The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 185: what you’re looking at

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174 THE MYSTERIES, —the second was that Arthur had discovered the cause of bis malady aud was taking the antidote !— and the third was that Dudley no longer adminis- tered to him the poison.” ‘‘ All these considerations I likewise weighed in my own mind,” observed Mra. Lindley : “and while I rejected the last, 1 wavered between the two first.” ‘‘ And I fluctuated amidst all three,” returned Fernanda. “ Well, in that state of uncertainty and suspense—resolved not to abanden my ven- geance, and yet fearful that it would escape me— I determined to leave your house, takea icdgingas close to Lord Marchmont’s mansion as possible, and satisfy myself with my own eyes as to the al- teration which had occurred in Arthur’s appear- ance. Moreover, 1 was anxious to see Dudley, tax him with deceiving me, and judge by his re- plies how far my suspicions on that head were well founded. Accordingly I obtained apartments in the very next house to that where Arthur dwells with his father. I slept in my new lodging last night. This morning I enveloped myself in my cloak, concealed my face with this thick black veil, aod walked about Hanovor Square until near mid-day. Presently I saw my seducer approach- ing. He was proceeding at a slow pace, and was apparently buried in deep thought. I ob- tained a full view of his countenance: but he noticed me not:—and even if he had observed, he could not have recognised me. Oh! he is in- deed altered in appearance, Mrs. Lindley,” con- tinued the vindictive young lady, the words hiesing between her teeth from the rage that filled her bosom ; “ for it was no hectic tint which dyed his cheeks—no unnatural brilliancy which shone in his eyes! His step, too, was comparatively firm and elastic;—and every symptom—every sign de- noted returning health. I went back to my lod- gings, and reflected on allthis. My first hypothesis was destroyed : it was a resuscitating vigour, and not an approaching dissolutian, which had pro- duced that change in his appearance! Then I thought of my second theory. Could he have dis- covered the secret of his malady ? could he have ob- tained the antidote? No—for if this were the case, his suspicions would have fallen upon me, and ere now I should have been the inmate of a criminal gaol. Whiat, then, canI believe? That Dudley has repented and has ceased to administer the poison!” “T have heard you with patience, my dear young lady, because you requested that I would do so,” said Mrs. Lindley. “ But it is now my turn to speak. Arthur “aton was here this morning ?” “Ah! and for what purpose?” demanded Fer- nanda. ‘* He has discovered everything—and pardoned everything !” replied Mrs. Lindley, in a low but impressive tone. “ Poison and an‘idote are alike known to him—and Dudley has not deceived you.” “ You amaze me!” ejaculated Miss Aylmer, now painfully excited. “Hush!” not so loud—the walls have ears !” whispered the old harridan, impatiently. “ Yea, he has discovered all; he came hither tosee you upon some matter of importance, but the nature of which be would not reveal to me—and he was surprised when he found that you were gone. Last night he was with your uncle and the Countess ——” ‘TI care not for them—my vengeance is the sentiment thet absorbs all other considerations!” a Rica iene me ip TS I Ra A OTE ELI GEL I interrupted Miss A ylmer, impatiently. “How came he to discover the secret of his malady !—how came he to possess the antitode!” “ The night that he wag here with the Countess of Desborough, he found the receipts in that book- case,” answered Mrs. Lindley; “anda chemist has doubtless been consulted. Hoe said that for your sake he would spare me—and his language was kind and considerate respecting yourself.” “Oh! I scorn his kindness—I contemn his for- bearance !” exclaimed Fernanda, every lineament of her beauteous countenance convalsed with rage. “Think you that my revengeshall pause it its pro- gress here ?—do you imagine for a single moment that I am to be melted by his pardon—-soothed by his forgiveness? No—no: it is not thus that Fer- nanda Aylmer buries her wrongs in oblivion !” And she rose no depart. “What are you about to do, my dear young lady!" demanded Mrs. Lindley, in an imploring tone. ‘ Consider—pause—reflect, I beseech you ! Any attempt you make upon Mr. Eaton's life, may redound with fearful consequences on ontr- sclyes. Oh! do nothing rasbly or hastily, I en- treat you! His forbearance may yield to exaspera- tion—his merciful spirit may be moved to retali- ation! Nay, to ensure hie personal safety, be may be induced to invoke the assistance of the law— and then you involve me in your destruction !” “Fear nothing, good woman,” said Fernanda, ina cold and resolute tone: “ whatever! may now do, shall be done well and effectually. I see that William Dudley is faithful: aided by him my ven- geance will be consummated in a moment. There! give me a phial of some deadly poison for that gold!” she exclaimed, throwing a heavy purse upon the table. “Hush! the very walls have ears,” murmured the midwife, in a hoarse and hollow whisper. “My God! you would destroy me, body and soul, Miss Aylmer: have mercy upon me !” “ Well—for a tenth portion of this amount of gold a chemist will supply me with what I require,” said Fernanda, coolly, asshe took the purse upagain. “ Stay—I will do it !” moaned rather than spoke the midwife, her avarice getting the better of her ears. “Be quick, then—for I am anxious to depart,” said the young lady. Mrs. Lindley quitted the room—hastened up to her own private chamber—and speedily returned with asmall phial in her hand. This she gave to Fernanda, from whom she received the gold in exchange. “The potion may be relied upon?” enquired Miss Aylmer, with a significant look. “ Death will be almost instantaneous if only three drops be poured between the lips of a sleep- ing person,” answered the midwife, in a voice that was scarcely audible. “ You are not deceiving me, Mrs. Lindley ?” ex- claimed Fernanda, eyeing the woman suspiciously. “On my soul, I entertained not such aa idea for a moment!” returned the midwife. “We will see,” said Miss Aylmer coolly ; and as she spoke she caught up the great bleck cat in herarms. — “Young lady, I forbid you to injure that animal!” cried Mrs. Lindley, in a far louder and more excited tone than she was accustomed to speak. “Put it down again, I say!” ECOMnuiclooolkks ee Le eT a SS SP GP SS co