Section 81 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. Dr. Swinton. The madhouse kept by Dr. Swinton was a spacious building with a large garden surrounded by a high wall at the back. It was by no means a gloomy looking place, although the casements were protected by iron bars for to mitigate that prison-like effect. The curtains were of a cheerful color and the window sills were adorned with flowers and verdant evergreens and bright red pots. Moreover, the front of the house was stuck out and wherever paint was used, the colors were of the gayest kind. The front door always stood open during the daytime because there was an inner door of great strength which led into the hall and a porter in handsome livery was constantly lounging about at the entrance. The doctor himself was an elderly person of highly respectable appearance and of very pleasing manners when he chose to be agreeable, but no demon could exhibit greater ferocity than he when compelled to exercise his authority in respect to those amongst his patients who had no friends to care about them. It was between 9 and 10 o'clock in the evening of the day following the interview between Fitz George and Heath Coates head clerk that a plain carriage and pair drove up to the door of Dr. Swinton's establishment. The porter immediately rushed forward to open the door and let down the steps of the vehicle and two persons alighted. One was a tall, handsome young man of gentile bearing and ansomely dressed. The other was some years older and might be described as respectable without having anything aristocratic in his appearance. Have the kindness to say that Mr. Snidson, accompanied by his friend Mr. Granby, requests an interview with your master where the words immediately addressed to the porter by the elder of the two visitors while the other appeared to be gazing about him in a vacant, installed manner. Walk-in gentleman said the obsequious porter with a low bell. He then rang a bell and a footman in respondent livery opened the inner door. Mr. Granby and Mr. Smithson were now conducted through a spacious hall into an elegantly furnished parlor lighted by a superb luster suspended to the ceiling. The doctor will be with you in a minute. Gentleman said the domestic who immediately retired to acquaint his master with their arrival. But the moment the door had closed behind him, a smile of deep meaning instantly appeared upon the lips of the visitors as they exchanged equally significant looks. In a few minutes, Dr. Swinton appeared, his countenance wearing such a monignant expression that if the saints at Exeter Hall could only have bribed him to attend on the platform at their main meetings, they would have secured a sufficiency about what appearance of philanthropy to draw gold from the purses of even the most cynical. In fact, the doctor was precisely the individual from whose lips might be expected a most touching and lacrimose speech upon the benighted condition of the heathen, and the absolute necessity of procuring funds for the purpose of circulating a million of Bibles amongst the poor savages of the cannibal islands. His thin gray hair was combed with precision over his high and massive forehead, a smile played on his lips showing his well preserved teeth, and his eyes beamed with mildness, almost with meekness as if he had succeeded by long perseverance in resigning himself to a profession which militated sadly against a natural benevolence of heart. He was dressed in deep black, his linen was of the finest material, and of snowy whiteness he wore a low corvette, and his enormous shirt frill was prevented from projecting too much by means of a diamond pin that could not have cost less than 50 guineas.  We should have observed that the doctor wore black silk stockings and shoes at being evening, and we have every cause to believe that the reader may now form a tolerably accurate idea of that gentleman's personal appearance. Leaning forward as he walked in with a kind of mincing gate, half familiar and half obsequious, Dr. Swinton advanced towards the visitors, only one of whom rose at his approach and this was Mr. Smithson, the elder of the two, the other remained in an apparent state of apathetic laziness on the sofa where he had taken his seat. After most obedient, Mr. Smithson said the doctor proffering his hand to the individual whom he thus addressed, this is your friend Mr. Granby, I presume, the gentleman of whom you made mention when you honored me with a visit this morning. Yes, doctor, that is indeed my unfortunate friend Granby, responded Smithson, drawing the physician into the window recess and speaking in a whisper. The fine handsome young man observed the mad doctor glancing towards the subject of his remark and likewise adopting a low tone. What a pity it is, he uttered, turning towards Mr. Smithson and placing his forefinger significantly to his forehead. A thousand, thousand pities, doctor, was the reply delivered in a mournful voice, such a splendid intellect to be thus clouded, such a genius to be thus crushed, annihilated. No do not anticipate such a calamity hastily interposed the physician. Rather, let us hope that a judicious system, my system, Mr. Smithson, will eventually succeed in affecting a cure. But have you the regular certificates, my dear sir, because you are well aware that a heavy responsibility rests upon the gentleman of my profession who received patients. Everything is straightforward, doctor, interrupted Mr. Smithson producing two papers from his pocket. These certificates are signed by medical men of eminence and whose honor is unimpeachable. Oh, assuredly exclaimed Swinton glancing over the documents. Dr. Prince as an ornament to the profession and Mr. Spicer is equally well known. I'm not the pleasure of their personal acquaintance, but I'm no stranger to their hard reputation and rigid integrity. So far so good, my dear sir, continued the mad doctor restoring the certificates to Smithson. And now I think we have little more to say in respect to arrangements. Nothing that I'm aware of interrupted Mr. Smithson. When I saw you this morning, you told me that your usual terms for first-class patients were 600 a year. Each quarter payable in advance, you were pleased to recollect, my dear sir, said the physician, in its own abland insinuation. It is a mere matter of form, you know, just to bear trouble of writing a check at the beginning instead of the close of the three months. Oh, pray offer no apology for such an excellent regulation. Interrupted Smithson, short accounts make long friends. Very good, very good indeed. Said the doctor with a docular calculation. You are quite right, my dear sir, quite right. Shall I give you a stamp receipt? He asked Smithson placed in his hands two banknotes, one for a hundred and the other for fifty pounds. You can send me the acknowledgement at your leisure, answered Smithson. And now, as I must take my leave, permit me to beseech you to bestow all possible attention upon my unhappy friend and to spare no expense in rendering him as comfortable as possible. His relations who have empowered me thus to place him in your establishment are very wealthy and will cheerfully augment the allowance if required. No coercion is necessary with him. He is very tractable and by no means dangerous. At the same time, anything resembling restraint would only induce him to move heaven and earth to escape. He cannot even endure to have his chamber door locked at night. And you may safely trust him with the candle. Indeed, he will have a light. As for placing a keeper in his room, such a step would be as unwise as it is uncalled for. But I need not attempt to counsel a gentleman of your great experience and well-known skill. Pardon me, my dear sir. Interrupted Dr. Swinton, drawing himself up at the compliment. This paid to his professional ability, but I'm always delighted to receive any hints which the friends of my patients are kind enough to give me. And I can assure you that your suggestion shall be fully borne in mind. Of course, you will call upon Mr. Granby occasionally. Ask the doctor in a tone which was as much as to imply that the less frequent such visits were the better he thought it would be. Yes, I shall call now and then respond to Smith's and catching the physician's meaning in a moment. But not too often, as the visits of friends are likely no doubt to produce an injurious effect on those minds which under the influence of your admirable system are becoming settled and tranquil. It is, however, my intention to return in a few days just to assure myself that Granby is comfortable and likewise that you are not displeased with your patient. Very good, said the doctor. I shall be delighted to see you, but will you not remain in partake of supper with us? You will then have an opportunity of judging how I treat my patients, for we all sit down to table together, at least those who belong to the first class and who may be termed the parlor at Borders. Besides, I forgot to mention to you this morning that the religious principles of my patients are not neglected and that I keep a regular chaplain in the establishment. If you will stay to supper, you will have the pleasure of hearing him say grace before meat and deliver a most so refreshing exhortation afterwards. Indeed, I may consider myself highly fortunate in having secured the spiritual services and the constant companionship of such a worthy man as the Reverend Mr. Sheep Shanks. I should be much gratified by remaining to partake of your hospitality, answered Smithson, and even still more rejoiced to inform the acquaintance of such an estimable character as Mr. Sheep Shanks. But, unfortunately, my time is precious and I must depart at once. But these words, Smithson turned away from the window and approaching Mr. Granby, who was lounging upon the sofa, seemingly gazing on vacancy, touched him on the shoulder, saying, Goodbye, my dear friend, you are going to stay here for a few days with Dr. Swinton, and you will find yourself very comfortable.  Can you talk with the hands, Smithson? Oh, yes, and I will come tomorrow and hold a conversation with you by that method was the answer. Well, don't forget, said Granby, and bring all my friends with you, 20, 30, 40 of them, if you like. I shall know how to entertain them. In that case, I will bring them all, my dear fellow, returned Smithson, then in a whisper to the doctor he observed, he perceived how childish he is, but perfectly harmless. I begin to fear with you that his cure will be no easy, more speedily accomplished matter, responded the physician also in a low tone. But you will do your best, doctor, I know, said Smithson, then turning once more to his friend to exclaim, Goodbye, Granby, I'm off. Well, go, I don't mean to accompany you, answered the patient without moving from his recumbent position, and without even glancing towards Smithson, but maintaining his eyes fixed upon his fingers, with which he appeared to be practicing the dumb alphabet. Go along, I say, I'm very comfortable where I am. Mr. Smithson heaved a profound sigh, embedding the doctor farewell, hurried to the carriage with his cambered handkerchief to his eyes. He feels deeply for his afflicted friend, thought back to Swinton as he remained for a few moments on the threshold of the front door, looking forth into the mild, clear and beautiful night. There should be the greatest fool in existence, if ever I allowed Mr. Granby to recover his reason. An annuity of 600 pounds is not to be thrown away in a hurry, but I must prevent this fellow Smithson from calling more than once or twice a year at the outside, and then only on stated days or else with a week's notice. However, I shall get him here into supper in a short time, and will then cajole him into anything I propose.  He arrived at this complimentary conclusion in respect to Mr. Smithson, the doctor returned to the room where Mr. Granby was still lying upon the sofa and still playing with his fingers. In the section 81. Section number 82 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. Recording by Lola Janey. Mysteries of London, Volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds. The Lunatic Asylum. Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely furnished apartment. The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and china spread upon it. A splendid effriné upon a large silver tray occupied the middle of the board and numerous crystal decanters containing choice wines of various sorts sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent luster suspended to the ceiling. All the first class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the doctor. That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board and our old friend Mr. Sheepshanks occupied the other extremity. The Reverend Gentleman, though now well stricken in years, was so little altered since the reader last found himself in his company that no minute description of his personal appearance is again necessary. Suffice it to say that his long pale countenance was as sanctimoniously hypocritical as ever. His hair, now quite gray, was combed with this wanton sleekness over his forehead and his speech was as drawing in tone and as full of cant in respect to language as when we beheld him holding forth to the members of the South Sea Island's Bible-circulating society or figuring so ignominiously in the insolvence court. Mr. Granby, being a newcomer, was placed in the post of honor, namely on the doctor's right hand, but the unfortunate gentleman did not appear to understand much less appreciate the distinction for he scarcely uttered a syllable, did but little justice to the succulent vivans and remained, for the most part of the time, gazing in listless vacancy straight before him. We should, however, observe that, on first being introduced into the supper room, he had darted a rapid and searching glance around, embracing, with that sweeping look, the countenances of dozens of patients who were already assembled there. But immediately afterwards, he resumed his stallid, meaningless expression as if his mind were indeed a blank and mournful void. Now, Mr. Sheepshanks said the doctor, when all were duly seated at the table, will you ask the usual blessing? With your permission, most respected, sir, replied the reverend gentleman. And then, with the countenance as rueful as if he were about to go forth to the place of execution, he drawled out a lengthy grace in such a droning voice that one of the lunatics fell fast asleep and did not wake up again until the savory odor of a plate of roast duck which was placed before him recalled to him his recollection and his supper. How do you find yourself this evening, Mr. Sheepshanks, inquired Dr. Swinton, after having assured himself that all his guests were duly served? You were complaining of a billiard's attack this morning? Alas, yes, kind sir, responded the reverend gentleman in a most doleful tone and with a profound sigh. It pleased the lord to ordain that the salmon of which I partook bountifully at yesterday's dinner should disagree with me or, per adventure, it was the cucumber. But by the aid of the divine blessing and the black draught, my dear patron, I have pretty well come round again. Nevertheless, I feel my appetite failing me. As he uttered these words, Mr. Sheepshanks helped himself to about a pound and a quarter of pigeon pie, that being his second attack on the same dish. I shall be happy to assist you to some roast duck, Mr. Sheepshanks, said the doctor, after a pause of about seven minutes. It would be an act of rudeness to decline an offer for which bespeak such delicate attentions on your part worthy sir. I have just managed to pick a morsel of this savory pie and I will endeavor to get through the wing of a duck with heaven's assistance. So you shall, said the doctor. In the meantime, I recommend you take a little wine for your stomach's sake. Ah, that was salutary advice which Paul gave to Timothy. A little wine for the stomach's sake. Drawed out the excellent Mr. Sheepshanks. And to prove that he really thought so, he filled a tumbler with claret and invited the delicious draught without a pause.  We may here observe that the doctor who was a widower was fond of good living himself and was well pleased when he found anyone inclined to keep his company in the enjoyment of the pleasures of the table. For this reason, he especially admired the reverend Mr. Sheepshanks and he well knew that when his chaplain pretended to have no appetite at all he was in reality prepared to do ample justice to every dish. Hence the copious supply of duck which the physician has sent him and that hospitable gentleman heard with secret pleasure the groan which Mr. Sheepshanks had given and which was a sure indication that the modesty of the reverend glutton would be so far overcome as to induce him to allow the doctor to help him again presently. And here we may likewise remark that Swinton was no-niggered of his good cheer. If he kept an excellent table, he liked to see justice done to the viands served up and as he received handsome renumeration from the friends of his first-class patients he could well afford to regale them sumptuously and amass a splendid fortune out of them into the bargain. In conversation of the trivial kind of which we have just recorded a specimen did the doctor and Sheepshanks pass the time during supper? The patients all maintaining a profound silence and conducting themselves with the most perfect propriety. Indeed, were it not for a certain vacancy in the eyes of some and a peculiar but inexplicable expression in the looks of the rest it were impossible for a stranger to believe that there were any lunatics at all in the room. After supper, Mr. Sheepshanks delivered himself of a long prayer but as his libations had been somewhat copious in spite of his bilious attack his voice was occasionally so thick as to be unintelligible and it appeared as if he at times fancing himself to be an ivory knight speaking in the unknown tongues. Towards the conclusion of his oration which very much resembled a funeral sermon in those parts where the meaning and sense could be caught the Reverend gentleman became so much affected that he began to weep and had a maliciously disposed person be present he could have probably entertained the derogatory notion that Mr. Sheepshanks was in that malding condition, vocally termed crying drunk. However, the affair passed off to the satisfaction of the worthy doctor who as he thought of all of his chaplain had eaten and drunk during the evening felt really proud of having beneath his roof a man of such splendid qualifications. The after supper oration being concluded the keepers all dressed in plain clothes made their appearance to conduct their patience to their respective chambers but as this was Grandby's first night in the house the doctor volunteered to show him to the apartment prepared for his reception. A new inmate of the asylum immediately obeyed the hint which the physician gave him relative to the hour for retiring and he was forthwith escorted up a handsome staircase to a long corridor on the second floor. From this passage which was carpeted adorned with statues and recesses and lighted by lamps hanging to the ceiling opened several rooms the doors of which were numbered. At the entrance to the passage the doctor pulled a wire which communicated with a bell on the story overhead and a matronly respectable looking woman made her appearance in answer to the summons. Which chamber is Mr. Grandby to occupy? Miss Probert said the doctor to his housekeeper for such was the situation filled by the female. I have moved the gentleman. You know who I mean sir. That was in number seven. I understand interrupted the physician with some degree of impatience as if you were afraid that the housekeeper was about to be more communicative than was necessary in the presence of the stranger. Well you have removed a certain person. To number twelve sir replied Mrs. Probert and therefore Mr. Grandby will please to occupy number seven. Very good said the doctor. Now Mr. Grandby my dear friend have the kindness to follow me. The request was instantaneously obeyed and the physician conducted his docile patient into the room that had been selected for him and which was indeed the most spacious, airy and elegantly furnished bed chamber in the whole establishment. It was usually appropriated to any newcomer of the first class whose friends appeared to take an interest in him so that on the occasion of their first visit after his location in the asylum the doctor might be enabled to show them with pride and even triumph the magnificent apartment in which the patient was lodged. It was afterwards an easy matter to remove him to another and inferior though still comfortable chamber so as to make room for another arrival and it was very seldom that a lunatic ever thought of mentioning to his friends when they visited him the change of apartments that had taken place. Having introduced Mr. Grandby into the elegantly furnished chamber the doctor placed the candle upon the table wished the young gentleman a good night's rest and then retired closing but not locking the door behind him. The moment he had departed a remarkable and signal change took place in the appearance and manner of Mr. Grandby.  Indeed all further mystery in this respect being unnecessary. We may as well at once declare that the fictitious Mr. Grandby was the real Lord William Trevelyan and that Smithson who had so well performed the part of an affiliated and faithful friend was none other than the astute valet Fritz George. The young nobleman had made confidence of his two friends Dr. Prince and Mr. Spicer who at his request had drawn up and signaled the certificates necessary to procure his introduction into the abode of Dr. Swinton. We must likewise here observe that when the short Kalylikwee had occurred between the doctor and his housekeeper it instantly struck Trevelyan that illusion was made by them to Sir Gilbert Heathcote as being the individual whose sleeping place had been changed from number seven to number twelve. He had noticed that the woman had observed a degree of mystery in referring in the first instance to the late occupant of the best bedroom and that the doctor as if fearful that walls had ears or that even a lunatic such as he believed Trevelyan to be might learn a dangerous secret had hastily interposed to prevent Mrs. Provert from making a more direct illusion. All these circumstances induced Trevelyan to conjecture that the late occupant of his room was none other than Sir Gilbert and if this were the case he had acquired the certainty that the baronet was the tenant of a neighboring apartment in the same corridor. It was now eleven o'clock and the young nobleman resolved to wait until a much later hour or he took any steps in pursuance of the clue which he believed himself to have gained relative to the chamber occupied by his persecuted friend. He walked to the window and looked forth through the iron bars upon the mass of narrow lanes and squalid alleys constituting the suburb known as Globetown and all the features of which were brought vividly forward in the powerful moonlight for the atmosphere was as bright as if it were of transparent quick silver. But in a few minutes Trevelyan grew weary of the sameness of the prospect so still an inanimate at that hour and he began to examine more minutely than at first the chamber in which he found himself. A massive wardrobe of dark mahogany and elaborately carved particularly attracted to his notice and impelled by that curiosity which frequently seizes upon persons who seek to while away an hour or two by any means that opportunity or accident may afford he opened the large and heavy doors. There were several shelves inside filled with blankets and counterpains evidently deposited there during the summer months when the beds required less clothing than in winter. Trevelyan was about to close the doors when he suddenly caught sight of something that appeared to be a roll of papers thrust between the blankets. He drew forth the object of his attention and found