure imagination of the wretch had suggested that Ms. Vernon might only be the pension mistress of some wealthy individual, but in another moment that hypothesis was altogether discarded. No agnus was not tainted with even the slightest faintest shade of immorality. Her mind was in a sense itself and her chastity as unblemished as the driven snow. Even the old woman whose life had been so tremendously disolute was compelled to embrace this conviction, but the very experience which she herself again in the sphere of licentiousness to simulation and guile helped Mrs. Mortimer to arrive at that unquestionable conclusion. Who in what then was agnus Vernon? Who in what was her father? Mrs. Mortimer was a person having an eye to her own individual advantage in every circumstance which coming under her cognizance seemed to present a chance of affording scope for her selfish, interested sinister interference. Wherever a mystery appeared there she beheld an opportunity for her officious meddling. This officious meddling led to the discovery of secrets and to the eliciting of revelations and the information thus clean became a sort of marketable commodity with Mrs. Mortimer. In a word she would seek to gain the confidence of those who have matters of importance to communicate so that she might subsequently render herself so useful as to deserve payment or to all events acquire the position of one who could exact a good price for her secrecy respecting the things so imprudently entrusted to her. Calculations in accordance with this disposition on her part and having reference to the cottage which she had just left were passing in her mind as she sped along when midway in that narrow thoroughfare she was overtaken by someone who had heard after her but whose footsteps she had not heard in the preoccupation of her thoughts until they were close behind her. She stepped, turned round and beheld by the bright starlight a tall young gentleman apparently handsome so far she could distinguish his features and dressed in an elegant style. Pardon me, my good woman said he for addressing you but observing that you came from the cottage under, yes sir, I did. Interrupted Mrs. Mortimer who in her eagerness to learn the motive of the young gentleman's accosting her gave him encouragement to proceed. Tell me, said he speaking with an equal impatience tell me do you know the beautiful creature who dwells in that seclusion but of course you must know her you have been there perhaps in her company. I've only just left her presence observed Mrs. Mortimer and you are well acquainted with her then by the young gentleman eagerly perfectly well was the answer but where for these questions oh if I could trust you ejaculated the stranger in a tone better like proffered and invited confidence you can you may said the old woman impressively if I were sure that I would reward you well was his next remark how can I prove that I am trustworthy demanded Mrs. Mortimer by telling me all you know concerning the beauty as creature who resides in that strange seclusion responded the young gentleman then you yourself know nothing of her or of her affairs said the old woman interrogatively nothing absolutely nothing save and accept that she is the most lovely being that mortal eyes ever beheld you are not even aware that she has resided therefore these three years past observe Mrs. Mortimer assuming a mysterious tone as if about to become more communicative yes that fact I've learned replied the young gentleman and also that her name is Agnes Vernon I have more over over ascertained that an elderly gentleman visits her occasionally and I have sometimes harbored the worst fears but no no he exclaimed suddenly interrupting himself and speaking in an impassioned tone such suspicions are no doubt fairly injurious to that charming creature I've contemplated her myself being unseen for hours together when she has been walking in her garden and purity innocence artlessness are written upon her spotless brow traced in every linium and a verbal witching countenance oh if I could only obtain the assurance that the old man who thus visits her were a relation a guardian or a valued friend that he is nothing more to her than I can relieve you of this suspense or said Mrs. Mortimer and thereby give you a proof of my readiness to assist you the elderly gentleman whom you have seen visiting at that cottage and who indeed is there at this moment yes yes I saw him enter exclaimed the young man impatiently but who is he her father answered Mrs. Mortimer her father repeated the stranger oh that is scarcely probable you are deceiving me you are pretending to give me explanations relative to mysteries which are likewise enigmas to you or you are purposely deluding me her father impossible what would a parent leave his daughter and that daughter so transcendently lovely to dwell in such utter seclusion such is indeed the case sir interrupted Mrs. Mortimer and I have little cause to thank you for this boldly and even certainly accusing me of willfully deceiving you and as she thus spoke the old woman moved rapidly away well knowing that the young gentleman would not part with her in this manner stop one minute stay I beseech you and pardon me he exclaimed hastening after her I was wrong to address you in such a style I insulted you grossly and I crave your forgiveness but I was bewildered with the intelligence you gave me mingled joy and surprised deprived me as it were of my reason I imagined the information to be too welcome and too extraordinary to be true and yet you are now sought to persuade yourself that Agnes Burnett was chased and pure though you were then ignorant of the connection subsisting between herself and the elderly gentleman who visits her a connection which previously to the explanation I have given you must at least have appeared suspicious and calculated to raise the most serious misgivings in your breath admit that my conduct is most inconsistent exclaimed the young gentleman in order to address her to these reproachful words but I love Agnes Burnett I adore her I worship the very ground upon which she treads and you have never yet spoken to her as the old woman I've never dared to intrude myself so far upon her notice was the reply and yet she has seen me frequently in the neighborhood but she never gave you the least encouragement sir interrupted Mrs. Mortimer as if making an assertion instead of throwing out a remark for the sake of gleaning information the young man and therefore did I think so well of her character in spite of the suspicious circumstances attending her seclusion you have then the vanity to suppose that if the beautiful Agnes could have smiled upon any man you were destined to be that happy one and as Mrs. Mortimer made this remark her voice assumed a somewhat caustic tone oh you have misunderstood my words cried the stranger I intended to have you infer that I had never seen anything in the demeanor and save what is becoming to a young lady of good birth gentile breeding and taintless soul at the same time he added proudly I flatter myself that there is nothing particularly disagreeable in my personal appearance as there is assuredly everything favorable in my social position but if this Agnes is ignorant and I'm desires to obtain an interview with her or to write her in a respectful manner and what has hitherto prevented you from doing either asked Mrs. Mortimer I've already told you that I am not a causter often and often have I longed to burst through the green hedge which has concealed me from her view and throw myself at her feet but an invisible hand has restrained me and I've experienced a species of awe for which I could not account and which has made me feel as if I were in the vicinity of a goddess then as to writing to her continued the impassioned young man I was once bold enough to commit a few words to paper and I endeavored to persuade the young servant girl to give her some misters and she treated you with contempt so Mrs. Mortimer anticipating the fate of the billet from the fact that Jane the pretty domestic has so indignantly rejected her own proffer of five shillings you've guessed rightly and now I am more than ever convinced that you are well acquainted with the honest upright disinterested character of the dwellers in that cottage said the young gentleman Mrs. Mortimer remained silent for a few minutes she was absorbed in thought should she enter into this new affair which seemed almost to force itself upon her or had she not enough already upon her hands she had promised to rejoin her daughter Laura by a particular day in Paris and there was not much time to lose nevertheless she had a good week or even more at her disposal providing that she was speedily successful in tracing out torrents and all things newly considered she fancied that she might as well undertake a business which promised remuneration and which would probably place her in a condition and dive into mysteries and knowledge of which might prove serviceable in hands of such an intriguing mercenary disposition as her own moreover the larger were her own special resources the greater was her independence in respect to her rebellious daughter and therefore after a short interval past in deep reflection she said sir I am both ready and able to serve you but my time is precious now and will be so for a short time to come five days hence I will attend to any appointment you may name I will give you my cards of the young gentleman and I shall expect you to call upon me in the evening of the fifth day from this date agreed ejaculated the old woman as she received the card my name is Mortimer and although you do not address me as becomes my position I can assure you that I am a lady by birth education and she was about to say conduct but the young gentleman interrupted her timidly enough though unwittingly on his part to prevent her giving to the atrocious lie for he observed as he thrust his purse into her hand pardon me madam if I have not behaved courteously towards you but I presume that your circumstances are not as flourishing as they ought to be and gold is no object to me five days hence we meet till then farewell and without waiting for any reply he hurried away Mrs. Mortimer followed along the lane not with any purpose of watching him but simply because her own route late in the same direction the echoes steps however soon died in the distance and the old woman sped along until she reached that public house where as the reader may remember Tom Reign and Clarence Billiers met on the night of the elopement nearly 20 years before approaching the window when a bright glare streamed forth Mrs. Mortimer examined the card that had been placed in her hands and to her astonishment found that the hero of her most recent adventure was Lord William Trevelyan and that his residence was in Park Square she knew enough of the English to be well aware that the nobleman whom Chance had thus thrown in her way was the second son of the Marquis of Corazon up here of immense wealth and who permitted his three male children all fine young men to enjoy each a separate establishment for himself for which purpose he allowed them handsome incomes Mrs. Mortimer was therefore well pleased at the encounter at which she had that evening made and in more ways than once was she rejoiced at the cottage in the neighborhood of Strutham especially as the purse which Lord William had given her contained 30 guineas an omnibus passing at this moment the old woman entered the vehicle and alighted in the borough she was speeding