Agnes: A Tale of the Streets — page 251: what you’re looking at

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

200 “but there is a servant from St. John’s Wood— he is inquiring most anxiously for you, Mr. Dal- bham—he has been to the cottage in Kentish Town —ho there learnt that you would be most likely found here--the man’s looks are very much troubled—lI really think, sir, that he has something te communicate in reference to your father——~” “J will go to him,” said Dalham : and he has- tened down stairs. Mrs. Slater remained in the drawing-room to condole with Winifred ; and after a few observa- tions, she said, “It is to be hoped, my young friend, that your cousin Gustavus will behave libe- rally to you in reference to the fortune.” “JT am eure Gustavus, with all bis faults,” answered Winifred, “ possesses a good heart; but I am confident that my husband would never ac- cept asa gift or as a charity-———” “I¢ would be no charity, Winifred,” inter- rupted Mrs. Slater; “for even if Gustavus were to abandon on your behalf the whole of the for. tune which he has just inherited, it would only be doing as he ought, inasmuch as the dying in- tentions of your poor grandfather are now well known———" “ My husband has his pride, Mrs. Slater,” inter- rupted Winifred. “And then too, he knows that there was atime when I thought that Gustavus louked upon me as bis intended bride ; and Rode- tick would not accept a favour from 4 person who bad once been as it were 8 rival, Oh! you know, my dear friend, that I covet not riches for my own sake; while on tho other hand I am equally indifferent to poverty, because I can work for my bread. But Ob! when I think of my bus- band—and my unborn babe,-—when [ reflect that Roderick is discarded and disowned———But Ah! did you not say that it was a message from his father that the servant brought ? My brain is confused———” “No, no—I did not say ao,” interjected Mrs. Slater. “TI only said I thought it might be so, for the man’s looke were troubled.” At this moment Roderick Dalham haatily re- appeared ; and approaching his wife, he said, “ My dear Winifred, the eoincidence is most extraordi- vary | most deplorable!” Hor husband’s distressed looks at once struck her with the force of a preaentiment ; and in a voice full of anxiety, she said, “Ob ! do you mean, dear Rodoriok, that your father has died witb- out leaving you his blessing.” “ Alas, it is so, dear Winifred !” he responded. “My father ie no more! [ am Sir Roderick Dalbam—and you are Lady Dalham. Empty titles, Winifred!—empty titles only |—for not merely did my parent discard me”-—bere Roderick sobbed for a moment—“ but o@ disowned me to the very uttermost extent of his power; and what- eoever he hed to leave, he bequoathed to that villain Timperley |” “Ob, my poor buaband!”’ cried Winifred, throw- ing her arms ebout Roderick’s neck ; “ it cuts me to the very quick to think that tbrough me you should have been discarded and disowned !” ‘Blame not yourself, Winifred,” interrupted Sir Roderick—and he embraced her affectionately. “I do not forget,” be added, in a low whisper, “bew it was I who forced you, as it were, to ac- @mpavy me to the altar—bow I prayed and on- AGNES; OR, BRAUTY AND PLBASURE. treated that you would become my wife! ‘You therefore need not blame yourself for whatsoever consequences have enaued. No, Winifred !” added Sir Roderick, emphatically; “ nor do I for a single moment regret the hour which made you mine !” There was a brief pause, during which tender caresses were exchanged between the husband and wife; and Mrs. Slater wiped the tears from her eyes, for she was deeply moved by the ecene that was passing before her. “ Is it not strange,” resumed Sir Roderick Dal- ham, “that the decision of the lawsuit should have led to two deaths, occurring within the same hour, and almost at the same instent! Plaintiff and Nefendant—there they were, each stretched upon the bed of death! Exooss of joy and excess of grief struck two blows which gave two victim. over to the hands of death! The one lives not te, enjoy the riches which suddenly showered upon him: the other has gone out .of the world at tho moment when the vortex of ruin opened at bis feet! Those are soleomm teachings, Winifred ! Not that you, my dear wife, require such moral influences for the improvement of your own mind; becaug@ie wall changing circumstances and averphtitod of life I have found your conduct tho same—{ idmirable—most admirable !” There was another pause ; and this was sud- denly broken by Sir Roderick Dalham, who ex- claimed with passionate vehemence, “ Gy heaven! my father’s creditors sball not be defrauded by that villain Timperley !’” “How know you,” asked Winifred—or Lady Dalham, as we may now call her“ that such is his intention P” “The friendly valet who has come to inform me of my father’s death,” replied Sir Frederick, ‘ was told by Mr. Timperley that everything at the villa now belonged to him—that he was the master there-and that be therewith took possession of all that the house contained. For this reason I argue the vory worst. But the iniquity shall not be ac- complished !” “What will you do, dear Roderick ?” asked Winifred, suddenly becoming affrighted by the look and manner of ber husband. ‘ Fear nothing from apy rashness on my part !”” he responded. “I will not be intemperate—I will do nothing that can jeopardise my safety! Fear not therefore, I repeat! I will soon return, dear Winifred !” Sir Rodexick then quitted the house; and stop- ping a cab, he took his seat in it, ordering tho driver to take him to the villa in the neighbour- hood of St. John’s Wood. On reaching bis desti- nation, he inquired of the footman who opened the front door, whether Mr. Timperley was atill there? The reply was in the affirmative ; and the lacquey seid ina tone the sincerity of which was unmistakable, “I hope to God, Sir Roderick, that you will not be altogether deprived of your just rights!” “I claim no rights for myself,” was the new Baronet’s answer; “but I am determined that those who may have apy claims upon my late father’s property shall not be defrauded.” “Defrauded ?” echoed Mr. Timperley, who at this moment came forth from the dining-room. “‘ Defrauded? Pray, Sir Roderick, did you mean to apply the word in a manner disrespectful, and Comicloo S CO