The Mysteries of the Court of London Vol. 7 — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

eee OE 78 shrieked forth Linda s “ but I must tell the truth!” —then felling on ber kness at Captain Cartwriglit’s feet, she said, “ Yes—it is s0—-Alas! that I must confess it! But deal mercifully with Aém—he has treated me well——” “Bnough,” said tho Captain, giving @ terrific twirl to his moustache. ‘“ Riwe, Linda, and com- pose yourself. Youat least have made by this con- fession all the atonement that was in your powor ; and though henceforth everything is at en end be- tween w-—-—-” Captain Cartwright stopped shoré; end turn- ing abruptly round, seemed to be wiping away his tears with a scented cambrio handkerchief. Linda rose from her knees; end not daring to throw a single glance upon Mr. White Choker, sho sank on a chair epparently convruleed with grief. As for the saint himself, he stood the very picture of wretchedness and misery: but yet there was something ludicrous ip the expression of his woe-begone countenance. Sir,” said Captain Cartwright, advancing ta, wards him, “what reparation can you me for having torn an angel from my erms f* Fs “ My good friend-emy very dear friend,” fal- tered the gaint, “I—I—don't thiflk you could have missed the eugel very much~sesing that ake has long been absout from your arme-——" “She would have come back, sir--and J should have yoceived her wese she not thus polluted! But enough of this trifling,” ejaculated the Cap- tain, with a fierce sternness. “Will you dare deny any longer that this lady--my wife—is your mistress? Come, air, speak out, or by heeven----" “Pray, pray don’t use any violence,” implored the wretched Mr. White Choker. “I-~I cunfess that appearances are against me: but—but—for the sake of my family, whom I have brovght up as eGvoury vessela, baving (he fear of the Lord before their eyes ~~” “Sir, I myself am a Christian,” interrupted Captain Cartwright, “and I san forgive so far as forgiveness be possible. But you must confess, ir——” * Well, well, I confess~end—end~if five hun- dred or a thousand poands--vwill——will—bush up this little mattor—end meke all things plea- aan tune’? At that moment footsteps werg heard coming from the landing: an individual# with an air of jaunty sel{-sufficioncy, and verg gaily dressed, made his appearance, the door Zhving continued ajar the whole time. Mr. Whité Choker was now perfectiy aghast: for the conviction smote him that a witmess had overheard everything that had taken place; and he might heve bcen knocked duwn with a straw when Capt&o Cartwright said, “This, air, is Me. Downy) a member of the legal firm of winch I. have epakea.” Mr. Downy closed the door; end seating him. aelf at the table, drew forth @ bundle of papers, tied round with ted tepé, and of that ominaus leagth, fold, agd.gonaval appearance, which seemed to indicate that all the moral tortures of the law might be ejaified | at the discretion of this gentle- man, ., 07s «A paint! business, Mr. Choker—a very painful business,” said Mr. Downy. “Sorry to be compelled to serve proves on es pious gentleman @ Ee SE a Senge Tey ele a Rn ES: a eas ae arr ae TMB MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. like yourself, But it can’t be helped. If saints will be sinnera, you know—ha! hal—they must take the consequences. Let me sec,” continucd the gentlemen, as he proceeded to fill up s lorig slip of parchment and then arranged a cor- responding slip of ordinary paper ‘to be likewise filled up. “Here's the original—ahd here’s the copy. Damages five thousand-—eh, Captain ?” “Not a farthing less, sir!” responded Cart- wright flercely, as if be were offended that there could even be a doubt as to the price that he put upon the angel he had lost. “Very good, Osptain,” said My. Downy: damages five thousand, You hear, Mr. Choker? I koep the original: where shall I serve the copy P Will you take it? or will you refer me to your solicitors? or shall I just leave it at your own houes as I pass by the door presently? [6 will be no trouble: I will give it into Mrs, Choker’s own hand-vand none of the servants will know anything about it. The tria) will come on in No- vember—Oourt of Common Pleas. Ah! it will be a Yate excitement, as sure as my nawo is honest Tke.—»J mean Downy.” The reader may oonceive the awful state of mind into which Mr. White Choker was thrown by these terrible proceedings. Five thousand pounds damagos—a writ ready drawn out—and the whole affair certain to obtain a fearful pub- IXity in the course of the day! The miserable saint looked at Mr. Downy, but beheld not the least encouragement in the insolently leering ex- pression of his countenance. He looked at tho Captain: but thie gallant officer of Hussars was twirling his fierce moustache with tho sternest resoluteness of purpose, He looked towards Linda: but that fallen angel whose departed virtue was appraised at five thousand pounde, was still covering her features with her hands'and sobbing convulsively, Mr. White Choker turned up his eyes to the coiling, and gave vent to a hollow groan. Mr. Downy, approaching him with an air of jaunty familiarity, held the omiuous copy of the writ between his finger and thumb: and as if suddenly recollocting something, he eaid, “By the bye, there will be ome witness we shall want— and perhaps, Mr. Choker, you would have no ob- jection to givo me his address ———I moan Mr Snuflenose.”’ e This was the crowning stone of the entire fabric of Mr. White Choker’s misery. *Suufflenoso of ali persons, ag @ Witness against him! Jle was now desperate. Olutching Mr. Downy by the lappel of his coat, he dragged him aside,—hastily whis- pering with nervous agitation, “For heaven's sake et this settled! Pray save me from exposure— could not survive it. It would be my death! Only conceive, a man in my position to be dragged before a tribunal! Talk to the Captain -—-offer him @ sum—implore him to be reasonable———” * Look you here, Mr. Choker,” said Mr. Downy, drawing the saint iato 9 window-recess: “TI am not a harah man—and opr firm is above preesin on a case for mere paltry costs. You will do we to settle it: for it is a terrible black affair—beate ‘Higgins werons Wiggins’ all to smashes, and ‘ Biggins vereue Sniggins’ all to shivers. Come, ou're pretty warm—ba! ha! hal—warm in two ways,” chuckled Mr. Downy, who scemed of a jocular disposition; “warm in love and warm ic ae RE oo. ew ee SP Ss eee eS Clee 8 eee Se 2 - Ceres ees ee © we ee a ee ee eee eee ee ee bE ed 2 GP cep 2 Gee seer eee Ge ees Nee eee oe es = 2 ee eee COMIC OOO© (CO)