that his conjecture was correct for he held in his hand a manuscript consisting of several folios of fool's cap closely written upon in a gentile and fluent style. A father examination of the papers showed him by means of certain dates that the manuscript was only recently composed and an indescribable feeling of interest superior to anything like vulgar curiosity prompted him to read the documents that had thus strangely fallen into his possession. Besides, he had determined to let a couple of hours slip away ere he took any steps in pursuance of the design that had brought him to the madhouse and he was by no means sorry at having discovered a mode of passing the interval otherwise than by restlessly pacing his chamber or gazing from the window. He accordingly seated himself at the table and commenced the proposal of the extraordinary document that will be found in the ensuing chapter. End of chapter 82. Mysteries of London, volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds The Confections of a Lunatic, part 1 My blood has been boiling like a lava stream. It appears to me as if I can now freely respire the fresh air having only breathed by gasps. What agony then has it been that has thus convulsed my soul? Of what kind was the anguish that left such strange and unnatural sensations behind? Have I just awakened from a reverie of burning thoughts and appalling visions, or was there any truth in the hideous things which seem to have passed like frightful fantasmagoria through my brain? What means the suffocating sob that has struggled upward and as it were spontaneously from my breast? Oh God, it appears to me now as if the wildest, most maniacal ideas have crowded into volumes and I'm compressed into instance. Do I rave? Am I really here, in a room elegantly furnished and seated at this table, writing? Is the bright sunlight streaming in at the open casement, and does the breeze penetrate into the chamber, fanning my feverish cheek and throbbing brow, and wafting to me the delicious perfume of flowers? Is all this true, or a dream? Am I still a denizen of the earth, that earth of which I seem for some time to have lost all forgetfulness, dwelling during the interval in a chaos peopled with horrible images, ghastly spectres, frightful beings of nondescript shape? Oh, I remember, I found this paper, this pen and this ink, in that large and massive wardrobe so exquisitely carved, and something tells me that there are persons watching my movements, spying my actions, and who will be angry with me, perhaps it'll treat me if they behold me writing down my ideas. Oh, I am afraid, I am afraid. My God, where am I? There is a hurry in my brain. My blood again begins to boil, my hand trembles as I write, but wherefore do I write at all? I know not, and yet it seems to do me good. If any persons, any of those men whom I remember to have seen just now, should endeavour to enter the room, I will hide my papers in yonder wardrobe, or else under the bed or between the mattress? No, in that wardrobe, it is the safest place, I feel confident. But why should I not go forth and walk in the garden, which I can see from the window, or else penetrate into the fields at a great distance, and lie down and think? If the breeze coming into this room does me good, how much more refreshed should I feel where I to ramble about in the open country? Yes, I will go. What does this mean? I have tried the door, and it is locked. Who dares to treat me thus? Me, a gentleman of birth and fortune. I will not endure such conduct. I will appeal to my brother, the magistrate for protection. He shall hang the wretches who have perpetrated this insolence. Oh God, what do I see? There are bars at the window. Great heavens, I shall go mad. Mad? Yes, that was the last word that I wrote yesterday. I suppose it must have been yesterday, when I so hastily concealed my papers on hearing someone approaching the door. I remember that full well. Yes, it was an elderly man with a mild and benevolent countenance, dressed in black, with linen beautifully white, and with a massive chain and seals. I looked at him well, but I knew him not. I do not think that I ever saw him before. He sat down by my side, felt my pulse, and asked me several questions. Ah, a thought flashes to my mind, that good old gentleman is a doctor. And now, yes, I think I can recall it all, I abused him, I insulted him very grossly, and then some men entered and compelled me to go to bed. They undressed me by force. I struggled against them, but it was useless. Oh, what does it all mean? Why those men coerce me? Why that doctor to attend upon me? And why those bars at the window? Gracious God, it cannot be no, no, the horrible thought. Yes, it must be so. I am really mad. Again, I sit down, calmly and tranquilly, to write. I have weighed well my condition, have asked myself a thousand questions, have read what I have written above, have striven to recollect all the past, have carefully examined the present, and have dared to think of the future. By all this, and by the bars at the window, I know that I am mad. Yes, but I can write the word now without growing excited, and I must practice writing it again, so that I may, by degrees, gather to my aid such an amount of self-possession as to be able to trace on this paper all that has occurred to me. Then shall I possess a positive memorial, a substantial key to the past, and should I again forget in an interval of delirium all that has occurred, I can speedily recommit the mournful history to my memory during a lucid interval like the present. Mad, mad, mad, mad. There, now I can write the word without the least excitement, and this is a triumph already achieved. By gaining a complete and accurate knowledge of my real position, I shall know how to act. I am aware that I am in a lunatic asylum. I am also aware that I have passed through intervals of fearful delirium, but I must compose myself as much as possible. I cannot remain in this horrible place, if I cannot become really sane again, and may at all events pretend to be so, and then they will let me out. But in order to regain my intellect or appear to recover my reason, I must remember all that has occurred to me, so as to be enabled to converse calmly and sensibly on the subject.  God forbid that the doctor or his men or that prying old housekeeper should look into the wardrobe. I would not lose my manuscript for worlds. June 13th, 1846 I have learnt the day of the month. The doctor has been with me for an error, and he readily complied with my request to be furnished with an almanac. He told me that this is the 13th of June, and henceforth I hope I shall be enabled to keep the dates accurately. When I was at school, but this is many years ago, I used to make an almanac to calculate how long it was to the holidays, and every evening I scratched out the day that had just passed. Oh happy, happy age of boyhood, will I never come back? Has I gone forever? Now must I erase each day as it passes, and hope that the period of my release is near at hand. That shall be the holiday of my manhood, to which I must look forward with anxious, fervid, burning hope. But to my narrative. £100,000 became mine on the day that I attained my majority. That was nine years ago. I was my own master, my parents had long been dead, and my guardians attempted not even to advise me, much less control me. They were not relations, mere men of business to whom my fortune had been entrusted, with a view to its accumulation. The moment I became possessed of that wealth, I plunged headlong into the vortex of pleasure. Heavens, in what dissipation did I indulge? Who could drink deeper than I, and walk home steadily afterwards? Who was more sought after, and caressed among the fair sex? Who was a more constant attendant at race courses, gaming houses, and the haunts of fashionable vice and aristocratic debauchery? Full that I was.  I had three mistresses at the same time, three women having each a separate establishment maintained at my cost. What were the consequences? At five and twenty, my constitution was nearly ruined, and £80,000 of my fortune had been expended. The very principles of my existence seemed to be undermined, disease was gnawing at my vitals, an unbroken career that the wildest dissipation was hiring me, with racehorse speed to the tomb. Suddenly I woke, as from a dream, but it was not because remorse had touched me, nor because good councils were proffered me, nor because some latent feelings of virtue sprang into existence. Neither was it because my fortune was nearly wasted and my health rapidly failing. No, but it was because I at that epoch saw my Editha for the first time. Oh, how can I retain my calmness now, when I think of her as I then beheld her, beheld her in all the glory of her matchless beauty, radiant with that loveliness that seemed to surround her with the halo that only angels have. Yes, I was then 25, and Editha Gravel was 19, that delightful age when the female figure swells into womanly loveliness, round, full, and exquisitely modelled. We loved almost at first sight, and though several weeks passed or I ventured to declare my passion, I could read in Editha's eyes that I was far from being displeasing to her. She was an only child, her father was dead, her mother, though a woman of considerable wealth, mixed little in society, and the wildness of my conduct was not therefore fully known to Mrs. Gravel. At the same time, she had heard that I was extravagant and imprudent, but when I implored her to bestow upon me the hand of her daughter, she yielded her assent, expressing a hope that I had sewn all my wild oats by that time, and should grow steady in a matrimonial state. Thus was it that I became the recognised suitor of Editha, and when some of Mrs. Gravel's friends who knew me well was notoriously a half-ruined rake, the old lady had too much confidence in all the promises of reformation which I had made to revoke the consent she had given to our union. Besides, she saw that Editha was deeply attached to me and that the beauty's girl's happiness depended on the smooth progress of love's course. But alas, painful thoughts forced themselves upon my mind. I felt that my constitution was ruined and I believed myself to be in a consumption. Faithful to the solemn pledges which I had made to Mrs. Gravel, I established a complete change in my habits, and instead of drinking wine to excess, I foreswore all alcoholic liquor whatsoever. Likewise, instead of passing my nights in dissipation, I returned home at an early hour and sought my couch. But the suddenness of this alteration in my habits produced effects which I can only compare to the terrible reaction that a man experiences when waking in the morning after a night of deep debauch. A dead weight fell upon my spirits. I became so low and depressed that horrible thoughts of suicide were constantly floating in my brain. My nervousness was extreme and intensely painful.  And when immersed in these reveries I verily believed that I was contemplating realities, such was the morbid state of my mind. It was therefore natural that I should begin to reflect upon the step which I had taken with regard to Editha. I had sought and won the affections of a beautiful creature who is possessed of a generous heart an amiable disposition and a loving soul who is shocked to think that such a being in all the vigorous health of youthfulness should be led to the altar by one whose constitution was shattered whose vital energies were almost ruined and who seemed to be hovering on the very verge of the tomb. Oh how maddening were these thoughts. I looked upon myself as a villain a deceiver and often often was I on the point of throwing myself at Mrs Greville's feet and exclaiming madden for having dared to ask the hand of your daughter in marriage. I am but a phantom, a shadow the finger of death is upon me and if Editha should accompany me to the altar it is probable that in less than a year she will have to follow me to the tomb. But when I thought of Editha's matchless beauty and pondered upon the immensity of the love that I experienced for her I could not command the courage necessary to enable me to resign the hope of possessing such a treasure.  