Spring-Heel'd Jack, The Terror of London — page 133: what you’re looking at

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

-——_-_- SPRING-HEEL’D JACK: THE TERROR OF LONDON. ‘ Settins her lips firm together, Jessie stifled the groans that arose from her bosom. It cost an effort, and a mighty effort, too, to appear calm; but well did Lizzie know the emotions that raged so violently in her mis- paces bosom, and the poor girl trembled fro ear. : There was a footstep on the stairs now, a foot- step which, despite the thick carpeting, both knew not to be that of Richard Clavering. It was heavy. It was not the light elastice step of James, but it was of a strange, absent-looking individual, who immediately after entered the room. | | “« Tt is James’s brother, I think, madam,” said the girl, in a whisper; “the idiot that is to bea witness to this wicked work.” A pleased and childish smile played over the face of the man as he looked around the sump- tuous apartment, and he exclaimed in wonder— _f Pretty—how pretty!” At this moment James entered the room, and laid his hand upon his brother’s shoulder. The rascal was greatly altered, and, in truth, his appearance was more gentlemanly than Lizzie would have expected. Habited in a superfine cloth suit and white neckcloth, he looked as much like a clergyman, and more, in fact, than many who mount our pulpits. In his hand he carried a large prayer-book, from which he was to read the service. ‘“Now, you only do and say east you are told,” he said, addressing the imbecile. ““VYes—yes, brother. What a pretty place— fine—nice !” And with a stupid look the man stroked the | i satin back of the lounge. “ Fine bed!” he added, after a pause, dropping down full length upon the piece of furniture. “Get up!” said his brother, dealing him a hearty kick. “Oh! oh!” eried the idiot, springing to his feet in terror. | “ Now behave yourself, will you? or I'll have to take you back to the asylum.” “No, uo!” cried the man, trembling at the word ; “I'll be sood—very good.” - “Then stand quiet, for the bride and the bridegroom will be here directly. Ill give you something to put a little life into you.” And the sham minister poured out a glass of pee wine from a decanter, and offered it to his rother. =a OY - The man drew back. “Take it, you fool, can’t you?” said James, forcing it upon him. “It’s physic—nasty physic.” “It’s wine,” | ** Wine?” “Yes. It will put fire into you.” *‘ Don’t burn me,” cried the idiot, imploringly, and pushing back the glass. “You’re a damned fool,” said his brother. “If you don’t drink it, I will, There!” And he emptied the glass. “ Now stand here, and look as if you knew all about it.” | ‘Yes, yes. I know all about it,” said the imbecile, LQG —— Se SS nn OO ee “Do you? Hush! here they come.” The scoundrel put on alook of such solemnity, that as he caught sight of his face in the large olass, he could not help grinning at himself. Jessie clutched at Lizzie, and her form now trembled violently. : “Be calm,’ said the maid; ‘‘oh! pray he calm, madam.” “Calm!” said Jessie, in a hissing whisper. “Tam calm—calm as the tigress when the hunters steal her young. Ob, I am calm!” Richard entered the room, bearing on his arm the pretty and neatly-attired Mildred. Behind them was her mother, and the young friend spoken of before, who was toactas brides- maid. 5 As they strode into the room, the eyes of the ballet girl glistened with pleasure, and the mother, turning to her companion, whispered— “What a magnificent room. Oh, how happy my poor child will be!” Richard bowed with much respect to the sham minister, who, in turn, inclined his head to the libertine. | Their stations having been taken, and the licence placed before the clergyman, that worthy, g9nxious to end the scene as quickly as possible, opened his book, and in a solemn tone asked if there were any just cause or impediment to be shown why they should not be joined together in wedlock. | A momemetary pause ensued. Richard stood looking in admiration upon the lovely and blushing girl beside him, when the doors of the closet were flung wide open, and Jessie, pale but stately, strode forward, exclaim- no-—— ‘ Behold that man’s ‘awful wiic! ” Richard turned quickly—surprised, bewildered, and alarmed. Mildred uttered a shriek, and clutched at her mother for support. 2 James dropped the book to the floor, exclaim- ing ina loud tone— “Mrs. Clavering, by G—d!" “ Ay, Mrs. Clavcring!” exclaimed Jessie ; “the true, lawful, but ill-used wife of that. scoundrel there !”’ And raising her hand, she pointed her finger at the pale and trembling Richard. “Zjiar !” he hissed, between his clenched teeth, and spinging towards her ; “you shall” He started back as Lizzie, grasping acord in either hand, rang the bell violently. ‘6 Villain!” said his wife. ‘‘ You believed me and your servants miles away, but I learned your wicked purpose, and returned to expose a scoundrel, and save that poor girl!” “Curse you!” muttered Richard ; “ but you shall suffer for this, 1” é He had raised his hand to strike her, but Mildred, recovering from her surprise, flung herself before him. ‘ Hold!” she exclaimed. The libertine fell back before her flashing eye and contemptuous look. “Tell me,” she continued, “is this woman your wife? Are you already married a”? He hesitated, and dropped his glance to the floor. CGOMIEDOOK