homework that is to say to the coffee house where she fixed her temporary abode when as she was threading a narrow street that offered her a shortcut to the place of destination she was suddenly struck by the certainty that a man who was walking slowly in advance and whom was overtaken was neither more nor less than the object of her search for as he had turned to cast a rapid stealthy glance around the light of a lamp had been fully upon his countenance and that countenance altered though it were was too well known to the old woman not to be immediately recognized yes there indeed was Torrance there in her power within a few paces of her and thus had accident once more materially served his malignant evil intention pursuer as Mortimer was so excited by this sudden discovery that she was compelled to pause for a moment and lean against a wall for support but almost immediately afterwards recovering her energy and presence of mind she hastened on and came near enough up with Torrance to behold him enter a house of mean and miserable appearance now you are in my power muttered the old woman to herself but in reality apostrophizing the individual who was still her husband and without another moment's hesitation she knocked at the door of the dwelling some minutes delapsed before it was opened in at length a dirty slip-shot drap of a girl made her appearance I wish to speak to the man who's just entered here said Mrs. Mortimer on ceremonies they pushing her way into the narrow dark and unpleasantly smelling passage oh you mean so Mr. Smith what lives downstairs I does say observe the girl I've no doubt of it return Mrs. Mortimer officially closing the street door come my dear show me the way and I will give you a sense for yourself this promise acted like magic upon the girl who forthwith fetched a lighted candle from a room opening from the passage and conducted the old woman to a precipitated flight of steps down which she pointed saying there right at the bottom the door faces you Mrs. Mortimer placed the promise gratuity in her hand in the girl held the candle high up to light her as she descended that will do my dear said the old woman when she reached the last step of the dangerous flight and the girl disappeared leaving the place in utter darkness before the candle had been thus removed however Mrs. Mortimer had hastily reconordered the locality and applying her hand to a latch she opened the door and in another moment found herself in the presence of her husband in of section 52 section 53 of mysteries of London volume 4 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the husband and wife the place where the husband and wife met thus after separation of upwards of 19 years was worth the poor term a kitchen but which rather merited the designation of a cellar the roof was low and arched the rubric work of the walls once smeared with whitewash was now dingy all over and in the daytime a gleam of light was admitted by means of a miserably small window protected and also darkened by a grating set in the footway of the street the den contained a fireplace where the inmate might cook his vituals if he were able to bear the intolerable heat of a fire in the midst of summer and at the extremity facing the window was a small bed a table two chairs a few articles of crookery and a washing stand completed the appointments of fracked place which was dimly lighted by a solitary candle the reader is already aware that torrents was much altered in personal appearance nevertheless his wife had recognized him in the street without any difficulty but it was not precisely the same on his part had he met her in an accidental manner he would not have known her so remarkable was the change that had taken place in her yet he did know her now for he had seen her in the little parlor at Persewell's house and the moment she stood before him on the threshold of his present hiding place a cry of horror and alarm escaped his lips Mrs. Mortimer closed the door and taking a chair mentioned her husband likewise to be seated a kind of command which he mechanically obeyed for something told him that he was in the power of the woman whom he hated and abhorred we meet after long long separation she said in a low tone which left him still in utter doubt as to whether the object of her visit was peace or war yes he observed nervously but wherefore should we meet at all not to exchange caresses and endearing words not to unite our fortunes or our misfortunes as husband and wife responded the old woman of that you may be well assured then again I ask wherefore should we meet demanded torrents because this interview suits my purposes returned Mrs. Mortimer with malignant grin and I may as well commence by assuring you that you are completely in my power in your power repeated the old man casting a ghastly look of mingled apprehension and appeal on her who thus proclaimed her authority and who seemed resolved to exercise it yes in my power she exclaimed in an impressive manner do you know that I was arrested on suspicion of being murderous or at all events concerned in the murder murder oh my god more torrents clasping his hands together evulsive anguish as he glared widely around do not affect ignorance of the fact said Mrs. Mortimer because you are doubtless well aware that I was arrested for your crime no no you cannot prove that I did it you can prove nothing cried torrents with a species of hysterical violence I can prove that you were the murderer of her civil responded the old woman fixing her eyes sternly upon her husband liar ret I defy you exclaimed torrents his energy suddenly reviving as he saw the absolute necessity of meeting with boldness or charge which he felt convinced his wife could not prove against him for how could she possibly entertain anything more serious than a bare suspicion harsh words and abuse will not intimidate me said she in a quiet voice and all these variations in your manner nervousness at one moment terror the next and then excitement only tend to conform me in my ideas listen old man and see whether I have just ground for those ideas and whether you could explain away my tale if told to the nearest police magistrate torrents groaned audibly and fell back in his chair but not insensible only in the exhaustion of his physical and prostration of his moral energies and his eyes glared in consternation on the countenance of the accusing fiend whose very present would have been intolerable even if he had committed no crime for her to be able to accuse him of listen I say resumed the implacable old woman you are at Percival's house a few moments before myself and daughter called upon him you seem to be very miserable so miserable that you wish to obtain assistance from him these were the very words he used to me and he observed likewise that he never gave consequently you extorted nothing from him but you watched through the window shutters from the outside the interview which took place between him and myself and daughter you beheld the gold and the notes displayed upon the table and when the old miser was once more alone you entered the house and you murdered him with a bludgeon torrents started convulsively and endeavored to give utterance to an ejaculation of denial but his tongue claved to the roof of his mouth and his throat was as parched as if he had been swallowing ashes yes you murdered him repeated mrs. Mothaima apparently dwelling with fendish delight upon the horrible accusation you beat the wretched man to death your blows were dealt with a cruel a merciless effect then you plundered the iron safe you took all the treasure contained in the tin case gold and bank notes to the amount of several thousands of pounds it is not true it is not true said torrents partially recovering the power of speech but it is true all true precisely as I now repeat the details cried mrs. Mothaima emphatically you are mad to think me the possessor of such a treasure when you find me in this miserable place with thread bare garments and surrounded by every proof of poverty amounting almost to utter destitution said torrents his courage to meet the charge somewhat reviving as he flattered himself that the argument just used was decisive and unanswerable do you imagine me to be so thoroughly ignorant of the world as to become your dupe on such easy terms demanded the old woman in a tone of withering is gone look at all I have passed through and then ask yourself whether it be possible to deceive and mislead me no no I understand it all you believe that the suspicion will never fall upon the rest inmate of such a rest place she continued glancing slowly around the cellar and your calculation is the correct one here might you have yourself here might you have past some weeks in apparent poverty until the storm should have blown over but it was destined that one person should obtain a clue to your guilt and a trace to your lurking whole and that person is myself nay to convince you how well all your late proceedings are known to me I have only to mention the fact that a few days ago you visited the cottage which once bore your name ah ejaculated torrents is startled by this new proof of how well informed his hated wife in reality was concerning his movements yes and to the fair inmate of the dwelling she added with a look full of malignant meaning you admitted that you were poor no longer but that you wished you indeed for the penniless and half starving wreck you had so recently been thus the very outpourings of your remorse old man have furnished me with arguments damning arguments against you and confirmed all my previous suspicions if such confirmation were for an instant needed why do you now come to me ask torrents in a fade and faltering tone while his entire frame trembled nervously and his countenance became so ghastly that it was absolutely hideous to behold my purpose is stern and immovable replied the old woman and that purpose is faltered torrents trembling like an aspen the surrender of every shilling yes every shilling of the treasure which you plundered from the murdered person was the answer ejaculated the wrecked man starting widely from his seat as if he had received a sudden wound then sinking back again through sheer exhaustion he pressed his hand to his throbbing bros murmuring and lamenting in broken sentence such as these my gold my notes the treasure I lost my soul to gain the riches I had hoped to enjoy the wealth to acquire which I imbued my hands in blood the blood of a fellow creator no no you shall not have my treasure and he started up flinging his arms widely about him while his eyes rolled horribly in their sockets as if he were attacked by delirium mrs.   