Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 44: what you’re looking at

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

_ proach yourself! | of Luigi ee a a _-— -- --- -—- ELLEN PERCY; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS. could not survive the night. The lady’s-maid had come ina cab: I did not therefore wait to order out my own carriage—but I at once accompanied her. I had not now the slightest fear of setting foot beneath the roof of Edwin St, Clair; for un- principled though I knew him to be, I could not suppose that in existing circumstances he would attempt to do me a mischief. Besides, I knew that he maintained a large establishment of do- mestics of a different character from those who were the ready accomplices of his misdeeds at the time when I was a captive at that house; and I likewise reflected that the physicians would be sure to be present within the walls—so that in every sense I was safe. During the drive to St. Clair’s residence I learnt from the lady’s-maid a full confirmation of the distressing report which my own servant had brought me in reference to the disfigurement of Zarab. I inquired how she bore up against her misfortune P—and I was assured that she sup- ported it with an heroic fortitude. Of her own accord the maid added that her master seemed greatly distressed, and that he was assiduous in his attentions to his wife. On arriving at the house, I was in the first instance shown to the drawing-room, where I remained alone for a few minutes; afd then the maid returned to me with a request that I would follow her. On ascending the staircase leading to Mrs. St. Clair’s chamber, I met two elderly gentlemen coming down; and these I knew to be the physicians. The maid couducted me to the room, which I entered—and I was now left alone with Zarah. CHAPTER LXXIII, A LAST INTERVIEW WITH ZARAH, A LAMP burnt upon the toilet-table; and Zarah, in a voice which had in it but little of the feeble- ness of indisposition, bade me approach the couch in which she lay. It was with asad palpitation of the heart that I obeyed; and the first glance which I threw upon her, showed me how her coun- tenance was almost completely concealed with the bandages which enveloped her head. I sank weeping upon a chair by the side of the couch, and taking her hand, I pressed it to my lips, murmur. ing, “Oh! Zarab, how wretched I am! It was in the aid of my designs that you made an enemy “Do not weep for me, my dearest friend !” said Zarah, pressing my hand warmly ; “and do not re- I am resigned to die—and a career which for a long while was a life of vaga- bondage, but which was of late elevated into a sphere of lofty ambition, is drawing fast towards . ‘ - its close!’ “No, Zarah,”’ I said; “you will live!—your voice has lost little of its power a * Ellen,” she suddenly interrupted me, “I tell ‘you that this is my death-bed!—and inasmuch as I am about to render you a service, I demand one at your hands.” * Speak, my dearest friend!” I exclaimed, suer ing the excruciations of- the wildest Brie? ; and whatsoever you ask of me, I will accomplish ! 1? ol You swear, Ellen,” asked Zarah, with solemn impressiveness, “that you will fulfil this pledge, and that you will accord this boon which I am about to ask P” So overcome was I by my anguished feelings and so immense was the compassion which I en- tertained for my unfortunate friend, that I shonld at the moment have promised almost anything which did not militate against my own honour as a woman or the safety of my immortal soul. I therefore replied, “Yes, Zarah—I swear to do your bidding! Oh, how could I refuse you any- thing in existing circumstances P” “A thousand thanks, dear Ellen!” she said, again pressing my hand with fervour. “I knew full well that I could rely upon you! ‘The boon I demand is simply this,—that when you ‘hear or read of my death, which must shortly happen, you will remain altogether silent in respect to me—you will abstain from any comment which your know- ledge of past circumstances might possibly suggest —and that if you speak of me at all, it will only be with the sympathy of a friend P” “Dearest Zarab,” I exclaimed, the tears stream- ing from my eyes, “could you for a moment sup- pose that I should act otherwise than in the very manner which your words have just pointed out? No, no! it were impossible! Think you, my dear friend, that I am go heartless as to be capable of breathing a syllable that might in any way taint your memory P” ** Rest assured, Ellen,’ she rejoined, “that not for a single instant did I suspect your friendship: but still it was a satisfaction and consolation to ob- tain this pledge from your lips. And do not forget it, my dear Ellen! Remember the terms in which you have couched it,—that when I shall be no more, you will not breathe a syllable in any way calculated to taint the memory of one who has loved you so sincerely and so well!” I was still weeping bitterly, as in a broken voice I murmuringly repeated the assurance that the pledge should be most faithfully observed; and then I exclaimed, “ But you will not die, Zarah Oh, no! you will not die! You may be injured—dis- figured—but there is a strong vitality yet inspiring you 93 “Enough upon that point, Ellen!” she inter- rupted me, ina grave and solemn tone: ‘you know not my feelings as I myself experience and comprehend them! ‘The pledge you have given me will soothe my last moments; and let it be to yow likewise a consolation that you have been en- abled to impart this solace! And now we will speak on another subject. Our interview must be short—and therefore what I have to say will be re- stricted to as few words as possible. I had devised a project for dealing with Mr. Parks in such a man- ner as I hoped and believed would reduce him. to the necessity of doing you am act of justice I thought perhaps that if he were forced to disgorge the fortune of which he has plundered you, Ellen, you would be satisfied: for rest assured your ven- geance would thereby be complete enough! I had not been idle on your behalf since we parted on our returo from Petersfield: I have instituted in- quiries—and [I have obtained the positive cer- tainty that if Mr. Parks were to restore you your fortune with all accumulations of interest, he would be utterly beggared —he, his wife, and CORNICLO@C) (C | (EO)