The Mysteries of London, Vol. IV — page 198: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES * drat is speedily explained,’ observed Mrs Fltzherdinge, who instantly perceived that her dsuzhter intended to reveal to her no more than she was actuelly compelled to do; and it flashed to her mind—she knew not why—that Perdita meant especially to throw a veil over the fact of her mar- riage with Charles, Else, why had she not imme- diately mentioned it ?—why had she not hastened to satisfy her that the alliance had indeed taken place? Butif Perdita had a motive in concealing that fact, then the knowledge of the secret might sooner or later prove serviceable to Mrs. Fitzhard- inge; and she therefore resolved to feign ignor- ance. <All theso thoughts and calcnlations swept through the old woman’s, brain in 2 moment; and she preserved the while the most steady composure of countenance. “ That is speedily explained,” she repeated. “I went to the Prefecture of Police, and learnt your address,” *Brt you knew not by what nae to ask for me,” said Perdita, still keeping her oyos fixed on her mother’s countenance. "LT inquired for you by the name of Fitzhardinge,” answered the old woman, hazarding the falsehood ; “and was referred to the hotel where you and Charles had put up——” “And on your calling there?” asked Perdita, im- patiently. “Tho porter laconically told me that you liad re- moved hither,’ returned the old woman. “But what means the absence of Charles? and has he not married you ?” “No,” responded Perdita, reading in her mother’s countenance more intently—more searchingly than hitherto: “he bas played a perfidious part, and de- serted me.” “ Tho villain !” ejaculated the old woman, affect- ing to give full credence to the denial that the matrimonial alliance had taken places; while, on tho other hand, Perdita was completely deceived by her mother’s profound duplicity. “The adventures I havo experienced,” said Per- dita, “have been numerous and oxciting, When every thing was settled for the ceremony to tako place, the father of Charles suddenly appeared upon the scene, and expused mo in a cruel manner to his son. In fact, Mr. Hatfield proved himself to be well acquainted with all—every thing—re- Joting to you and me; and he unsparingly ayailed himself of that knowledge. J retaliated—I con. vineed him that his family affairs were no secret to me;--and then he again assumed the part of ono who triumphs in defeating the hopes of another: for he produced unquestionable evidence to the fact that his son is illegitimate, and entiroly dependent upon him.” “Ah!” ojaculated Mrs. Fitzhardingo, who now fancied that she read the reason which had induced Perdita to conceal her marriago with tho young man. ‘Then, after all, your suitor is plain Charles Hatfield, and not Viscount Marston 2?” “Such is indeed the case, mother,” returned Per- dita; “and-I think yon will agreo with mo that I hare had a fortunato escape.” | ; “{ do congratulate you on that point,” answered the old weman, her dissimulation continuing im- penctrable. “But where hare you obtained the means to hire this handsome lodging ?”’ “You cannot suppose that I allowed Mr. Hat- field snd his son to depart without making am- a a a eT 5 es ppm ea ere reg OF LONDON. 191 ple provision for me!” oxclaimed Perdita, No; I displayed o too intimate acquaintance with all their family affairs to permit them thus to aban- don me. Besides, the very secret of tho young man’s illegitimacy—a secret which the father ye. vealed in a moment of excitement, produced by the discussion that took place between us—that secret ——” “J understand you, Perdita,” said Mrs. Fitr- hardinge: “it was necessary to purchase your silence respecting a matter that involved the good name and tho honour of Lady Georgiana Hatfield, Well, haye you made a profitable bargain for your- self?” “A thousand pounds in ready money; and five hundred a-year for life, on condition that I return not to England,” was the response, * “Good!” ejaculated the old woman, her eyes glistening with delight, “And Ihave adopted another name, for a variety of reasons,” continued Perdita. “In the first place, having learnt from that hated My, Hatfield of your arrest at Dover, and the nature of the charge against you, I feared lest tho wholo thing should be blazoned in the newspapers " “Well, well,” interrupted her mother: “I undor- stand! Tho name of Fitehardinge would suit no longer. What is the new one?” “T have taken that of Afortimer,” answered the daughter. ‘Laura Mortimer sounds prettily, I think ?” “Then you have not even retained your Chris- tian name?” said the old woman, interrogatively, “Ne: for it is so uncommon, that it could not fail to excite uttention, wherovor whispered,” wan the reply. “In this case, I am to becomo Mrs, Mortimer?” continued the mother. “Precisely so; and aS a matter of course, you will take up your abode with me.” “You do not appear particularly unhappy at the loss of the young mau whom you fell so deeply iu love with?” observed the old woman, whom we must now denominate Mrs, Mortimer. “That dream has passed—-gone by—vanished !”’ re- turned Lanra—for by this Christian name is Perdita to be henceforth known; and as she spoke, her yoico assumed a deep and even menacing tone. “ Yes—that illusion is dissipated; and, if circumstances permit, I will have vengeance where I used to think only of love.” “To what circumstances do yon allude?” des manded Mrs. Mortimer. "Can you not understand my position—aye, and your own position also?” exclaimed Laura. “At present wo are dependent, to a certain degree, upon Mr, Hatfield, and must adhere to the conditions he imposed upon me: that is to say, wo must reside on the continont so long as the income allowed by him shall be indispensably necessary. But tho moment that IT can carve out 2 new career of fortune for myself, either by a brilliant marriage, or by en- chaining some wealthy individual in my silken meshes,—the instant that I find myself in a condi- dition to spurn the aid of Mr. Hatfield’s purse, and can command treasures rom another quarter,—thon, mother, then,” added Livira, emphatically, “ will bo the time for vengeances For, think you,” she con- tinued, drawing herseh proudly up to her fall height, while her nostrts dilated and her eyes (C(O) (C DOO <S LL (SO)