Mortimer laughing at the threat as she took up a knife which lay upon the table advanced towards me another pace and I will plunge this sharp blade into your heart the treasure which is no doubt concealed somewhere in the room will then fall into my hands all the same you are determined to rifle me of all I possess to make me penniless cried torrents falling back in his seat and giving way to his despair can nothing move you but listen listen I will give you half yes one half of the whole amount I came not to receive terms but to dictate them interrupted mrs. Mortimer and now reflect well upon your position old man remember also that your wild ravings may draw listeners to the door and your guilt will be no longer a secret existing between you and me then not not can save your neck from halto my god she speaks truly murmured torrents bewildered by the dreadful thoughts that rushed to his brain as the woman spoke so calmly and deliberately of the might overtake him yes she speaks truly he repeated and yet if I give up all surrender everything on what am I to leave how am I to sustain my miserable existence you had no kind thought no compassion for me when you had friends to help you and I was punished across the wide ocean said mrs. Mortimer you cared not what became of me at that time torrents and I have no pity no sympathy for you I am aware that you loathe and detest me but your aversion surpasses not that which I entertain for you there we all mashed it is however in our relative positions that I have gained the ascendancy and can wield the authority of a despot my crime is of old date and has been expedited by many long long years of horrible exile and servitude in a panel colony your crime is new the blood is scarcely dry upon your hands your victim is scarcely cold in his grave and your guilt can only be expedited on the scaffold spammy spammy groaned the wrecked men clasping his hands together in an anguish which assassin as he was would have moved any other than the soul hardened implacable mrs.  Mortimer carry back your reminiscence some 19 years or upwards and contrast our position then you found friends and relations to console you while still in gaol and to assist you after your release but did you come near me did you even send a word or a line to sympathize or to profit aid miserable wretch that you are I could wish that you were ten thousand times more miserable still oh that is impossible impossible exclaimed torrents his cadverous countenance denoting by its hideous painful workings the sincerity the profound sincerity that prompted the eventment he had just made were you to search the earth over you could not find a being more miserable than I and now and now he continued in a faltering tone while tears trickled down his furrowed cheeks now will you have compassion upon me no ten thousand times no ejaculated mrs. Mortimer continue to hasten and surrender your wealth or I shall lose all power of restraining my impatience torrents rose from his seat cast one look of malignant diabolical hate upon the merciless woman dashed the traces of truth away from his cheeks and then turned towards the bed mrs.  Mortimer who heedless of the terrible glance which accompanied it hastened to open the packet and examine its contents and now her triumph was complete for the parcel and closed gold and notes to an amount which she proceeded in a leisurely manner to compute five thousand four hundred pounds she said aloud casting a malignant look upon torrents who had resumed his seat and appeared to be the victim of a despair that must terminate in the total wretch of his reason and here she continued now musing to herself rather than speaking for his behoof here is a document that may prove of some importance to me the promissory note of the young man who called himself viscount master thus speaking she carefully pegged up the parcel once more and secured it about her person and you will not leave me a genie a single genie as torrent in a low hollow voice his entire aspect indicating that he was almost stupefied by the merciless cupidity of his wife not a single genie she replied the only consolation I can afford you is the assurance that your secret is safe with me if you are ever sent to scaffold it will not be through my instrumentality with these words she retreated towards the door walking backwards so as to keep her eyes fixed upon torrents the whole time and thus be prepared for a sudden attack should he mediate mischief in an ungovernable paroxysm of rage and despair attempted but the old man moved not from his seat although he appeared to reel and sway unsteadily backward and forward to the chair and at the moment when Mrs. Mortimer placed her hand on the latch he fell heavily upon the floor she was about to depart when it struck her that if he were dead unpleasant suspicion might attach themselves to her should she hurry away without raising any alarm and she accordingly hastened towards him he was senseless but the spark of life was not extinct so fear did the woman perform those duties to which she never could have been otherwise urged in respect to him she raised him in her arms she placed him on the bed removed his neck and sprinkled water upon his face in a few minutes he began to revive and his eyes opened slowly where am I is it a dream he murmured in a faint tone then as his recollection returned with speed and vividness and he knew the countenance that was pending over him and remembered why the woman herself was there he exclaimed fiend give me back my gold never was the emphatic word that fell upon his ear in reply and in another moment he was alone no not alone for despair was now his companion and despair is an appalling guest for murderer as the man was he had some kind of worldly consolation left in his treasure until the implacable woman rested it from him but now that only solace was gone and he was left to the horror of his thoughts and to the ghost of his victim Bagri was before him Bagri with all its hideous strain of evils and those evils rendered the more terrible because beyond loom the black and ominous gibbet oh how was it that madness did not cease upon the old man's brain and robbed him of power of making these agonizing reflections was it that his punishment was to begin upon earth if so assuredly the retribution was appalling even on this side of the tomb and he had not even left to him the consolation that the gold for which he had bartered his soul was still in his possession is still at his command and available for his use End of Section 53 Section 54 of Mysteries of London Volume 4 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Mysteries of London Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds Agnes Vernon and her father we must now return to the cottage near Stratham where we left the beautiful and artless Agnes Vernon with her father the moment the old woman had quitted the house Mr. Vernon turned towards his daughter and taking her hand said, my dearest child how came you to admit a complete stranger into your presence in so unguarded a manner as I had never seen her in my life before dear father replied the charming girl I could not for an instant suppose that she had any evil intention in visiting the cottage because having done her no harm but my beloved Agnes interrupted her parent kindly as he made her sit down near him as he also took a chair I've often told you that the world contains many wicked people who frequently harbor the basis and most infamous designs towards young women who are pretty and I'm suspecting as you and this Mrs. Mortimer as she calls herself maybe one of the class that I alluded to I'm sorry indeed that I should have acted in a way to cause you any displeasure my dearest father said Agnes her eyes filling with tears but you do not understand me my sweet child again interrupted Mr. Vernon passing his hand affectionately over her glossy hair and pure polished brow I'm not angry with you I don't experience any irritation with such an amiable excellent girl as you are but I am alarmed last evil disposed person should seek to do you an injury and therefore I recommend caution and prudence on your part I cannot comprehend how the old lady who was here just now could possibly seek to harm me said the amiable Agnes since I've never harmed her treated her with the respect due to her years and her afflictions what did she tell you my love inquired Mr. Vernon Agnes forthwith related in her own natural simple yet agreeable manner the entire conversation which had passed between herself and Mrs. Mortimer her father listened with earnest attention and for some minutes after she had ceased speaking she was absorbed in deep thought you are not pleased with the incident of this evening said Agnes at length and speaking in a timid voice as she gazed with anxious fondness on her parents pensive countenance once more I assure you my well-beloved child she responded that I'm not angry with you but you will perhaps be somewhat surprised to hear me declare that I do not believe one syllable the old woman told you in the great world Agnes there is no such thing as that sentimentalism and sympathy which she professed to be the motives that led her to visit the cottage air now I detected her in two falsehoods and I have every reason to suspect all the rest but was it not natural dear papa for her to be desirous to behold once more many happy days with her deceased husband inquired Agnes oh I can well understand such a feeling and I therefore honored and respected her for entertaining it yes there are a few generous hearts that would experience such sentiments observed Mr. Vernon for perhaps I was too hasty air now in the sweeping condemnation which I leveled at what I termed at the same time Agnes you must not judge the world by your own pure and unsophisticated soul and would to God that experience might never be destined to teach you other lessons than those which seclusion and good training have already inculcated would to God that you might never be compelled to look upon the dark side of human affairs have I other lessons to learn other teachings to undergo other experience to acquire beyond what I already know as the ingenuous and candid Agnes alas yes and in a variety of ways responded her father with a sigh you have as yet seen only one phase of the world that of tranquility serene happiness and peace you have not even heard the storms of that world in the distance hitherto your life has been passed under the most genial influences and you know nothing absolutely nothing of what may be termed life again I say therefore how deeply how earnestly it is to be wished that your mind may never become acquainted with the bitter teachings of this institute or misfortune I am already well aware my dear father from my historical studies and from the perusal of the books which you have selected for me that mankind pursues many and very conflicting interests and that gain is the chief object thus sought after but I am still at a loss continued the beautiful Agnes to understand how people can be wicked enough to injure others who have never injured them and when the inflection of such injury can confer no benefit upon the individual who was guilty of such flagrant wrong suppose for instance that this Mrs. Mortimer who was here just now should in reality entertain some evil design towards me how could she possibly acquire any personal advantage from the pursuit of such conduct you are as yet too innocent oh far too innocent if not too young to understand these matters said Mr. Vernon gazing with all a father's affection upon his beauteous unartless child neither is it for me to remove the film from your eyes in this respect and yet dear papa she observed with the most endearing amiable naivety if no one will point out the shoals, rocks and quicksands to me how can I possibly avoid them you see that just now I erred by receiving that person too frankly too cordially and the old man who called the other evening to said her father with a smile now do you not perceive my dear child that there is something suspicious in these two visits which indeed appear to have some degree of relationship to each other and perhaps have the same instigation I cannot conceive that accident should send two persons hither separately and at a short interval on the same pretense unless they were acting in collusion that such an accidental coincidence might happen I admit but prudence