Oh, no no I could not resign my Editha but no day had been as yet fixed for our marriage and six weeks had already elapsed since I had proposed and was accepted. Shall I confess the truth? I dared not ask her mother to name the day I shrank from the idea as if I were meditating a murder had marked out my victim but dreaded to settle in my own mind the night and the error when the assassin blow should be struck. I was lying in bed one morning reflecting on all these things for the dark fit of despondency was upon me when my valet entered the room with the morning's newspapers I listlessly unfolded one of the journals when my eyes suddenly caught sight of an advertisement headed thus manhood, the reasons of its early decline with plain hints for its complete resuscitation the book was announced to be an emanation from the pen of T. L. Sartes and Co. consulting surgeons residing in one of the streets leading out of Soho Square by certain quotations of notices from the leading newspapers that the book was a medical treatise of great utility, merits and importance. Hope now dawned in upon my soul perhaps my constitution was not irretrievably damaged perchance I might not be in a consumption after all such were my thoughts after perusing that advertisement over and over again and I resolved to lose no time in calling upon the able practitioners the reputation of any constitution no matter how hopeless the case might seem. Accordingly, having hastily dressed myself, I repaired in a street cab to the address indicated on the advertisement. The house was one of imposing appearance and the words Sartes and Co. consulting surgeons were displayed in deep black letters on immense shining zinc plates. The fawn-coloured Venetian blinds were drawn down and said to myself as I alighted with a fluttering heart, doubtless these eminent practitioners have patience waiting in every room to consult them. Entering the passage I found an inner door with a bronze knocker and a ground-glass fan-light on which were inscribed the same words as those that appeared on the polished zinc plates. I was immediately admitted by a footman and conducted upstairs to a drawing-room every feature of which is at this moment as fresh in my memory I was seated and writing there now. This apartment at first sight impressed me with an idea of luxurious splendour but a closer examination into its appointments showed me that the most vulgar taste had presided over its fitting up. The paper was of crimson and gold and to the walls were suspended several paintings set in magnificent frames which only rendered the dobs the more miserably ludicrous. Two of them were covered with plate glass as if they were very valuable whereas they were as wretched as the others. Some unprincipled person thought I must have imposed upon these worthy doctors by recommending pictures to which I would not accord house-room but men of philosophic minds and who are devoted to professional studies are seldom good judges of works of art. Thus ruminating I continued my examination of the apartment and I was struck by the surprise of the utter vulgarity and absence of taste which characterised the profusion of French porcelain ornaments scattered about.  At the corners of the fireplace were two paintings evidently cut out of a picture and representing little charity schoolgirls. In the centre of the room stood a loo table upon which a writing desk was placed and this was surrounded by medical publications bearing on their title pages the magical names of those gentlemen whom I was so anxiously waiting to see. I had the curiosity to open one of the works but I was disgusted with the obscenity of the coloured plates which it contained. A moment's reflection however induced me to believe that there could be nothing indecent in the development of the divine art of surgery and I felt ashamed of myself having even for an instant entertained such scruples. As a concluding observation respecting the drawing room itself I must remark that its entire appearance indicated the taste of a vulgar upstart rather than the refined elegance of a polished mind. Having waited nearly three quarters of an hour a fitman made his appearance and with many obsequious bows conducted me downstairs into a dining room most godly and extravagantly furnished. The same grovelling vulgarity of taste which I had noticed elsewhere was apparent in the crimson damask curtains with yellow fringes and tassels, the looking glasses in ponderous frames, the showy dobs suspended to the walls and the furniture arranged for the purpose of display. Folding doors admitted me into an inner apartment of equally vulgar appearance and beyond was a little room two feet square and which the footman as he ushered me in denominated the surgery. I must confess that my heart beat violently as I traversed those two apartments leading to the sanctum where I expected to find myself in the presence of the eminent medical practitioners. I had pictured to myself a couple of old and venerable looking gentlemen with genius stamped upon their high bald foreheads and their eyes expressing all the powers of vigorous intellect. I was therefore somewhat surprised when on being introduced into the surgery I beheld only one individual who was the very reverse of the portraiture I had drawn by anticipation. His features were of the Jewish caste his complexion was of that swarthy and greasy description peculiar to the lower order of the Hebrew race.  His eyes were dark and one of them was larger than the other his bottle nose was rather on one side and his countenance altogether was as ignoble, as vulgar and as unintellectual as ever served as an index to assorted, groveling soul. His dress was of the flashy kind which belongs partly to the upstart or parvenu and partly to the swell mob's man. He wore a blue dress coat a gaudy waistcoat and large loose trousers hollowed at the instep, so as to be shaped to the polished leather and boot.  Such was the individual in whose presence I find myself and had I not been at the time in such a desperate state of mind that I was eager to clutch at a straw I should at once have seen through the man and his system. But I reassured myself with the adage which teaches that we should never judge by outward appearances and it flashed into my mind that many men remarkable for the courtesy of their intellect were far from being pre-possessing in either person, manners or address. Moreover, I never had partaken in the shameful, unjust and absurd prejudices which too many of my fellow countrymen entertain in respect to the Jews and therefore the mere fact of this Mr. Sertes being a member of the Hebrew race produced on my mind no unfavourable impression with regard to him. Pray be seated said the medical gentleman with the tone and manner which I at the time mistook for professional independence but which I have since discovered to be the vulgar insolence of an ignorant, self-sufficient upstart.  I did as requested but not without a little hesitation for I had hoped to avoid giving my name and address. Ah, I see! said Mr. Sertes in amusing tone as he examined the card. Mr. McDonald's he continued reading my name. By the way are you any relation to the Marcus of Burlington because his family name is the same as your name? I replied that I was not a relative of the noblemen mentioned. Well, it don't seem if I proceeded Mr. Sertes. This is a excellent friend of mine. He lays under a sight of obligations to me. He come to me in the first instance with a constitution so veered out and shattered that no medical carpenter in all Hengland could have mended it up except me. But the course of a few weeks I put him right as a trivet and now he go through fire and water to serve me. It only cost him a couple of thousand pounds to get quite cured and that was cheap for me. But how come to you to call upon me this morning, varied in consequence of having prurigued from my medical works, ah themselves while them does, or varied because you see my advertisement in the newspapers? I was so completely bewildered by this outpouring of exerbal English and vile grammar that for some moments I was utterly unable to answer the questions put to me. Was it possible that this course and self-sufficient Bulgarian should be an eminent medical authority? The author of valuable publications, the celebrated surgeon whom the extracts from newspapers quoted in his advertisement spoke of so highly, I was astounded. But again did hope blind me to what the man really was. Again did I reassure myself by the reflection that Mr. Sertes might be an excellent surgeon although he was a miserable grammarian and I accordingly recovered my self-possession sufficiently to inform him that I had called in consequence of reading his advertisement in the newspapers. The doctor seemed pleased at my answer and immediately exclaimed Velsar and what a blessing it is that people do read advertisements. Cosve, they gets at the knowledge of eminent medical like practitioners which has devoted their lives to the heart of healing in all sorts of diseases.  A man what knows everything out of the human constitution no one knows so well as myself what consumption really is. Then you have made consumption your particular study sir, I observed, seeing that he paused in order to elicit some remark from me. Rayther was his laconic answer. The fact is he continued, for med like men is other what consumption is nor in what part of the frame it begins. By, I once know a gentleman sir which had a rapid decline begin in the great toe of his left foot and travel upwards till it spread itself over the entire system. The doctors had all give him up and the undertaker was actually thinking of the good job he should soon have to put into his hand when I was consulted. I made him take seventeen bottles of my beautiful Balm of Zura and he recovered in less than a fortnight. Weak, nervous and attenuated as I was, this anecdote made a deep impression upon me. I forgot the bad grammar. I lost sight of the arrogance and self-sufficient vulgarity. I saw and heard only the man who solemnly assured me that he had redeemed a fellow creature from the jaws of death when all other members of the faculty had given up on the case as hopeless. Mr. Sarty's doubtless perceived that he had worked me up to the pitch suitable to his purposes and he accordingly said well my good sir, will you be so good as to explain what it is you've come to consult me for? I then frankly and candidly confessed that I had expended four fifths of a large fortune in a career of unbroken dissipation that my constitution was grievously impaired if not absolutely ruined that since I had given up drinking and all other sources of unnatural excitement I was subject to such frequent fits of despondency that the idea of suicide was almost constantly in my imagination that I loved and was beloved by a beautiful girl who was possessed of property but that I felt afraid to contract the matrimonial engagement lest I should leave her an unprotected widow in the course of a short time. Mr. Sarty's listened with great attention and when I had concluded he appeared to reflect profoundly. At length he said Val let's feel your pulse I extended my hand towards him and he applied his thumb to a part of my wrist where I did not suppose that a pulse lay but I concluded at the time that his great proficiency in medicine had led him to discover a new pulse and that the best mode to take it was with the thumb very weak pulse indeed he said shaking his head with as much solemnity as the Chinese Joss up in his drawing room might have been expected to display but don't go for to give way to despair my dear sir. The case is a badden I admit a very very badden and I can't say as how I ever knowed a worser. Pray who's the young lady which you intends to marry? I have a motive in axing. I thought that as the learned gentleman was already acquainted with my name and address there could be no harm in answering