The Mysteries of the Court of London Vol. 4 — page 162: what you’re looking at

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

ns ee allow free scope allow free scope for-the expansion df har chest and | pression. She possessed a fine figure, with a noble the expansion of her chest and the full play of the air in her lungs: but be was about to%acrifice this sentiment to the emergency of the case, when the lady appeared to revive all . in a moment. We say lady, because such she ' seemed to De, as well as Jocelyn could make any ' observation concerning her in the uncertain light == _— —_— 7 which dimly Shune upon the scene. “Oh! what have you done?’ she exclaimed in accents penetrated with despairg as sha glanced wildiy around and then fixed her eyes upon Joce- Ivn: bat the next moment springing from his arms as he was supporting her, she rushed down the bank aud plunied again into the water. Fortunate was it for her that the moon now sud- /“iuct so providentially frustrated. And, Oh! it was deniy broke forth in all its splendour, bathing the ' gurrounding heights, the buildings of the city, and =. - — —_ - ~—e Oe Ee See 2 = = 2 = Se Oe oy OP -—-— = e a a ie ne ee ET Ce wo wl tei, as ~~ the surface of the lake in a flood of the purest sil- ver—so that Loftus at once marked.where the lady rose again to the surface; and springing in once more, he caught her, at the Very instant she was about to sink, by her long dark hair which was fluating like a mourning veil upon the water. Again, therefore, did our young hero rescue the desperate fair one from a watery grave: but as he dragged her up the bank, she struggled violen'ly to disengaye herself from his grasp and accomp!ish her suicidal purpose. For nearly a uynute Jocelyn was placed in extreme danger by this proceeding oo her part: bot he succeeded in retaining the footing he had gained when having dragged the lady within his depth—and despite her resistance he once more landed her safely on the bank, “1 do not than you, sir—I do not thank you,” she said in English, while gasping for breath. *You havebroughe me back to a life whence I am resolved to fly——~ “© lady!" cried Jocelyn, reproachfully? “ia it indeed a countrywoman of mine own—a daugh- ter of England—who speaks in such shockiug terms—— “Pardon me, sir—pardon me!” exclaimed the lady, her heart suddenly touched by the kindness of Jocelyu’s manner, although his words were re- proachful. “To you at least Lowe nothing but gratitude in risking your life twice to save mine!” Thus speaking, she unresistingly suffered him to conduct her away from the brink of the ‘ake; but scarcely had they proceeded twenty yards, when she sank down in a state df exhaustion, though still retaining her consciousness, Jocelyn raisod the lady, aud plueed her against abank. He then sat down by her side, urging her to compose her feelings and summon all her pre- sence of mind to her aid; for he feared lest, when her physical energies should return, she might make another attempt upon her life. While thus addressing her, he had an opportunity of, observing her more attentively than at first. Her bonnet and shawl, as he was presently informed, had come off when she first plunged into the lake; and her hair was now Howing, dripping with wet and in the’ wildest disorder, over her shoulders. She wore a mourning dress of excellent texture: and her appearance, despite all present disadvantayes, fully inditated her social position to be that of a lady in good circumgtances. He- fcatures were regular and handsome; her complexion was dark, but now somewhat sallow rather than pale, through grief; and her countenance had a haggard ex- Qa seer a ye ee -Qpee OS hee Oe etroinaes, THE 8 ee OF THE COURT. - 149 pression. She possessed a fine figure, with a noble bust,—and was apparently about twenty six or twenty-seven years of ave. Such was the hurried survey which Jocelyn was enabled to take of the lady whom he had rescued from death: and at the expiration of two or three minutes the thoughts which forced themselves ut:on her mind, seemed ,to effect a great change within her. “jt was ina moment of madness—of utter de- spoir,” she said, suddenly breaking silence and turning her large dark eyes full upoa our hero, “that I made the rash—the wicked attempt upon my life, whieh your timely presence and noble con- ee ee eel -_ ee ee — = the shame—the bitterness—the rage, at having been rescued a first time, which made me still morc desperaic the second time——~But, Ah!” she abruptiy exclaimed, “what must you think of me? what will the world think of me?” - “ Lady,” said Jocelyn, in adeep and earnest tone, *T ama man of honour, and will never breathe to a living soul—without your permission—the oc- currence of this evening. As fur what I may think of you, believe me it is in my nature to put the most charitable coustruction upon your con- ducts Then, ag for the world, whose opinion you | dread so much—-wherefere need it ever becume . acquaited with your secret 2?” | “( generows young maa!” exclaimed the Iady, with a perfect effusion of gratitude in her accents | and in her looks: “you fill me with hope—with confidence—with courage!” —then tising abiuptly from the bank, she said, “‘ Come—we must depart hence. You shall repair with me to my place of abode, where I wil order a change of apparel to | be provided you. But of course,” she instan- taneously added, “it was an ar cident—and not au attempt at self-destruction —— “Madam, I promise note to betray you,” ob- served Jucelyn, with earnest sincerity: “and if you would prefer that i should leave you this .n- nute--so that I may not learn who you are, by proceeding with you to your pwn abode—= “Your generosity is equal to your courage,” answered the lady. “But if I am not interfering with your arrangements, you must come wit we. L could not thiuk of leaving you thus dripping from head to foot—your hat, too, 1s goue-—— Be- * sides, if | choose to conceal from you who and what I am, I shall have no difficulty in so doing: for I am now residing at Geneva in the atmost se- clusion—wit) a false name—and under very pecu- liar ci: cumstances,” she added, in a voice which suddenly fell to tones of the lowest despoudency. “ However, it is probable that I may tell you my history—for after what you have done for me, [ | owe you all possible gratitude and coufidence— yes, aud likewise the love which a sister bears to- wards a brother.” While thus conversing, the lady and Jocelyn walked together away from the lake in the direc- tion of the town. They assuredly presented a somewhat singular appearance—both dripping, with nothing on their heads, and the lady’s hair flowing in wet masses over her shoulders. But fortunately they encountered no one until they reached the nearest buildings: and then, as the lady immediately conducted our hero iuto @ nar- row and dark street, the few persons whom they ms ee ee eee ee ee =- = eee = —— - —_ =— ———= = ae ee ee ed a+ = — fee wwe eee = Cl — ss .ome =o es ee — -_= =o eel - Seen See ——V—X— ee Tc—leRE ECOMNIE OG O) cS) CO