worldly prudence my love makes us look suspiciously upon such events and I confess that this is the light in which I view the present occurrences the woman represented herself as the widow of a general who had lately died in India now it happened to be so well informed on these matters as to be enabled to state most emphatically that no general officer of that name has existed for many years past finding herself at fault in respect to her first assertion your visitor endeavored to make good her tale by means of a second but the false it was equally palpable in this latter case now therefore my dearest Agnes you comprehend that there are good and just grounds for suspecting the motive which let her hither is it possible that persons can be so wicked exclaimed the unmaiden it is the last two true replied her father and therefore you cannot be too much upon your guard in respect to strangers I wonder that Mrs. Gifford did not represent to you the impropriety of allowing the old man to force his way into your presence a few days ago both Mrs. Gifford and Jane spoke to me on the subject after he was gone said Agnes desires to rescue her two servants from blame but I fancy their timidity had made them conjure up visions of thieves and housebreakers and I only laughed while they remonstrated then you now perceive dear Agnes that they were right in the observations which they undertook to address to you said Mr. Burner yes and I'm sorry that I did not listen with more attention answer the amiable girl in future my dear father I will allow no one to enter the house he or she be the bearer of a letter from you this is precisely what I could desire Agnes exclaimed Mr. Vernon and you will afford me unfeigned pleasure if you adhere to this resolution you know that I will do all you enjoy even without questioning your motives observed Agnes command and I obey my dear child the word command exists not in the vocabulary that I have to use when conveying my wishes to you so dutiful so good so willing are you Agnes that I've never had occasion to speak with imperiousness or harshness to you you do not even question me concerning those matters which might naturally awaken your curiosity and your interest it is sufficient for me to know that you desire me to dwell in this seclusion said Agnes and as you have exerted yourself my dearest father to surround me with every comfort every element of happiness I should be indeed ungrateful and unjust where I to seek prematurely those explanations which you have promised to give me when the proper time shall arrive and that time is not so very far distant Agnes said Mr. Vernon two years more and I shall no longer have any secrets from you but while we are thus yet that it is waxing late and that I have not even as yet begun to account for the sudden and unexpected visit which circumstances have compelled me to pay you this evening Agnes now regarded her parent with some degree of suspense for his remark had brought back to her memory the circumstance that he had never called that so late an hour before and moreover that this was the third time he had visited her within the week in occurrence of his primary habit my dear child said Mr. Vernon speaking in the kindest tone possible I'm compelled to leave England on urgent business tomorrow leave England repeated Agnes tears starting into her eyes yes my beloved and I regret to add that my absence may be of some weeks duration Paris is the place with this sudden and unexpected business calls me shall be away from you yet will you ever be present in my thoughts and I shall write to you frequently but how many weeks shall you be absent my dear father asked Agnes the pearly drops now chasing each other down her cheeks 8 or 10 my child responded Mr. Vernon but at the expiration of that period you will be certain to see me again remember Agnes that far longer intervals and this have occurred during which we have been completely separated yes my dear father when I was staying in the country with my governors who is now no more interrupted Agnes unable to stifle her sobs but ever since her death I've seen you frequently far more frequently because I removed you to this cottage which I purchased for you and which is so much nearer to London than was Mrs. Clements about at St. Albans however my sweet Agnes composed yourself cheer up and wipe away those tears I cannot bear to see you weep he added his own voice growing tremulous two months or two months and a half will soon glide away and I shall bring you a number of presents from Paris you spoil me with your kindness my dear father exclaimed the beautiful girl throwing her arms about his neck and embracing him tenderly I'm afraid that I must cost you a great deal of money for you are always buying me something new but then you're very rich are you not dear papa thank god I am and for your sake cried Mr. Vernon returning her fond caresses the time will come Agnes when you will learn how powerful a talisman in respect to happiness is money some of the books which I've selected for you in Colgate maxims against avarice covetousness and selfishness while others even go further and endeavor to prove that a greater competency is more compatible with true happiness than an immense fortune can possibly be but I much question whether the authors of those works would not have leaped at the chance of giving the truth of their assertions a fair trial through the medium of experience in respect to the possession of riches such books however do good they infuse salutary thoughts into the mind the influence thereof must inevitably become subdued if not altogether destroyed in proportion as the individual advances in world the knowledge and finds world the interests crowding upon him riches my dearest Agnes may become a blessing or a curse according to the manner in which the possessor uses them and by this observation I believe that I shall have opened a new field for the exercise of your reflections in a good sense oh you have indeed my kind father exclaimed Agnes but to return to the object of your visit this evening may I express a hope that the business which calls you to Paris is of no unpleasant nature by no means my love answered Mr. Vernon smiling affectionately upon his amiable daughter and now I must take my departure for it is 11 o'clock you will remark dear Agnes I give you relative to the visits of strangers for I should be unhappy indeed if I thought that your heartless unsuspecting character were likely to be the very cause of exposing you to peril you may depend upon my prudence in future dear father said Agnes and I am rejoiced that you have given me such timely warning oh who could have thought that the old man who seems so deeply affected and the woman who spoke so tenderly of her deceased husband could have harbored any sinister design it is really enough to render one suspicious of everything and everybody in future no my dear child you must not fall into the opposite extreme cried Mr. Vernon hastily because for instance a mendicant to whom you give alms should turn out to be an imposter do not argue there from that all destitute persons are rogues do not wish distrust and suspicion to take the place of your generous frankness and amiable candor but I am desirous that while preserving the artlessness and ingenuousness of your disposition you should at the same time adopt those precautions which common prudence suggests and now my sweet Agnes embrace me and then retire to your own chamber for ere I depart I have a few instructions to give to Mrs. Gifford whom I will please descend hither to me the beauteous maiden once more threw her arms round her father's neck and covered his face with her kisses and her tears then having received his blessing a blessing which he gave from the very bottom of his heart she reluctantly tore herself away from his arms and quitted the room in a few minutes Mrs. Gifford the housekeeper made her appearance she was a woman of about 56 years of age stout, respectable looking countenance in which honesty and good temper were alike read as plainly as the words in a book on entering the parlour she closed the door carefully behind her and then her demeanor suddenly became profoundly reverential as she advanced towards the father of her young mistress Mrs. Gifford said he in a tone of friendly confidence I'm about to visit Paris and therefore thought it necessary to see you for a few moments previous to my departure not that I need recommend my beloved child to your care for I'm well assured that you watch over her safety and her happiness as zealously as if she were your own daughter your lordship began the housekeeper in a tone of the deepest respect hush exclaimed he whom we must still call Mr. Vernon in spite of the aristocratic title by which Mrs. Gifford had addressed him remember that walls heavy years my good friend I was about to observe to you that Agnes through the amiable confidence and ingenuousness which are natural to her has allowed two strangers one a few evenings ago the other this very night to intrude themselves upon her and I tremble lest their motive be a bad one the gardener and his assistant invariably sleep in the outhouse I hope yes my I mean sir answer Mrs. Gifford and they are a resolute determined men who would not permit plunderers to enter these premises with impunity good exclaimed Mr. Vernon did you yourself see the old man who called here the other night I did not sir reply Mrs. Gifford but Jane assured me his appearance was that of a man worn down with old age wretchedness and poverty rather than of an evil intention person shall I tell your lord shall I tell you sir good woman hastily correcting herself what is my impression relative to that old man why sir she continued perceiving the Mr. Vernon nodded approvingly it struck me that it might be that Mr. Torrens who used to live here many many years ago and of whom we heard such dreadful tales shortly after your lord I mean shortly after you bought the cottage but those tales has Agnes learnt them have they reached her ears demanded Mr. Vernon hastily because they might terrify and alarm her no sir she is entirely ignorant of all the legends attached to this house was the reply and it is not by any means likely that they can reach her ears Jane is a discreet good girl and would not allude to them for worlds thank God ejaculated Mr. Vernon for where Agnes to learn what we ourselves only heard after the entire purchase was concluded and you were located here were she to learn I say that a horrible murder had been committed in this house I would at once procure her another dwelling but you were speaking here now about the very Torrens who was so unjustly accused of that foul crime I was observing sir that I fancy the old man who called here the other night might be he for as miss afterwards told me he spoke of having lived here many years ago and of the terrible misfortunes he had endured and then he glanced around the parlor repeatedly observing in an audible though anguished tone this is the very room this is the very room and this is the room continued Mrs. Gifford where the bernet was murdered and therefore I conclude that the old man was none other than the wretched Torrens your Sir Mises are most natural said Mr. Vernon after a few moments of reflection but who then was the old woman that came just now and yet he proceeded though I spoke of her lightly and irreverently as an old woman I'm bound to admit that there was really a something about her which gave me the idea of one who had seen better days her language was