this new question. The more especially as even if I refused to reply he could easily institute those inquiries that would lead to a knowledge of the fact. I accordingly satisfied him on that head. Ah I don't know her he observed carelessly. Then after a few moments reflection he said well I undertake to cure you but the business will be a expensive one you must write me a check for a hundred guineas my consultation fee and then I'll tell you what you must do next. reassured by the promises he thus held out I unhesitatingly gave him a draft for the amount demanded he then opened a drawer and drew forth a small case containing six bottles. This here is the rail elixir of life he said in a tone of solemn mystery it invigorates the constitution in no time and puts a regular stopper on the advance of consumption the Grand Turk has a case sent every week to him through his ambassador and all the crowned heads of Europe his patients of mine I may say take a bottle of this beautiful bomb daily and when it's all gone come back again to me the price of them six is fifteen guineas and you can write me out another check advance I hasten to comply with this demand and Mr. Sartes bide me out of the surgery by here I must leave off writing for I am weary my brain begins to grow confused and my memory fails me oh what a full what an idiot I was not to have seen through the man and his quackery on the occasion of that visit the particulars of which I have detailed at such length end of section 83 recording by Mary Patterson section 84 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 the confessions of a lunatic part 2 June 18th 1846 again resume my narrative five days have elapsed since I last put pen to paper and that interval has been one of darkness yes the fit was upon me but it has passed and I'm now calm and collected once again I've just read over all that I have written above and I have laughed hardly at the fidelity and my newtiness of my description of the first visit that I paid to the quack doctor let me now continue my narrative for the incidents are once more all fresh and vivid in my memory I'm well aware that the imagination has much to do with our diseases and our cures possessed of what are deemed to be a salutary medicine my spirits rose and that the close of each of the six days during which the supply lasted I said to myself I certainly feel stronger and better the fits of despondency were for less frequent and less intense my appetite improved and the color came partially back to my cheeks this change was no doubt affected principally by the steady life which I adopted and by the increased mental tranquility which I experienced I was more overfilled with hope that a complete restoration to health would be accomplished and thus while at this time I attributed everything to the medicine that the stuff was utterly valueless in itself Aditha was rejoiced to find my spirit so much improving and her mother expressed her delight at the regular habits which I had adopted I did not mention to assault my visit to Mr. Sertiz that was my secret and a sense of shame made me cherish it religiously at the expiration of the week I called upon him again and on this occasion was it once admitted into his surgery there was another fee of a hundred guineas another six bottles of medicine prescribed in another check given for the amount thereof he asked me if I had read his book yet and I was compelled to reply in the negative bell never mind he said I ain't offended but you shall have a hot pot of paruging it before you come again I'll just step up into the drawing room and get you Vaan he accordingly quitted the surgery and during his temporary absence and a resistible feeling of curiosity prompted me to look at a note which lay open upon the table and thus it ran word for word dear Joe you ask me to lend you my diploma for a few days just to make a show with to a new patient but I once for all tell you as how I'd rather not let it go out of my house besides it's of no use to you cause it's made out in the name of Lovert and you took the name of Sertiz so no more from your affectionate brother etc. This note was signed by the name of Lovert and therefore it was apparent that the real appellation of my friend Mr. Sertiz was Joseph Lovert it struck me in a moment that I had become the dupe of a quack but I had sufficient command over myself to restrain my indignation when he returned to the room he was accompanied by a woman I cannot say a lady whom he introduced to me as his wife and here I must pause to say a few descriptive words of her Mrs. Sertiz was a vulgar dark complexion devious with a long hooked nose her flesh seemed as if it had been smeared with oil and then wiped with a dry towel but on her cheeks she wore in a moderate quantity of rouge she was exceedingly stout with an enormous bust her hair rough and wavy was arranged in bands and plastered down with quince pips she was dressed in the most outrageous style and as she herself expressed it was about to go out for a herring in the carriage her gown was a green velvet her shawl of bright red a rose pink adorned with a profusion of artificial flowers inside and out she wore very pink silk stockings and short petticoats as she had conceived the erroneous impression that there was something attractive in her elephant-tined leg as a matter of course she carried a complete jeweler's shop about her person she wore no gloves and her large red hands were covered with rings her earrings were of gold studded with turquoise and now her portraiture is complete scarcely had the ceremony of introduction taking place when another female bounced into the apartment and she was immediately presented to me as Mrs. Serti's sister such a pair was never seen before they looked like a butcher's daughters in their sundaes best and they were attired within evidently studied view to contrast for the sister's gown was a blue velvet her shawl of flaunting yellow hue and her bonnet white these ladies having favored me with a good long stare and a few observations relative to the weather and such like commonplace topics quitted the room to enter their vehicle which was waiting at the door Mrs. Serti's had the gallantry to accompany them as far as the carriage and the moment I was alone again I had the curiosity to traverse the two rooms and take a peep from the front window the equipage was in perfect keeping with the appointments of the house and the attire of the occupants it was a barouche painted bright blue on the body but all the under parting wheels were of straw color the inside was lined with yellow Morocco it was drawn by two brown cobs the harness exhibiting a profusion of silver and the coachman's livery was of a gaudy blue with buttons also of silver but while I was making these observations from the window my ears were saluted with a brief colloquy that took place in the passage between Mr. Serti's and his wife ere he handed her to the carriage they doubtless believe that I had remained in the surgery and little thought that I was near enough to catch all they said Beljo exclaimed Mr. Serti's any monzo with that pale faced young fellow which you said were so and some and made me come in to see a good Mozamotan he answered with a vulgar chuckling laugh oh then he stumped the grout demanded the woman joining him in the cacanation to be sure he did my love responded this precious consulting surgeon and I means to have a good deal with him before I've done oh very well then return Mr. Serti's in this case the boy A B must have a new polka hat and little Joe a new well with dressed out of it all right exclaimed the consulting surgeon come cut along and astonish the natives in the park a bit I shall join you presently he then handed the two women into the carriage and I hurried back to the surgery where I seated myself till his return so that he could not suspect I had the place during his temporary absence I longed to tell him all I knew or suspected relative to his real character but a fear of exposure made me silent and I took my leave of him with as much civility as I could bring myself to bestow upon such a person I knew that I had been completely and thoroughly victimized but on reflection I was glad of it I saw that the circumstance of taking the medicine has stimulated my imagination and had thereby aided improving my health on my return home I threw the six bottles away without drinking another drop of the trash bomb and I sent it once for a respectable physician who for a fee of five guineas gave me proper advice I then came to the conclusion that it is always better under any emergency to have recourse to legitimate assistance than to seek the aid of advertisers no matter whether the subject involving medicine law or money my health improved rapidly and at the expiration of three months I became the happy husband of the equally happy Aditha here must I pause for a time the recollection of my wedding day has revived memories which overpower me June 20th, 1846 I resumed my narrative twelve months I elapsed after my marriage with the loveliest and most amenable woman in the universe and nothing had transpired to interrupt our felicity a boy had blessed our union and I was as happy as a husband and father could possibly be my health was almost completely reestablished and my habits were regular and domestic I load the idea of those exciting pleasures and feverish enjoyments in the vortex of which I'd nearly wrecked everything health, fortune and reputation and Mrs. Greville who dwelt with us would often assure me with a smile that I was the very pattern of good husbands my brother who had become a magistrate was a frequent visitor at our house and all was progressing in peace comfort and tranquility when an incident suddenly occurred to interfere with that smiling prospect it was late one evening shortly after my beloved Aditha's recovery from her confinement that I was informed that a person who refused to give his name desired to speak with me in private I ordered the servant to show him into the library and then there I immediately afterwards proceeded the man whom I encountered there was a short thick-set fellow with a forbidding countenance he was flashily dressed and had about him an air of jaunty impudence as if he had come upon some evil mission in which he knew that he should succeed I asked him his business without inviting him to be seated for I conceived a dislike to him the instant I set eyes upon his sinister features your name is McDonald he said flinging himself into a chair in a very free and easy manner there is no necessity for you to acquaint me with that fact I observed assuming as chilling a tone as possible oh but there is though he ejaculated because I must make sure that I'm speaking to the right person you admit your name now will you tell me whether you're the gentleman that married Miss Aditha Greville what means this impudence I demanding angrily explain your business sir without further circumlocution I'll come to the point in a minute return the man quite unabashed 15 or 16 months ago you used to visit a certain gentleman who lives not 100 miles from Soho Square I started in turn pale for it struck me in a moment that the fellow was alluding to the consulting surgeon I see that it's all right he exclaimed doubtless drawing disinference from the confusion of my manner of course you would rather it shouldn't be known that you did visit the gentleman he added emphatically I do not understand your meaning I replied look here then continued the fellow it would not be very pleasant to have your brother your mother-in-law your friends your tradesmen your servants and even your wife made acquainted with the fact that you were under Mr. Sertes for some time previous to your marriage I never visited him but twice were the words asked out for horrible sensations were coming rapidly over me never mind how often it was cried the man in a brutal tone you did call to consult him and that's enough for me now then tis for you to say how much you will give me to keep the secret wretch extortion I ejaculated rage succeeding alarm