Rose Mortimer; Or, The Ballet-Girl's Revenge — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

THE BALLET-GIRL’S REVENGE. ee ee eee ee t—“(‘“‘“(‘:OC™ “‘ But,”’ said Mermet, ‘‘pray observe this—on no account mention to a living soul what I have said— on no account mention it to the assassin himself.’’ ** But tell me at least his motive.” ‘* That you shall learn hereafter.’’ And with this assurance the baronet was obliged to content himself. “‘Let silence and secrecy be your watchwords,”’ said the Arab, “Trust me.”’ ~ And be sure to bring me some of the wine from the poisoned decanter.”’ “If what you advance be true, I will.” Good. But bear in mind that all will be frustrated unless you preserve the strictest silence upon this business.” *T will, believe me,” said the baronet. you mean me well,’’ ; ““ Think!” interrupted the magician, in a tone of angry surprise. *‘T’m sure you do. you.” Good.” And with this Sir Harold King departed. “TI think To-morrow night I will be with CHAPTER XXXVIII, THE FLIGHT—WOES OF THE JOURNEY—EX- HAUSTION AND SUFFERING—THE ROAD-SIDE INN—A FRIEND—TRUE CHARITY—A :LUCKY CHANCE—THE DRAMA AGAIN — HOPE—THE LONELY VILLA—THE GARDEN—THE MASK— “ LET’S FOLLOW!”’ To return to Rose Mortimer. We left lier after her flight from the cottage of the hospitable miner’s wife, who had deemed her dead. The whole live-long night did the poor girl pursue her dreary promenade. At length there was a break in the dull black clouds. They began to grow grey. “Morning !”? murmured Rosc in grateful satisfac- tion. ‘‘ How beautiful !”’ It was not exactly beautiful at the present, however. Everything goes by comparison, and thus the dull leaden-looking sky which succeeded the grim and sombre hue of night was beautiful to our heroine. At every fresh piece of light which appeared above she felt her spirits and her courage rise. She had at length escaped from the terrible bondage. At length she was free. Homeless, houseless, and friendless, she still felt that she possessed at least the greatest boon of man- kind, Liberty. “Thank Heaven !”’ she murmured fervently. ‘* Had that darkness continued much longer I feel that I should have given myself up to despair.” The morning had now fairly set in. She found, too, that she had at length left these entertainable mining counties far behind her. So much had she endured since she beheld the mines that her delight was unbounded to find herself free from the terrible thoughts which their presence con- jured up. At length when she found herself fairly free from the Whartons, and the terrors surrounding that dark and tragic chapter in her career, she began to give a thought to her future movements, This caused her some alarm. She had no notion of any line of conduct—no idea even of the name of the place in which she now found herself, 9} A kind of vague notion possessed her that she must proceed at once to London. But then ? No matter. Once in the metropolis she might obtain some kind of employment, although utterly friendless. Suddenly the thought of the friendly young scene- painter and his good-natured mother occurred to nee and her conscience smote her for her ingrati- ude. With such good and sterling friends as these worthy people, how could she be without hope? As she contemplated the joyous prospect of again meeting with one she could grasp by the hand and call friend her heart beat quickly. Instinctively her pace increased as if she would have strode to their sides upon the instant. It is impossible to say how long Rose had continued this dreary walk, or how many many miles of country she had got over. At length the courage which had buoyed her up could no longer sustain her. It was a false strength after all. Nature began at last to assert her sway, and Rose felt that she was utterly exhausted. Worn out by toil and travel. The country in which she now found herself looked more civilised. Upon every side were signs of the place being inhabited at no great distance. Up to the present, however, she had not encoun- tered asingle dwelling. Not a house had she passed since she had quitted the mining country. . Presently she arrived at a turn in the road. Here the sound of some kind of a vehicle struck upon her ear, and on gaining the turn she perceived at no very great distance a waggon laden with hay coming in that direction. With all speed Rose hastened to meet it. ‘What is the name of the next village, pray ?”’ she asked the waggoner. *€ Woa !”’ said the waggoner, pulling-in his horses. ** What say, mum 2?” Rose repeated her question. ““The next village is it?” 6¢ Yes.” “Taint a village at all.” ‘¢ Well then, town.” “Ah, that’s better,” said the waggoner. Springford, that is.” “‘ Springford ?”’ ‘Yes, And who d’ ye want ?” * Nobody in particular, thank you. far hence ?”’ **? Bout three miles.” Three miles ! This was anything but cheering intelligence for Rose in her present condition. ‘¢ Suppose you’ve left Chubley ?”’ said the wagoner. co No;? ! ‘Come across country from Waterbeach ?” 2 ANO; 4 ‘“Then where the deuce have you come from ?’’ ex- claimed the waggoner. ** No—nowhere in particular. information.”’ En?” * Good morning.” And with this our heroine proceeded upon her jour- ney. oe Rose now began to foresee an endless list of difficulties which were to spring from her strange position. She turned round to look after the waggoner when some distance on. ce Rt’s Is Springford Thank you for your COMIC LO OOS CLOWN