especially lady like incorrect she said she had lived here many years ago and yet interrupted Mrs. Gifford the cottage was shut up for nearly eight years after the murder and then the landlord into whose hands it had fallen and it was a widower came and resided here himself as no one would take it he occupied it until his death and then your Lord and then I mean you purchased it sir together with the garden and orchard attached to it and what would you infer from all these circumstances inquired Mr. Vernon that if the old woman really did live here many years ago he must have been during Torrens time explained the housekeeper because he built the cottage and resided in it until the murder after which as I just now said it was shut up for a Lincoln period now strange though it may seem an idea has likewise struck me relative to the old woman or old lady and what is your idea asked Mr. Vernon that she is that Mrs. Slingsby or Mrs. Torrens who got into trouble at the same time as the husband she had just married if my conjectures are correct sir I do not think that you have any cause of apprehension in the two visits which have been paid to the cottage I congratulate you upon the shrewdness which you have displayed in dealing with the subjects of Mr. Vernon smiling and I'm inclined to adopt the views which your sagacity suggests perhaps then there is really nothing to fear but of course Mrs. Gifford you will exercise the utmost prudence and the most weary vigilance in regard to my darling child whether she is to me you are also acquainted with the unhappy circumstances which force me to condemn her to this seclusion until she shall have attained her 21st year unless he added in a more measured tone death shall in the meantime snatch away that woman whom I cannot call my my lord my lord exclaim the housekeeper in an imploring voice give not way to recollections which always excite you so with me your charming Agnes is safe and you are well aware that I love her as much as if she were my own child besides the deep the many debts of gratitude to which I owe to your lordship hush hush interrupted Mr. Vernon for again I tell you that the very walls have ears and I would not that my rank should be even suspected pardon me I forgot your oft repeated injunctions on that head said Mrs. Gifford but you must not suppose that because I am thus sometimes oblivious in your presence I ever allow a single word to slip from my tongue that may create a suspicion in the mind of Miss Agnes or Jane and now Mrs. Gifford observed Mr. Vernon I have one more question to ask you has that young gentleman who once dared to ask Jane to deliver a note to my daughter has he ventured into this neighborhood since I must confess sir was the answer that I have seen him loitering about the college on her two occasions but as he never seeks to obtrude himself upon the notice of Miss Agnes I have not thought it worthwhile or even prudent to suggest to the dear young lady what course she ought to pursue in case he should address her besides he appears to be a gentleman in every sense of the word and I do not apprehend any rudeness on his part towards your daughter indeed he appeared much humiliated and very penitent when Jane so resolutely refused to become the son of his missive or to receive his bride you have acted with prudence it would be unwise to make any observation to Agnes relative to this stranger under present circumstances said Mr. Vernon were you to speak to her on this subject you must necessarily explain the nature of that sentiment which has attracted the young gentleman to this neighborhood and to talk to her relative to the passion of love were to destroy some portion of that heartless innocence that in fan time purity of soul which characterizes her in a word I trust my dear child to your care and discretion Mrs. Gifford and I shall expect that you will write to me at least once a week during my absence Mr. Vernon then wrote upon a slip of paper the address where letters were reaching in Paris and having next placed a roll of banknotes in Mrs. Gifford's hands for the expenses of the little establishment until his return he took his departure in section 54 section 55 of mysteries of London volume 4 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org mysteries of London volume 4 LibriVox.org W. M. Reynolds Laura in Paris we must now return for a short time to the beautiful but licentious and profligate Laura whom we left in Paris although she reckoned materially upon her mother's aid in respect to her new designs she nevertheless resolved to enjoy herself during the old woman's absence even struck her that it was possible though not very probable for her to form some brilliant connection without the assistance of her parent at all events she reasoned that there was no harm in making the trial and therefore the moment Mrs. Mortimer had taken her departure for England Laura commenced her preparations for pleasure and perhaps for intrigue she hired a private box at each of the principal theatres and purchased a handsome carriage and a pair of beautiful horses and then she engaged a celebrated artist to paint her portrait well knowing that his studio was frequented by men of rank and fortune and calculating that a view of the splendid countenance on the canvas would inspire the liveliest curiosity to behold the living original she likewise secured the services of an eminent musician to give her lessons in the divine art and this gentleman believing her to be highly respectable introduced her to his wife and invited her to a musical soiree where her beauty and the report which had been spread to the effect that she was an heiress who had just succeeded to her property rendered her the center of attraction by the means just enumerated Laura gained one grand object an entrance into respectable society and this difficult point was accomplished in less than four days after her mother's departure from Paris she soon began to be talked about but not with suspicion no it was her transcendent beauty that became the theme of discourse and the admiration with which she had inspired both the French and English gentlemen at the soiree rendered them so enthusiastic and her praise that they unconsciously suffered themselves to be hurried into assertions guaranteeing her respectability and virtue as well as expatiating on her charms thus was it for instance however French and Mars would speak never in my life did I behold so beauty as a creature as Miss Laura Mortimer an English lady whom I met at the soiree last evening whether pity it is that she cannot talk French how sweet would our language sound when wafted by such a melodious voice it is however fortunate that I myself understand the English tongue I have been debarred the pleasure of exchanging a syllable with that hurray hurray Mohammed never dreamt of such a glorious creature her hair is of the richest brown that I ever saw glossy luxuriant and shining her forehead is of a height and width deserving to sustain a queenly diadem and her eyes large and brilliant are of a dark gray when looked into attentively and be of a deeper hue to the casual observer then her teeth never were behold such pearls but her form her figure ove it were impossible to find words to describe the charms of that magnificent shape a critic having the ancient models of classic female beauty in his mind would perhaps pronounce her bust to be in proportions to voluptuous but let him contemplate that graceful slope of the shoulders the arching of the swan-like neck the fine expansion of the chest the perfect roundness of the bosom the just symmetry of the waist and the dazzling whiteness of the charms revealed by the low corsage of that evening toilette let the admirer of ancient models behold all this and he will soon confess that he would have emerged in the contours of Laura Mortimer's figure oh, she was indeed heavenly in her elegant but tasteful attire and the lustre of her eyes out by the brilliancy of her diamonds but in addition to her faultless beauty there is about her an air of virgin freshness that indicates a mind pure and untainted though at the same time it is easy to perceive that Laura Mortimer though inexperienced girl she is on the contrary a young woman of fine intellect, proud soul and independent spirit energetic without being masculine firm yet endowed with all the natural softness of her sex that her passions are strong and her disposition even sensual you may read in her eyes and in the liniments of her aquiline countenance but that an honest pride enables her to put a curb upon her ardent imagination is equally certain happy will be the man who shall win so in estimable apprise I understand another enthusiastic admirer would observe that she is possessed of a fine property her deceased father, I am told was a wealthy neighbor and she expects her mother shortly to join her in Paris the old lady has gone to England to make certain transfers from the British to the French funds in behalf of her daughter Miss Mortimer is decidedly the most charming creature that ever burst thus suddenly upon the dazzle sight of the fashionable world in Paris oh how I envy the professor of music who gives her lessons and the artist who is painting her portrait never could I grow weary of contemplating that splendid countenance for of listening to that voice so full of melody in a word within a very few days from the time when she took the handsome suite of apartments in the rue Montaubourg Laura became the topic of conversation amongst all the nobles and gentlemen French or foreign in the fashionable quarters of Paris and those who heard the phrases so lavishly bestowed upon her by the envy few that had already formed her acquaintance long to be presented to this goddess of beauty one danger she incurred in of this she was sensible it consisted in the fact that the persons belonging to the hotel where she and Charles had at first put up and likewise the British chaplain and his clerk were aware that she was married and she calculated that the chances of detection or exposure at their hands were very insignificant and scarcely worth the thought for even though any of the parties alluded to should meet and recognize her they would believe themselves to be mistaken in respect to the identity of Laura Mortimer with Perdita Hadfield besides Paris was a very large city and months might elapse before such a meeting or recognition took place and in the meantime she hoped to have so successfully conducted her intrigues as to be able to return to England in complete independence of her convention with Mr. Hadfield it was on the sixth morning after Laura had taken up her abode in the Rue Montabour that she saw a paragraph in Gagri Nani's Messenger the English Journal published in Paris the Sovereign Highness the Grand Duke of Castes-Sicola who had just succeeded to that lofty rank in consequence of his father-in-law's demise had arrived on the pre-seeding evening in the French capital on his way to Italy the article in the usual Folsom manner stated that his Sovereign Highness intended to remain one day in Paris in order to have a private interview with the king of the French and the journalist to give a list of the noblemen and gentlemen composing the suite of the Grand Duke in that category there was one English name and that name was Charles Hadfield Charles Hadfield exclaimed Laura in astonishment and scarcely able to believe the evidence of her own eyes but a second reference to the paragraph of Schurter that she had indeed made no mistake Ah, I comprehend she