in my breast it's of no use to attempt to bully me so the ruffian with the most cold-blooded composure I want money and I mean to get it out of you or else I said all my wretched feelings returning as I saw myself threatened with exposure shame and irretrievable degradation or else he repeated I shall tell the secret to all the people I've named and then we shall see whether you will ever hold up your head in society again and how much money do you require I asked my heart sinking within me five hundred will do for the present he responded to periously for the present I cried echoing his words what do you mean to visit me again for such a purpose not a few shell out at once and without making any more words about it he said there was no alternative safe to comply and I accordingly counted into his hand the bank notes for the some named in another minute he had taken his departure and I was left alone to meditate upon the scene that had just occurred it was a long time before I could so far compose my countenance and my feelings as to be able to return to the parlour without exciting the suspicions of my wife and mother-in-law that's something unpleasant had taken but I managed to conceal the sorrow which the event of the evening had engendered within me and early on the following morning I paid a visit to Mr. Sertiz he did not appear at first to recollect me or at all events if he did he was a wonderful adept in playing the part of forgetfulness but when I mentioned my name he exclaimed by is it possible that you've come back to consult me again far from it I answered with a bitterness which I could not hide in which he failed not to notice for he bit his heart deeply I've been related to him the particulars of the visit I've received in the previous evening and accused him of being the prime mover in the matter but he repelled the charge with so much indignation whether real or fain I cannot even now determine that I certainly believed him at the time and where I present writing for the purpose of having my narrative read by the world I should be loath indeed to have it inferred that Mr. Sertiz was in reality mixed up with the case of extortion much I hate and despise him I will not do him I want an injustice and I'm therefore bound to state that he was warm and energetic in his assurances of complete innocence respecting the transactions but how could that man have known that I ever did visit you asked though things does get abroad in many most unaccountable ways he responded but I take my gosh to witness that I'm as clear of this business as the babe bots unborn but can I do to convince you that such as I do not entertain such a dreadful opinion of human nature as to disbelieve you sir was my rejoinder and I took my leave but distressed and harassed as I was I could not help noticing the strong and disagreeable odor of fried fish that came up from the lower regions of the dwelling nor could I avoid a smile as I caught a glimpse of Mrs. Sertiz who was running hastily upstairs having evidently emerged from the kitchen for his worthy countenance was as greasy as it could be and her appearance was already enslovenly in the extreme yet a few hours later in the day this woman would doubtless turn out in all a flaunting God of her rainbow attire and in that profuse display of her costly jewelry a must again repeat that I quitted Mr. Sertiz abode with the conviction that he was anything but an accomplice in the scheme of extortion and I said to myself as I returned Homer the scene of last night is one of those penalties which we are doomed to pay for the irregularities and evil courses of our neighbors but even though Sertiz himself be innocent is not the extortionate deed all the same a result of an infamous system of quackery to destroy that system and the quietude of men's homes could not thus be troubled by the visits of extortioners by degrees my mind grew calmer and as weeks and months fled away I had almost ceased to think of the occurrence which had so much ruffled me when one evening the man reappeared at the house again was the ominous message delivered by Sertiz my beloved wife and her excellent mother again did I see the man in private and again was I compelled to endure his cool insolence and yield to his extortionate demands another 500 pounds was transferred from my pocket to his own and once more was I forced to veil the real condition of my feelings when I rejoined the ladies in the parlor and now as time slipped away I did not lose the misgivings that this second visit had excited in my mind I could not forget that I was in the power of a villain who was certain that I would not be like again months past and a third time I remember it well it was on Christmas Eve the fatal message was delivered to me on this occasion I started so violently and betrayed so much confusion that both my wife and mother-in-law observed my agitation I however hurried away without responding to their anxious inquiries and when once more in the presence of the extortion I heaped the bitterest approaches upon him he heard me with a coolness and a self-possession that only speaking through sheer exhaustion he then informed me in his imperious and rude manner that he had an opportunity of emigrating under the most favorable services that he required a thousand pounds and that if I gave him the sum he would never trouble me again I bound him by the most solemn oaths to that pledge and to save myself from a shame that would have crushed me down to the very dust and rendered life intolerable I gave the miscreant the check on my bankers for the large amount which he demanded but on my Aditha and Mrs. Greville I was compelled to invent false words to account for my confusion and I beheld with pain and bitter grief that they both saw that I was deceiving them that I was concealing the real truth and that there was something upon my mind oh yes and they conjectured truly for my peace was now so thoroughly disturbed that I despaired of regaining it I felt convinced that in spite of the villain's solemn vows he would come back again and I dreaded to be at home for every knock at the door made me start out all my return I dreaded lest the servant should inform me that a certain person had called for me during my absence and would look in again in the evening lest my life became a veritable burden to me and my sorrow was aggravated by the stern necessity of retaining it all in my own breast often and often did I think of inventing some excuse to induce my wife and her mother to consent that we should break up our establishment in London and repair to the continent but what apology could I devise for proceeding and moreover would not the extortioner find me out if he set himself to the work because to imagine any feasible ground for it changing our name was impossible thus months passed away without seeing me determined upon any plan to frustrate the extortioner should he return and I saw that my Aditha's health and spirits began to fail because she knew that I was secretly unhappy and the extortioner did come back and again was I forced to yield to his demands two thousand pounds on this occasion and when I reminded him of his solemn pledges and sacred vows he laughed outright in my face oh how I hated a poor load that man I could have seen him on the spot but I thought of my dear wife an innocent boy and I restrained my hand and now my mind became seriously unsettled a painful nervousness constantly maintained its influence over me my health gave way again as rapidly under the heavy weight of sorrow as it did beneath the wearing effects of dissipation oh yes and what was that my Aditha grew paler and thinner day by day visibly and I did not attempt to console her I could not force my tongue to frame a lie to assure her that I myself was happy thus was our once happy home changed to a scene of gloom a deep despondency hung upon us all and I perceived with ineffable anguish that Mrs. Greville began to view me with distrust perhaps she thought that some crime lay heavy upon my soul yes this must have been her impression or she would doubtless have questioned me but she did not live long enough to behold the sad catastrophy a short though severe illness snatched her to the tomb and circumstance as I was I rejoiced in secret at the event for I said to myself there is at all events one being the lesser to see one being the less to watch me with mournful and silently appealing looks oh God it was not strange it was not wonderful if madness were beginning even then to undermine the strong tower of my reason scarcely where the remains of my mother consigned to the tomb when the extortioner reappeared at the house his demands increased in proportion to the concessions which were made to him by my fears but I was totally unable to comply with his present exigencies it is true that there was much property still left but it was settled on my wife and I could not command from my own resources that some needed this I candidly told him and besought him to be merciful yes with tears in my eyes did I beseech him the rest the monster what cared he for my grief my anguish he desired me to have recourse to a discounted gave me the address of a money lender and said he should return on the following evening accordingly impel by my wretched wretched destiny I visited the money lender who advanced me three thousand pounds on my own acceptance and at most user is interest the whole of that money found its way into the pocket of the extortioner and when he had taken his departure I fell down in a fit for days and days did I keep my bed when I woke to consciousness it was from a delirium my dear wife was seated by my bedside but oh god how pale how altered how waned she was with long vigils and deep grief I questioned her guardily to ascertain whether in my ravings I had betrayed my secret but I learned beyond all doubt that I had not then I began to breathe more freely and she throwing her arms about my neck exclaimed well tears streamed in torrents down her cheeks my beloved husband you have some dreadful grief praying upon your mind may I not be made your confidant I've observed that always after the visits of the man who calls every now and then and invariably in the evening you are stricken as with a heavy affliction oh what does it all mean I endeavored to console her to soothe her to reassure her as well as I could but I saw that she only pretended to be solaced for my sake well I recovered but happiness and I had shaken hands forever I felt as if I were followed about by an invisible demon whose breath poisoned the very atmosphere that I breathed I know that my brain was reading that my reason was that I was going mad often did I think seriously of murdering my wife and child and putting an end to my own existence but I dare not lay violent hands upon them and I had too much moral courage still left to seek death so long as they remained a single tie however feeble to bind me to life but a new misfortune was in store for me for us a solicitor in whom I and my wife trusted obtained our signatures to certain deeds under the foulest representations and by virtue thereof he sold out all the stocks standing underneath his name in the bank he then absconded we were suddenly reduced from affluence to comparative penury I was unable to honor my acceptance and the discounter would listen to no terms he said that he had passed it away in the regular course of business and could not take it up himself I was arrested and thrown into prison my friends deserted me believing that wanton extravagance on my part had led to this catastrophe yes all saved my beloved wife deserted me and she the angel remained faithful to me we had 250 pounds a year still left and on the houses which produced this income my wife insisted on raising the money necessary to obtain my release but such a proceeding would have left us beggars and I could not endure the idea of misery for one two three persons no the property was so secured that my creditor could not touch it and I resolved by the advice of an attorney to apply for relief to the insolvent's court