The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 258: what you’re looking at

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© THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 247 maiden, would I deceive you! ‘You have given me your sympathy:—that sympathy has touched some chord in my heart—the chord has vibrated — it vibrates now! Maiden, if I were free, I would kneel at your feet—I would offer you my hand—~ I would place before you the countless treasures which I have amassed, and which are so well con- cealed in a distant place that there is no fear of their being discovered.” “JT am afraid that I do wrong to liaten to you,” murmured Finette, whose heart throbbed with joy, while a succession of blushes kept suffusing her cheeks: “you must not therefore talk any more in that strain—but rather proceed to tell ma what can be done to effect your freedom. Perhaps you need some proof of your innocence? perhaps you have it in your power to show that the crimes were committed by your hand when you were not present,—crimes which you yourself abhor——” “ How strange—how wonderful,” cried De Mar- gaux, “that you understand me thus !—that you penetrate into the truth of these circumstances ! Surely, surely there must be some unkown but potent sympathy existing between us! Yes—thera ss! It is a mystical transfusion—sympathy be- getting love—and love, I hope, engendering love in return!” Finette’s heart went on throbbing, and her cheeks blushing, and her bosom palpitating. There was something magically soft in the voice of the brigand-captain. To be his bride—his companion, in some far-off clime, or in the depths of some forest, were infinitely preferable to a residence in that gloomy prison, along with a father whose temper was not the sweetest in the world, and who even that very day had spoken so harshly to her. “It is true,” continued De Margaux, “that I was not present when the crime was committed,— true also that when I learnt the atrocity my sou! was amitten with horror and anguish. But what could Ido? It was too late to repair the eril that was done; aud while I was thinking of the best mode to punish the offenders, so as to make | them an example to the rest of my band, I was captured. In one poiat only, sweet Finette, have you misunderstood me. There is no evidence I can procure which will prove mine innocence; be- cause it is sufficient that I am the captain of the band in order to be held responsible for all the misdeeds of my followers. Therefore, if I remain here, I shall perish !—the remorseless myrmidons of the law will take the life of him for whom you bave entertained such sweet sympathy! 1 crave freedom therefore that my life may be saved. Is is.no falee title which I bear—a Baron’s rank it mige; and in the fairest Alpine valley do I poseces a charming mansion, situated in the midat of deli- gious pleasure grounds. Oh! that thither I could bear thee as a bride, and that for the rest of our | @aye we could dwell in that delightful spot, in | pease, in safety, and in happiness |” | _ Kinette was bewildered by this speech: hee | brain appeared to reel with dreams ef bliss: she already beheld herself the mistress of that beau- teous mansion—roaming through that charming Alpine vwalley—leaning on the arm of a husband of the moet maien. Nover had those prison-walls appeared so gloomy and odious to the young maiden. De Margaux fathomed all that ee Se EE wy aa~ wg, = ene was passing in her mind: he perceived the advan. tage he had already gained; and he continued in his insidious discourse. “‘ To her who began by giving me her sympathy when sympathy was 20 much needed—to her who liatened to my avowal of love—to her who shall afford me the means of saving a life which will be doubly valuable inasmuch as it must be devoted the delightful task of ensuring her happiness,— Oh, to her of whom I am speaking—to you, dearest maiden, shall the faithfullest devotion and the ten- derest affection be ever due !” “ But how can I help you ?—Oh, how I agn help you ?”’ asked Finette, now bursting into tears of anguish, “Weep not,” said De Margaux: “every tear you shed falls like molten lead upon my heart. Tell me, beloved one, is not your futher one of the turnkeys of the prison f’’ “ Alas! yes,” responded Finette: “ and the faet dooms me to an existence within these dreadful walls—an existence which I abhor !” “He is a turnkey P” said De Margaux. ‘“ You can obtein the key from him P you can possess yourself of it?” “‘ No—impossible |” rejoined Finette, with a look and tore of the deepest sadness. “‘ Impossible !” echoed De Margaux, for a mo- ment dejected. “ But still you oan assist meoP Yes, you can assist me! Files—a rope——can you not farnish me these P” “ Yes!” ejaculated the maiden, her countenance suddenly brightening up with joy: then, as rapidly sinking with despondency again, she added, “ Ab, I comprehend! But the sentinel on the opposite side of the moat ?” , S$ That obstacle, sweet girl, is not insurmount- able,” responded De Margaux. “ Oh, if you would serve me, Kinette—if you would serve me, it is not by halves that you must do it. It isa matter of life and death! You know it—you see that it is ig Tell mo what I can do,” said the girl eagerly: for her heart was now full of the most devoted enthusiasm towards this object of her romantic interest. * You must manege that sentinel forme! I have noticed that the guard comes round to change the sentinels at ten o’clook—then again at mid. night. I¢ ig the sentinel who will then be on duty that you will have to deal with. Can you get out between those hours, Finette ?” “ Yes—for fortunately my fether has gone to ace his sister in the gqountry, and he is sure not to return before midnight-—perhaps nos even until to-morrow morning. But’ what am I to do with regard to that sentinel P’’ she agked. “Can you not offer him liquor P” esid De Mas- gaux: “ will you mind doing this for my sake? It is @ husband whom you will win, sweet Fineite ! —e husband who will love you for your devotion end be proud of you for your heroism !” “TI will do anything—everything you tell me!” replied the enthusiastic but infatuated girl. “You can give the soldier liquor,” continued De Margaux; “and the liquor can be drugged. Start not! I mean not to poison the poor wreteh : it is a mere soporifie that you will administer. One dram of the liquor thus drugged, and be sinks down senseless. My escape will be secured—I join De EEE Eee | a A I I a a TS TE SE TS (CO G OOO SS} (CO