murmured to herself as she laid the paper upon the breakfast table at which she was seated this is the course that his stern father has adopted in order to throw him amidst new scenes and remove him afar from the meridian of London as well as from that of Paris he is to be sent into a species of ostracism in Italy until he shall have been weaned from the lingering affection he entertains for me thus reasoning within herself Laura rose from the sofa whereon she had been reclining and approached a mirror on whose bright and polished surface she beheld the glorious reflection of her countenance that countenance which was now radiant with a triumph that filled her soul yes she murmured to herself as she still continued to survey her image in the glass his father is afraid that he will yet fly back in my arms afraid that the magic of my beauty may once more draw him within the sphere of its influence as these thoughts passed through her brain her soul was filled with an ineffable exaltation for she marked the flashing of her fine eyes and the dazzling brillancy of the teeth that appeared like pearls set between two rubies marked also the glow of rich carnation on her cheeks in such striking contrast to the alabaster shoulders and swelling bosom wider than beryon marble in which according to a habit produced by the natural voluptuousness of her temperament were purposely left more than half exposed even when she was alone all those beauties her own transcendent beauties she beheld reflected in the faithful mirror and never was woman more profoundly conscious sovereign power which perfect loveliness exercises over the heart of man than was Laura Mortimer on this occasion the reader has already seen enough of this young woman to be well aware that she was the most extraordinary character and though her conduct would in another often warrant the belief that she was made up of contradictions yet with her those very deeds or thoughts that might seem to deserve such a name were in reality imperfect keeping with a disposition to the reading of whose depths and intricacies the key of no ordinary experience of the female heart would serve thus was it that a while the strange and a daring scheme rose up in her mind as surveying her peerless charms in the polished mirror she repeated to herself Charles Huttfield is in the capital for 24 hours and in 24 hours so much may be done may I not take the first step in my meditated vengeance a small step it is true and yet a commencement yes at the same time I may prove the irresistible power of my beauty and ring his racriant heart with a jealousy a jealousy so keen so acute so galling that he shall ride in agony of spirit and yet dare not utter a word all this I can do and still not violate my compact with his father for how run the conditions never to molest the young man in any way never to return to England but to fix my abode in some continental state and never to reveal the fact of our marriage not one of those conditions shall I break by the plan which now engages my attention for if we happen to meet in the same room or at the same public resort it cannot be said that I molest him no and now for the execution of my project a project that in his carrying out will excite in his breast the tortures of hell and the beauty's mouth was reaved into a smile of malignant almost fiend like triumph as those last words came hissing between her pearly teeth not born upon a voice melodious as a silver bell but in a tone so changed for a few moments that had she spoken in the dark with her own mother or Charles Hatfield present but able only to hear and not to see that voice would not have been recognized by them Rosalie the adept and intriguing ladies made was now summoned to hold a conference with her mistress it is my intention to appear in the Champs Elysees this afternoon a tired in the most becoming manner said Laura the day is gloriously fine and the carriage will be open I wish you to exercise all your judgment and your best taste in the superintendence of my toilette let me have no gaudy colors nothing savoring the splendor chased elegance must characterize my costume in a word Rosalie let my beauty be enhanced by my apparel without appearing to be in any way indebted to artificial means I understand you mademoiselle said Rosalie and you may depend upon me but now I wish to appeal to your ingenuity my dear girl Proceeded Laura having thus recommended myself to your good taste listen attentively the Grand Duke of Castle Sacola is in Paris and his state is limited to a few hours Charles Hadfield she continued syncing her voice almost to a whisper as if the very walls and ears is in his suite and I am desirous that he Charles Hadfield a company by 304 other gentlemen in the Duke service should be allured by some means to the easy this afternoon you wish the Mr. Charles and his companions may appear either on foot or horseback in the fashionable lounge at the time when you yourself will be there said Rosalie interrogatively you have expressed my desire with accuracy observed Laura does your imagination suggest any plan by which the same can be accomplished Rosalie reflected profoundly for upwards of a minute then suddenly turning towards her mistress she said can you tell me the names of any of the nobles or gentlemen in the Duke suite besides Mr. Charles Hadfield Laura immediately directed Rosalie's attention to the paragraph in the messenger and the cunning ladies made having perused it exclaimed will you leave this matter entirely in my hands mademoiselle I will answer Laura about whatever be your plan remember you must not compromise me all I demand or require is that Charles Hadfield accompanied by three or four of his comrades in the Duke service shall visit the Jean-Séliez this afternoon the rest concerns me I understand you mademoiselle said Rosalie you may trust entirely to my discretion without entertaining the least threat of being in any way compromised the Abigail then retired was left alone to meditate upon the scheme she had thus set on foot how her dependent proposed a act in order to accomplish that part of the design which had been entrusted to her Laura could not concede nor indeed did she give herself much trouble to conjecture she placed full reliance upon the tact discretion and ability Rosalie and regarded success as certain in order to while away the time she turned to her writing table and examined the packet which her music master had left with her on the previous evening the enclosure consisted of English translations of several of the most popular French songs and national airs and Laura set herself deliberately to the study of these pieces well aware that in acquaintance with their tendency and spirit would prove of advantage to her in conversation the first manuscript to which she thus earnestly addressed herself was a free version of that soul stirring him La Marseillaise La Marseillaise sons of heroes famed in story on remark to death for glory for see the foments standard waves or feels that soon must be their graves hear ye the clashing of their arms their shouts for tending dire alarms eager for slaughter on their press to make your children father less then let each warrior grasp the gleaming brand and shed them better's blood to fertilize the land where for to our peaceful coast rushed those sanguinary hosts for whom have they prepared the chains which now they drag or verdant planes children of France to us they come those chains are forged to stamp our doom just heaven that such disgrace should fall upon the free born sons of gall then let each warrior grasp the gleaming brand and shed them better's blood to fertilize the land what shall we afraid of war take from tyrant hands the law what shall a foreign cohorts pride intimidate our warriors try great god our necks can never be subject to despots tyranny nor shall the invaders of the state decide upon its people's fate then let each warrior grasp the gleaming brand and shed them better's blood to fertilize the land tremble chiefs perfidious all on your heads our curses fall tumble your projects soon made vain their merit return will gain for France has armed her serri bands and placed her safety in their hands so that if hundreds fall today tomorrow thousands join the array then let each warrior grasp the vengeful brand and shed them better's blood to fertilize the land in the darkling battles strike soldier spare your victim's life when armed against you in the field feeble and weak he cries I yield him may as thou spare but to the grave shall thou pursue the chief who gave such dire example to the rest that tear for food their mother's brass then let each warrior grasp the vengeful brand and shed them better's blood to fertilize the land sacred patriot flame urge us on to deeds of fame freedom assist the deadly blow that we direct against the foe conquest may we to war be led thy banners amply for us spread and may the tyrant host retreat or beg for mercy at our feet then let each warrior grasp the gleaming brand and shed them better's blood to fertilize the land the next manuscript which on this occasion contained a translation of Castamere's the La Venus celebrated national air written after the revolution of 1830 La Parisienne gallant nation now before you freedom beckoning onward stands let no tyrant sway be or you rest the scepter from his hands Paris gave the general cry glory fame and liberty speed warrior speed the thousands bleed pierced by the leaven ball or crushed by thundering steed conquest waits your foe men die keep your serried ranks in order sons of France your country calls gory hackatoms award her well she merits the true falls happy day the general cry echoed fame and liberty speed warrior speed the thousands bleed pierced by the leaven ball or crushed by thundering steed conquest waits your foe men die vain the shot may sweep along you banks of warriors now array youthful generals are among you by the great occasion made happy day the fervent cry echoed fame and liberty speed warrior speed the thousands bleed pierced by the leaven ball or crushed by thundering steed conquest waits your foe men die almost who the carlos vances with the banner staff has met freedoms votery advances venerable lafayette happy day the fervent cry echoed fame and liberty speed warrior speed the thousands bleed pierced by the leaven ball or crushed by thundering steed conquest waits your foe men die eras of that banner gleaming ye who bore it in the fray or lay in the fray the fervent cry echoed fame and liberty speed warrior speed the thousands bleed pierced by the leaven ball or crushed by thundering steed conquest waits your foe men die eras of that banner gleaming ye who bore it the fray or lay in the fray the fervent cry echoed fame and liberty speed warrior speed the thousands bleed pierced by the leaven ball or crushed by thundering steed conquest waits your foe men die muffled drum thy music lonely answers to the mourners sighs, laurels for the valiant only or obsequies. Sacred fame, liberty, that their memories never die, bared to his grave, each warrior brave, who fell in freedom's cause, his country's rights to save, crowned with fame and victory. There was one more translation from the French in the packet which had been placed at Laura's disposal, and this was a portion of Victor Hugo's celebrated ode, written after the Revolution of 1830. O friends of your country, immortal in story, adorned with the laurels, ye won in the fight, when thousands around you fell, covered with glory, ye turned not away from the enemy's might. But ye raised up your banners, all tattered in torn, like those which your sire's had at Austerlitz born. Ye have rivaled those sire's, ye have conquered for France the rights of the people from tyrants or saved, ye beckoned to freedom, ye saw her advance, and danger was laughed at, and peril was braved. Then if they were admired who destroyed the Bastille, what for ye should not France, in her gratitude, feel? Ye are worthy, your fathers, your souls are the same, ye add to their glory their pride and remount, your arms are well-nerved, ye are noted by fame, that the laurel and oak may unite for your crown.  