I did so and the creditor opposed me on the ground of extravagance I could give no account of the manner in which I had disposed of the money he had advanced me and when the opposing council asked me on my oath whether I had not lost it at yandere I greedily snapped with the means of explanation and thus furnished and purged myself by the utterance of an affirmative that miscreant extortion he drove me to ruin a prison the insolvent's court perjury and lastly to a madhouse great god how can I write this frankly when I think of all the wrongs that I have endured July 23rd 1846 I've been compelled to desist again but at length I resumed my pen my ideas are rapidly becoming more settled I think that I shall recover altogether if I can but manage to escape from this place I stated that I appeared at the insolvent's court and was opposed by the holder of the bill for three thousand pounds the commissioner remanded me to prison for twelve months as a punishment for wanton and profligate expenditure I shall not dwell upon that long incarceration it was horrible to a sensitive soul like mine even Aditha patient and loving as she was veiled to solace me altogether there were intervals of anguish so bitter that I fancied myself at times to be already dead and enduring the torments of hell dreadful thought but at length the time passed and I was once more free we took a neat little cottage in the suburbs of the metropolis and tranquility seemed to have been restored to us at last our son throw gloriously oh what a handsome boy he became what a handsome boy he must be now nearly two years past and I was recovering my mental serenity and one day I met the extortioner in the street oh what a cold shutter came over me as I saw his eyes fixed upon me it seemed as if a horrible specter had suddenly started up from the earth to horrify and appalm me I beheld ruin personified and a faintness came over me but I was recalled to a poignant sense of my misery by the well-known voice that fell upon my ears making fresh demands upon my purse I took the man into an obscure public house close by and as there was no one in the room save ourselves at the time we could converse freely upon the business freely indeed when every word he uttered fell like drops of molten lead upon my heart and every syllable I breathed in return hissed from my parched tongue like water passing over red hot iron what could I do the fiend insisted upon having money and swore that he would follow me home he however measured his demands to my means and insisted upon having 300 pounds by a given hour the next evening we parted and I saw that he dogged me indeed he did not attempt to conceal himself nor his intentions as he followed me until I entered my own door and I knew that it was use to see that to turn upon him in a hostile manner or to attempt to baffle his aim heaven only knows how I can try to explain to my wife the reason for my altered appearance or rather how I managed to conceal the real cause beneath a falsehood but I did succeed in reassuring her somewhat and on the following day I went to the discounter the same money before to ask him for a loan it was a desperate step taken by a desperate man but to my surprise he consented without the slightest hesitation to accommodate me I received the money gave my note of hand and paid the amount to the extortioner but things had now reached a crisis with me and I became so unsettled in my mind that Aditha was seriously alarmed I remember that my brother the magistrate was sent for and he visited the house after having been long estranged from me then a miss came over my memory and I was here yes here where I now pen these lines oh I have been mad raving mad and heaven knows that I have endured enough to make me so such persecution could only end in insanity but I'm better now nay I'm well although my friends will not believe that my brother was here yesterday and I saw by the way in which he humid me when I told him I was fast recovering my reason that he still imagines me to be insane I implored him to let me see Aditha my boy he declared that I should have my pleasure next Sunday he likewise told me that they were well in health but deeply grieved on my account now I have made up my mind how to act I shall escape from this horrible place and proceed to France there I shall adopt an assumed name and then I shall write to Aditha to join me at once with our son we shall be beyond the reach of the extortioner and tranquil if not happy days may yet await us yes this is my hope but shall I destroy the manuscript upon which I have labored so arduously with an occupation that has done me so much good no I cannot consent to annihilate the papers which contain a narrative so fraught with awful warning but does it not likewise contain my secret and is not my name mentioned in the course of the versatile heart footsteps approach I must conceal my papers end of section 84 section 85 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 recording by Mattea Bracic mysteries of London volume 4 by George W. M. Reynolds scenes in the lunatic asylum thus terminated the extraordinary manuscript which Lord William Trevelyan found in the wardrobe and the perusal of which occupied him nearly two hours he was undecided how to dispose of the papers should he return them to the place where they had been concealed should he destroy them should he take them away with him in the hope of being one day enabled to discover their writer and by restoring them to him convince him that they had fallen into the possession of an honourable man who though having had the curiosity to read them would nevertheless religiously keep the secret which they contained for from the abrupt termination of the manuscript Lord William very naturally concluded that the unfortunate author had succeeded in infecting his escape from the lunatic asylum very shortly after he had penned the last words in the narrative and the young nobleman therefore considered it to be possible though perhaps not very probable that he might sooner or later encounter Mr. MacDonald in the great and busy world Lord William had likewise another motive for retaining the papers the reader had seen enough of him to be aware that there was in his disposition much of the same chivalrous spirit and philanthropic principle which characterised the Earl of Ellingham and it was therefore natural that he should become suddenly impressed with the idea of adopting measures in due course for the purpose of fully exposing the ferocious system of quackery that was carried on by pseudo-medical advertisers. He remembered that the newspapers contained many advertisements announcing such works as the one which had proved the means of ensnaring the unfortunate Mr. MacDonald and he was resolved to lose no time in employing his solicitor to institute all the necessary inquiries into the characters, histories, proceedings and social positions of the scoundrels who thus accumulated large fortunes by means of the most atrocious quackery deceit, rascality and extortion. The manuscript which Chance had this night thrown in his way contained so many important particulars and furnished such a complete clue to the entire ramifications of the dark iniquity which the young noblemen was determined to expose that he regarded it as a powerful auxiliary to the crusade he was about to undertake and this consideration, added to the motives already mentioned decided him in retaining possession of the document. It was now one o'clock in the morning and a profound silence brained throughout the lunatic asylum. Lord William noiselessly opened the door of his chamber and looked forth into the long passage which was partially lighted by a single lamp that had been left burning. No living being was to be seen and nothing disturbed the dead stillness of the hour and the place it now struck the young noblemen that the door of the chamber which he was anxious to enter namely number 12 in the same passage as his own apartment was most probably locked and in this case he made up his mind to force it at all risks a little father reflection suggested to him that in as much as he had seen the housekeeper with only a single key in a hand it was probable that this key was a pass to all the chambers and he thence inferred that the key of his own room might perhaps fit the lock of the door belonging to number 12 at all events this was the first experiment that he resolved to try and without any longer delay he proceeded as cautiously as possible down the passage until he reached the chamber which he hoped and believed to be the one occupied by his friend there was a bolt outside the door this was immediately drawn back and Trevelyan essay the key to his indescribable joy the key turned easily in the lock and with a beating heart the noblemen entered the room closing the door behind him the chamber was quite dark but Trevelyan speedily groped his way to the window and drew aside the curtains so as to permit the powerful moonlight to pour its silver flood into the room he now approached the bed and there to his delight he beheld the well known though worn and wasted countenance of his friend Sir Gilbert Heathcote who was wrapped in somber Lord William shook him gently the baronet awoke with a sudden start in ejaculation but at the same instant a friendly voice said hurriedly fear nothing desire Trevelyan and I am come to deliver you from this accursed place Sir Gilbert who had raised his head from the pillow fell back again and closed his eyes for a few moments he fancied that he was dreaming he could not believe that those welcome words had in reality sounded in his ears or that the moonlight had shown him the form of his friend by the bedside Trevelyan did not choose to interrupt the baronet's reverie immediately he comprehended the prudence of allowing him to collect his catechded ideas and compose his thoughts is it really you my dear young friend Sir Gilbert asked abruptly and starting up in the bed he seized Trevelyan's hand and cased fixedly upon his countenance yes it is no dream responded Lord William pressing the baronet's hand with all the fervour of his generous friendship I am here to effect your escape and there is no time to be lost still the baronet could scarcely believe the joyful announcement thus made to him and Trevelyan duly impressed with the necessity of tranquilizing and reassuring his friend's mind as much as possible early attempted departure should be made fearing likewise that the baronet's intellect had been somewhat impaired by the sense of wrong and the horrors of imprisonment in a lunatic asylum began to speak upon such topics as were calculated to direct his thoughts into a salatory channel my dear Heathcote he said endeavour to call to your aid as much calmness and self-possession as possible for a single inadvertence or false step may ruin our project by alarming the house remember that the place is as well protected and offended and probably as well watched as a goal and we must proceed with caution courage and coolness but how did you find your way into the establishment inquired Sir Gilbert his ideas becoming more settled by pretending to be insane answered Trevelyan and I have succeeded in thoroughly duping the doctor oh my generous my noble hearted friend exclaimed the baronet how can I ever sufficiently prove my gratitude hush speak not with excitement interrupted Trevelyan I'm only doing towards you what you would unhesitatingly perform for me under the same circumstances and now as I'm anxious to relieve your mind as much as possible from any uneasiness or suspense that it may experience I must at once inform you that Mrs. Sefton is in good health and at this moment in the happy expectation of shortly seeing you again but she is aware of the scheme which I have adopted to restore you to liberty heaven be thanked for these assurances exclaimed Sir Gilbert then after a few moments' pause he said I need scarcely ask you to explain how you became acquainted with Mrs. Sefton she was no stranger to the friendship subsisting between you and me and I therefore conclude