The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 199: what you’re looking at

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192 by one the jury reappeared, each resuming his seat with a eolemn gravity of countenance ; yet there was something in the looks of several which enabled keen physiognomiste to conjecture what the verdict would be. All uncertainty on the subject was soon at an end: the decision was in favour of the Baroness de Charlemont, who was accordingly pronounced not guilty. No applause followed this verdict: though every one present felt it was a decision rendered on the eafe side, yet it seemed unsatisfactory. None of Adelaide’s brilliant acquaintanees stepped for- ward to grasp her hand and offer congratulations. Oné individual alone addressed her thus; and that was her own counsel. She sat for nearly a minute in the dock after the verdict was delivered: she sat as if turned into a statue! Then she rose slowly ; and without turning a engle look upon the audience, as slowly quitted the court. CHAPTER CXXVIL THE BRIDEGROOM AND DRIDR. Tu reader will recollect that it was immediately after the bridal ceremony in the church of Bt. George’s, Hanover Square, that Lord Saxondale learnt from his valet that the Baroness had been tried for the murder of her husband. Terrific was the shock which = young nobleman experienced espoused such a woman. But how was he to act? It was dane—and could not be undone. He felt frightened at her; and he thought to himself that it waa absolutely necessary he should veil his feelings and put upon the transaction the best face possible. A perfect adept in dissimulation, he had little difficulty in thus the emotions which had been 60 Several days paseed ; and in the meantime Lord Saxondale had read the whole particulars of Ade- laide’s trial in a file of English newspapors, to a gy age eve Adelaide was innocent: he could not succeed :-~ s—and | at the bottom of his soul reated the dark, the terri- ble conviction that she was really guilty and thag he had married a murderess! Yet again and again did he say to himself, “ No, it is impossible : she is innocent !"—and agai and again did he find himself yielding to quite the opposite convic- tion. But when in her presenceo—when under the influence of her sensuous witeheries and voluptu- aus blandishmente—he at first fell into that sort of reckless devil-me-eare mood which seemed to say, ‘“‘ Well, never mind—it can’t be helped—she won’t poison me/ She is a magnificent creature ; and it was worth any sacrifice to possess her.” A fortnight passed; and not a angle visit was paid at Saxondale House: it was quite evident that the fashionable world of the British metropo- lis intended to treat the new Lady Saxondale as she had been treated in France when presenting herself at the ball at the Odeon Theatre. But she said not a word upon the subject to her husband : she did not seem to be annoyed—she appeared as if ahe were unconscious that such studied and complete neglect was demonstsated towards her. The domestics of the household had gradually grown cool—some sullen and sulky—others half- inclined to show what they thought; and several gave warning to leave at the expiration of a car- tain term. When these notices were mentioned to Adelaiae by the steward and the housekeeper, she made mo remark idding them get other servants; and she asked no questions. It seemed quite sufficient for her that she had become Lady Saxondale, and she troubled not herself about any other circumstance. Edmund wae astonished that neither Lord Petersfield on the one hand, nor Marlow and Mal- ton on the other, had taken the elightest notice of his marriage. They came not near him: neither did they write; and he carefully avoided the chance of falling in with them—for if he did, it would be impossible to help touching on the subject which he felt was no pleasant one whereof to attempt the justification. His mother too continued silent for the fortnight which thus elapsed from the day of his marriage. During this interval he had re- mained almost entirely at home, save when visiting his club for the purpose of consulting the file of newspepers. He had then noticed that those ac- whom he met there, bowed most dis- coed up to thetdow of Hexumdale Hotoe- ant ote double knock was heard—ho could act shat his eyes to the fact that he and his wife were com- pletely cut. This was by no means agreeable to a of the Baroness de Chariemont’s aunt, who expired a few days after that trial. And what was the impression which the me of this remarkable case made upon the "8 mind ? Vainly did he endeavour to persuatio himself that (COL (C DOO CS (COL