Ian England, the jealous and grease, the poetic, all Europe admired, and the great western world arose to applaud with a heart sympathetic. When it marked the French banners of freedom unfurled, three days were sufficient to shake off the chain, and ye proved yourself friends to your country again. It was for you that your ancestors traced round the earth the circle of conquest, triumphant in glories, which extended to Cairo from France to Pittsburgh and proceeded through slaughter, but ever victorious. To us for you they encountered the Muscovite snows or in Italy plucked for their trophies the rose. O offspring of heroes and children of fame, applaud the achievements your sires did before you, extend their renown while ye honor their name and fight for the banners that proudly wave o'er you. Remember Napoleon has offcast his eye through the long-seried ranks of the French chivalry. Thou, herald of Jupiter, eagle of France, tis thou that has carried our thunders afar, with thee for a sign did our armies advance, with thee as their symbol they went to the war, look around thee rejoice for the sons of thy land are worthy the sires that thou erst didst command, and France has awakened from stupor profound and the watchword has raised all our champions around and the din of their weapons struck loud on the ear as it harkened the tread of the cavalry near, but the tyrant has marshalled his warriors in vain and his caverns thundered again and again for the stones that the citizens store from the street lay the cohorts of royalty dead at their feet and their numbers increased for they fought to be free and they poured on the foat like the waves of the sea while the din of the toxin that echoed on high was drowned in the fervor of liberty's cry. The tyrant has left you with sorrow and anguish, fair city, the glory of France and the world, three days have elapsed since in change you did language, you have fought, you have won, and your banners are furrowed, and wise were your councils succeeding the strife or revenge even smiled with the rest when clemency bet her surrender the night ere it was plunged in the enemy's breast. The friends of the monarch with him are overthrown, it is thus that a people its rights will defend for a fate have determined the fall of a crown, the schemes of the council accomplish the end, the wretches they deemed in their insolent pride that France to their scepter would bow, but the Lord found them light when their balance was tried and reduced them to what they are now and though let the lesson forever remain when we raise up a king we are forging a chain, when we humble our necks to a monarch we make a bond that we leave for our children to break since the breath of a king is thus barked to the pan, the musket exposed and its victim is man. Now let the funeral dirge be said and let the priests lament the dead, but let them come with modest deaths, no more intensely spender dressed, no more with ostentations there, neither he commenced a lofty prayer, no sign of worldly pomp should be mingled with awe of sanctity, thus welcome to the Lord and haith his grandeur and sincerity. Henceforth to the priests be all, spender or men, let his cross be of wood and his cushion of stone, the church is his refuge, the church is his rest, in her arms he is safe, in her care he is blessed, for when the volcanic eruption is red, like the froth of the wine press that burgundy fit, when the sides of the subious are glowing and bright, when Naples reactles with cries of a fright, tis then that the groans of the children resound, the mothers despairingly fall to the ground, tis then that in vain they expend to the air, the half-hearted words which are meant for a prayer. While black lines have missed from that crater, ascend and seem to foretell that the world's adamant, those lines have divided a luster that broke from the bowels of the mount, superseded the smoke, then Naples adieu to the grots and ivales, adieu to those ships the flame spreads to their sails, the lava has fallen on the sides of the hill, as the locks of a maiden float wildly at will, and farther or farther the lava rolls on, for meadows or streams to the gulf it is gone. The smoke forms a canopy, somber and red, though the waves of the torrent be glowing and red, and the homes of the great and the palagins' hall were doomed to in that deluge to totter and fall, it was a chaos of ruin, the centers were strewn for our town, late so lovely, now shapeless and rude, from dwelling to dwelling proceeded the sail, the houses were burning in city and dale, the earth was unsteady, the waves of the sea boiled, white on the shore and the toxin rang free, though no human hand were the cause of the sound, was raised by the steeples that tottered around, was a chaos immense, but the arm of the Lord that scatters such ruin and havoc abroad, the arm of the deity powerful to kill, and pour out the wrath of his thunder at will, that arm on the brink of the crater can spare the hermit who kneels to his maker in prayer. By the time Lord had completed the perusal of these poems rosely appeared, in the arch, Sma, which the pretty ladies made war, seemed to indicate that success had ground the task that had been entrusted to her. Where tidings have you forming? Ask Laura. I thank Manozo, that you may safely reckon upon beholding Mr. Charles Hadfield, together with two or three of his comrades in the Grand Duke's suite in the Champs-Elyse between four and five o'clock. Could you not wait to ask me my reasons for giving you this assurance? Added rosely hastily, it is nearly three o'clock, Manozo, and you must think of your toilette. Excellent rosely ejaculated Laura, how deeply I am indebted to you for your proceedings on my behalf. Thus speaking, she repaired to her bed chamber with the French Abigail followed, and then the toilette commenced. At about a quarter to four o'clock, Laura emerged from her private apartment and descended to her carriage, which was waiting for her, the equipments to move rapidly away towards the Champs-Elyse. Laura's was the afternoon, and queen-like in her beauty was Laura Mortimer. Contrary to her usual custom, she had her hair dressed in ringlets, which in a luxurious shower framed her splendid countenance. There was a flush of health heightened by her own heart's emotions on either cheek, but by the admirable control which she was unable to exercise over her features, her countenance was serene, and her eyes show not with a luster, a mellow feminine softness. She reclined back in her carriage a species of half-polluptuous lassitude and abandonment, but every change of posture was characterized with an elegance of motion that might be denominated poetic. The equipments in its appointments were in the best possible taste, and the liveries of the coachmen and attendant footmen were plain and neat, not glaring and obtrusive. Altogether, the turnout was that which a well-bred person who knew the distinction between elegance, simplicity, and gaudy ostentation was likely to possess. The principal drive in the Champs Elysees was crowded to excess. Seldom was there seen such a quantity of carriages or such a number of gentlemen on horseback. The footways were likewise thronged with loungers and with ladies enjoying the afternoon's promenade. Laura's carriage speedily fell into the line of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, and now its progress was slow. This was just what she wished for, not only was the multitude unable to obtain a better view of her, but she likewise had more leisure to watch for the appearance of him whom she expected to behold amidst the gay throng. Thus, both her vanity and her convenience were successfully consulted at the same time. Her patience was not put to a very lengthy nor severe test, for scarcely had her carriage reached the midway point in the splendid avenue when her keen glance signaled out the object of her thoughts from amidst the loungers on foot. Yes, there indeed was Charles Hadfield proceeding at a short distance in advance of the carriage and in the same direction, the critical moment was now almost at hand in both Laura's countenance, still maintained its serenity, her heart palpitated with violence. While too, she seemed to be reclining back in her carriage with a graceful ease which we might almost denominate an elegant linger, and while she now more completely shaded herself with her parasol, her eyes were fixed steadily and even intently in one direction. Yes, he has two friends with him, she said to herself, they were all three in plain clothes or rather, in mourning, doubtless for the father-in-law of their illustrious master, scarcely had these thoughts flashed through Laura's brain when Charles and his two companions stopped, turned round and gazed up and down the avenue for a few moments, then they interchanged some observations and pursued their way. Charles had not noticed Laura, but she had caught more than a partial glimpse of his face. During the quarter of a minute that her eyes were fixed upon him, she had, as it were, devout him with that earnest gaze. It was not love, no, and it was not hate, but it was a species of ravenous longing to decipher his thoughts through the medium of his countenance, and she saw that he was pale and pensive, but also strikingly handsome. Indeed, at that moment, Laura fancied as manly beauty had never before seen so perfect in her eyes, and it was with difficulty that she repressed the sight which rose almost to her lips. A few minutes elapsed and still the procession of carriages moved on in the broad straight road and the tide of lounges on foot rolled along the pathway. The distance between Laura and the object of her thoughts was gradually diminishing and almost immediately her carriage would overtake him and his companions. Again, they turned these three gentlemen and looked up and down, and this time Laura rapidly scanned half-beel's two friends. They were also young men, a fine figure and attractive looks, natives of Castle Sicula, and they had the dark Italian complexion of fine Italian eyes, and as they wore mustaches, their appearance was more military than that of Charles, but they were not so handsome as he at least Laura thought so, and she was doubtless bright. The critical moment was now at hand to carriage over to Catfield and his Italian companions, and it was just passing them when Laura perceived that she was suddenly recognized by her husband. He started to stop short and kept his eyes fixed upon her as if doubting their evidence, while his two friends excited by his strange manner, looked also in the same direction and at the same object, and their gaze was likewise riveted immediately upon the beauteous woman whose transcendent charms they naturally supposed to have produced such an effect on their companion. With a glance keen and rapid as lightning, Laura perceived that she was the idol of attention on the part of her husband and his two