that, alarmed by my sudden and inexplicable disappearance she sought your counsel and assistance all has occurred precisely as you conjecture answered Trevelyan but do you now feel equal to the task of making an effort to recover my freedom ejaculated Sir Gilbert leaping from the couch let us not lose another moment the atmosphere of this place seems oppressive and heavy to breathe I pant I yearn I long for liberty thus speaking the Baronet began hastily to put on his attire and in a few minutes he was dressed now, said Trevelyan we must decide upon the course to be adopted doubtless there is a porter to keep watch all night in the hall interrogatively yes answered Sir Gilbert and I'm also certain that a man patrols the garden besides the keepers inside the house are as wakeful and as watchful as the fiends of pandemonium and the least noise will bring half a dozen strong and desperate fellows upon us for my part I have not the slightest objection to embrace the alternative of fighting our way through all opposition but the consequences of defeat would be most disastrous interrupted Trevelyan the doctor would thereby gain an excuse for coercing both you and me and although I am as it were my own prisoner yet I have sworn not to quit these walls unless accompanied by you generous friend exclaimed Sir Gilbert were we well armed the bid defines to the doctor and all his gang but weaponless, powerless as we are do not despond Heathcote said Trevelyan observing that the Baron had spoken a mournful tone the task that I have undertaken I will accomplish there appear to me to be two modes of procedure the first is to descend as noiselessly as possible to the hall seize upon the porter master him and then affect our escape by the front door the other is to force away the bars from the window of this room make a rope of the bed clothing descend into the garden and take our chance with the watchman either project is attended with the risk of creating an alarm but it is for you to decide from your knowledge of the premises and the habits of its inmates which scheme is more feasible the former responded Sir Gilbert after a few moments deep reflection the watchman in the garden will probably observe us at the window removing the bars and an alarm would thus be raised even before we were prepared to attempt an escape by those means on the other hand the porter sleeps in the hall of this fact I am well assured because I saw the bed temporarily made up for him there on the night that I was brought hither therefore our chances of success lie in that direction such also is my idea observed Trevelyan let us proceed at once and permit me to take the lead the young nobleman and the baronet still cautiously forth from the chamber treading so lightly that their steps raised not a sound to disturb the silence which prevailed throughout the establishment they descended to the first floor in safety and there they paused for a few minutes on the landing listening with suspended breath the deep and regular respiration of the porter now reached their ears from the hall below and they thus obtained the assurance that the man slumbered exchanging looks of satisfaction they descended the last flight of stairs and by the whole lamp they perceived the porter comfortably ensconced in a chuckle bed that was made up for him in a convenient corner the light fell on his rubicant countenance which was surmounted by a cotton night cap but the brawny arm that lay outside the cover lid and the tracing of his form as shaped by the bedclothes showed full well that he was a man of Herculian stature and proportionate strength but resolving upon a desperate effort to accomplish the purpose he had in view Lord William Trevelyan led the way into the hall and he had just ascertained the fact that there was a bunch of large keys peeping forth from beneath the sleeping porter's pillow when the door of the supper room suddenly opened and Mr. Sheepshanks staggered forth the reverent gentleman carried a candle in his hand and by his flushed countenance vacant stare and unsteady walk he was evidently in a pretty advanced state of intoxication in fact and there is no necessity to disguise the man the pious minister had set up to enjoy himself alone and he had carried his libations to such an extent that he was now at two o'clock in the morning most awfully drunk the moment Lord William caught sight of the inebriate minister he sprang upon him placed his hand tightly over his mouth and thrusting him back into the supper room said in a low but hasty and threatening tone move hence at your peril he then closed and locked the door but in the short and decided scuffle an untoward accident had occurred the candlestick had dropped for Mr. Sheepshanks hand on the marble floor of the hall was that the porter sprang up and was out of bed in a trice Sir Gilbert Heathcote rushed upon him but not in time to prevent the man from springing a huge rattle and crying help, help Lord William Trevelyan hesitated not a moment how to act he darted to the truckle bed seized the keys from beneath the pillow and sprang to the door leaving Sir Gilbert Heathcote wrestling desperately with the porter the reader will remember that there were two doors and the young nobleman had only just time to open the first or inner one when a rapid glance cast behind showed him his friend Sir Gilbert upon the floor completely overpowered by the huge porter who had placed his knee upon the baronet's chest it was Trevelyan's hope that his friend would have been able to keep the porter engaged in the struggle until he could have opened both the doors when he would have turned to the scene of the strife to rescue the baronet but scarcely had he observed that Sir Gilbert was already vanquished when four of the keepers rushed downstairs into the hall with the rapidity and force of a tiger springing upon his prey Lord William rushed on the huge porter held him to a distance and raised up the prostrate baronet all this with the work of an instant but in another moment the keepers sprang upon the two friends and closed with them the baronet was again borne down but Trevelyan who now saw that the conflict was really becoming desperate used a bunch of heavy door keys with such effect that he speedily disabled the two keepers who had assailed him stretching one senseless on the floor and compelling the other to beat a retreat with the blood pouring down his face to turn his attention to the two men who were dragging away Sir Gilbert Heathcote was the intrepid young nobleman's next step and in a few moments the baronet once more rescued from the enemy was by the side of his intrepid friend take the keys and open the front door cried Trevelyan impetuously pushing Sir Gilbert towards that extremity of the hall where the means of aggress lay escape in the name of heaven think not of me and having thrust the keys into his friend's hand Lord William sees the doctor's gold-headed cane which hung to a hat peg in the hall and placing himself between the front door and the keepers he cried beware how you provoke me for I shall not hesitate to defend myself to the death but scarcely were these words uttered when the two keepers from whom he had rescued the baronet returned to the charge aided to the baronet returned to the charge aided by the burly porter the foremost was instantaneously felt by a blow vigorously dealt with the cane and following up his advantage quickly as the eye can wink Trevelyan darted at the other keeper whom he also levelled on the spot but in the next moment the gallant young nobleman was in the grasp of the porter and dropping the cane as no longer useful in a close castle he addressed himself with all his might to this last and most desperate single combat the scene was very exciting and all that we have yet described since the first moment that the conflict commenced did not occupy more than two minutes scarcely had the intrepid nobleman and the herculean porter close together when the doctor attired in his dressing gown and slippers and with his cotton nightcap on his head appeared at the bottom of the stairs holding a chamber candle in his hand at the same instant Sir Gilbert Heathcoat had succeeded in opening the front door and the morning breeze poured into the hall in a manner doubtless highly refreshing to the porter who, be it remembered, had nothing on but his shirt his cap having fallen off in the conflict which he had maintained with the baronet in the first instance two of the discomforted keepers animated by the presence of the doctor or perhaps rendered ashamed of their pusillanimity now returned to the attack upon Travellian who was just on the point of hurling the porter to the ground but Sir Gilbert having made the entrance free rushed back to help his friend and the contest was again renewed with desperate energy with the other two keepers who had by this time recovered their senses joining in the struggle and hard would it have gone with Travellian and the baronet against such odds had not two newcomers suddenly appeared upon the scene for the front door standing wide open and the lamp being a light in the hall two gentlemen who were passing by the house at the time beheld the extraordinary proceedings that were taking place within and the foremost perceiving in an instant that the odds of the five namely Travellian and the baronet against the four keepers and the porter exclaimed at the top of a stentorian voice Bejesus Frank and we'll just give a helping hand to the waker side with these words the redoubtable captaino blunderbuss nerved with all the courage attributed by Sir Walter Scott to Lord Marmian plunged into the fight or unless particular language he darted into the hall levelled the Herculian porter with a well directed blow between the eyes and sent a couple of keepers sprawling over the apporset porter in an instant Frank Curtis having imbibed just a vision patine to seduce habitual cowardice and arm him with the bastard though not the less effectual the valor of which strong drink inspires unhesitatingly followed the example of his gallant leader and bore his part in the fray so that in less than a minute a complete diversion was effected in favour of Lord William Trevelyan and Sir Gilbert Heathcote the enemy being utterly discomforted villains murderers robbers shouted the infuriate doctor as loud as he could ball and then the screams and shrieks of the affighted female servants were heard echoing from the stairs and landing places let us depart! cried Lord William Trevelyan and in a very few moments he pushed the baronet, the captain and Frank Curtis out of the front door he himself pausing only for a single second to secure the keys in another instant he was outside the house and closing the door behind him he locked it so as to prevent the doctor and his mermidons from instituting an immediate pursuit Bejesus and this is the rummest lark I have ever had in all my life ejaculated Captain O' Blunderbuss panting for breath come with us gentlemen said Lord William hastily addressing that gallant officer and Frank Curtis you have rendered us a signal service and we must know you better we have likewise certain necessary explanations to give you relative to the strange you took so generous apart but come away directly there is not a moment to be lost a hue and cry may be raised Bay the powers and is it burglar's year cried the captain somewhat regretting the precipitation with which he had mixed himself up in the later fray no no far from that exclaimed Lord William laughing heartily at the idea but let us get as quickly as we can out of this neighbourhood and away the four gentlemen scampered into the Cambridge Road down which they spared until they reached mile end where they fortunately found a night cab waiting for a fare into the vehicle they got and Lord William Trevelyan exclaimed as an instruction to the driver Park Square, Regent's Park away the cab went and both Captain O' Blunderbuss and Frank Curtis the aristocratic address thus given was seized with an insatiable curiosity to learn who their new acquaintances could be End of Section 85