Italian friends, though the latter dreamt not that she was even known by name to Charles Hadfield, and while the eyes of all three were thus intently fixed upon her, her parasol suddenly escaped from her hand and fell within a few paces of the young men unobserved by the footmen standing behind the carriage. Of the two Casso-Sicklein officers, one was taller and more classically handsome than the other, and it was he that now darted forward to snatch up the parasol and restore it to its charming owner. So admirably had Laura manage the dropping of the parasol that it had all the appearance of an accident to everyone who observed the circumstance, saved Charles Hadfield and quickly as the powder exposed after the match has been applied to it, did the conviction flash to his brain that the occurrence was intentional on the part of Laura. At the same instant it struck him that never, never before had she appeared so marvelously beautiful, never so transcendently lovely as she now was with the flesh of gentle excitement upon her cheeks, her hair dressed in the style that he most admired, her pearly teeth partly revealed between the roses of her lips her toilette so elegant and chaste and setting off her splendid form to its greatest advantage and her attitude so classically graceful as she leaned forward to receive the parasol at the hands some castle sickling now restored to her after having carefully brushed off the desk with his white cambrick cankerchief. A thousand, thousand conflicting thoughts passed through the brain of Charles Hadfield during the few seconds that had elapsed from the escape of the parasol from her hand until its restoration by the Italian. He saw his wife more beautiful than ever. He had conceived her to be even when he was accustomed to worship her image. He remembered the wittery of her ways and the melting music of her voice, the joys he had experienced in her arms on the marriage night rushed to his mind and his desires throughout her force upon the rich contours of her bust. He recollected that his head had been pillaged and his hand had wandered voluptuously there. At the moment that Laura dropped her parasol, the carriage stopped and she affected to perceive Charles Hadfield for the first time. And for a single instance she appeared struck by surprise and uncertain how to act. Then immediately afterwards, she averted her eyes from him and bent them on the handsome castle sickling who had sprung forward to recover the parasol. She purposely composed her countenance and modeled her behavior so that her husband should be left in a state of utter uncertainty and bewilderment as to what was passing in her mind at least in regard to himself. When the Italian approached, the carriage took off his hat and with a low bow presented the parasol which he had so gallantly dusted with his Canberra cankerchief. Laura bestowed so sweet a smile and so tender a look on the handsome foreigner that the direst rage which jealousy can know was excited in a moment in the breast of Charles Hadfield. A rapid glance unseen even by her husband himself made Laura aware of the effect produced upon him by her department towards the castle sickling and the joy of a proud triumph filled her heart. I thank you sir, she said in French to the Italian gentleman for she had already marked more than enough of the language to be enabled to give utterance to that common phrase and as she spoke she again smiled sweetly though not in a manner which might be construed into indelicate encouragement. Her husband caught the words that were addressed to the handsome foreigner and also marked the smile that accompanied them and as the music of that voice flowed upon his ear and the witchery of that smile met his gaze. His countenance became absolutely livid with the emotions that went in soul. Beautiful lady said the castle sickling enchanted by the condescending manner of the lovely woman who was agreeably surprised and much delighted to hear him address her with the utmost facility in the English language. You have gained to thank me for a thing so trivial that I'm ashamed to merit your notice upon so slight a ground with that an opportunity could arise for so humble an individual as myself to perform some deed that might deserve your approval. And when your gratitude out of the Italian sinking his voice to a low tone. I know not, senior replied Laura satisfying herself with another rapid glance that Charles Hadfield was still gazing with jealous fury upon this scene. I know not senior she said with all the witchery of tone and manner that she could summon to her aid how I can sufficiently thank you for the courteous behavior which you demonstrate towards me. At the same time I need scarcely be astonished at such chivalrous gallantry on your part for if I mistake not you belong to that fine Italian client which I shortly intend to visit. The young castle sickle and gazed with the enthusiasm of adoration up into the enchanting countenance that was bending over him and he felt as if he could have cheerfully consented to yield up the last 10 years of his life to purchase the enjoyment of pressing his lips to the small plump mouth which looked better than the rose moistened with a dew of morning. Oh, is it possible he exclaimed in a joyous tone that you propose to honor my native land with your presence. For your sure lady he continued that if you visit Montoni, the castle sickle and capital you will become the object of a perfect idolatry. Then should I do well to remain in France in your rather than lead your nation into such a crime, said Laura laughing daily and the rapid glance which he darted towards her husband convinced her that he was enduring the torments of the damned torments which were increasing in proportion as she seemed to grow on more friendly terms with the young Italian officer. I should be wrecked indeed, the beauty's lady said he and applied to her last observation. Did I think that any inconsiderate remark from my lips could deter you from carrying into effect a purpose already settled in your mind? Neither he added with his sigh, am I vain enough to suppose myself to be of sufficient importance to sway you in one way or another? Or am I vain enough to take in any sense save as a compliment to flattering observation you made just now relative to the reception I might expect at Montoni and as Laura uttered these words she cast down her eyes and blushed slightly. The dialogue between the castle sickle and herself had been carried on in a low tone and was therefore totally inaudible to the other Italian and Charles Hatfield who were gazing but with very different feelings on the lovely woman. Neither had the conversation occupied one-tenth part of the time which we have consumed in detailing it and in the interval the carriage is originally behind that of Laura had passed hers by so that the stoppage of her equipage caused no obstruction. The tide of pedestrian lounges was likewise still flowing on there being nothing singular nor unusual in the fact of a gentleman on foot paying his respects to a lady who wrote in her carriage. But while the multitude generally saw not peculiar in the scene which we are describing it was nevertheless one of deep interest by the carriage doors to the young castle sickle and officer his heart throbbing with ineffable emotions which the wondrous beauty of Laura had excited as it were by the weight of an enchanter's wand. In the vehicle itself set the siren bending forward towards that handsome foreigner as if she were already interested in him though in reality she experienced not the slightest sensual feeling in his favor other considerations occupying her thoughts at a little distance to the other Italian officer gazing upon her with an admiration which he could not conceal and then being his comrade the privilege which a lucky accident had given him to address the hurry and there also was Charles Hatfield ghastly pale, his limbs trembling convulsively and his lips white and quivering with rage. Yes, terrible, terrible were the feelings which Laura's husband experienced for the six or eight minutes that this scene lasted there was a woman whose beauty excited universal admiration a woman in all the splendor of female loveliness and this woman was his wife his own wedded wife a wife whom he could rush forward and claim in a moment if he chose and that woman was now coqueting before his eyes coqueting with a steady purpose to annoy him oh he could understand it all the means which had been adopted to induce him and his two companions to proceed to the Champs Elysees at that hour the pretended accident of the parasol and the smiles and tender looks which Laura now bestowed upon one who was entirely a stranger to her yes all, all was now clear to Charles Hatfield and he was on the point of springing forward not to catch Laura to his breast and claim her as his spouse but to upgrade and expose her when he suddenly recollected that a portion of the agreement entered into between his father and her was to the effect that she likewise was to be secure against molestation or recognition on his part as well as he on hers this reminiscence compelled the unhappy young man to restrain his feelings and as he was forced to subdue his eye his jealousy only became the more painful because it required event of some kind or another he arrived, he positively arrived before her eyes and now he was humiliated as well as tortured to such an intolerable degree Laura had cast down her looks and had called up a plush to her smooth cheeks when she made to the handsome casts so sickle in the remark that we have last recorded but almost immediately afterwards she raised her countenance again and smiling with an archeness so enchantingly sweet that it would have moved the rigid features of an octogenarian acorite to admiration she said, at all events in yours should I visit Montoni in the course of this summer my stay would be very short where I propose to become a great traveler and to travel very rapidly also tomorrow I set out for Vienna Vienna repeated the castle sickle in astonishment surely Paris possess greater attractions than the cold dull formal Austrian capital all of that I must judge for myself exclaimed Laura laughing at the same time showing by her manner that she thought their conversation had lasted long enough the young Italian was too well-pred to attempt to detain her but it was nevertheless with evident reluctance that he stepped back from the carriage door and raised his head in farewell salutation Laura inclined her head gracefully in acknowledgement of his courtesy and the vehicle drove on rapidly the way before it being now comparatively clear oh what a triumph was in her heart as she threw herself back in the carriage and reflected upon all the incidents of the scene that had just occurred a scene which had not occupied ten minutes and which have nevertheless stirred up so many unsuch varied feelings her vanity had been gratified by the homage paid to her beauty and her malignity had for the time been assuaged by the contemplation of the almost mortal agonies endured by her husband she had asserted the empire of her charms over even the very heart that ought to cherish hatred against her she had inspired with the matters jealousy the soul that was bound to think of her with loathing and abhorrence she felt all the pride of a woman wielding a sceptre more despotic than that of a queen a sceptre which was as a magic wand in her hand casting spells upon even those who detested as well as those who admired her in section 55