The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 161: what you’re looking at

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154 need not tell you by what means :”—and again she bent upon him a look of peculiar significancy. “No, no—it is not necessary,” he with nervous quickness: “and you need not fear that I shall be guilty of imprudence or indiscretion. For the counsel you have given me and the succour you are now lendmg me, my gratitade is your's. But have you nothing more to suggest? Your mmagi- nation is of a fertility to which mme own cannot *T understand you,” interrupted Lady Gaxondale: “ it is not sufficient that I should place the in your hand: but I must also teach you how to use 31t.”” “Yes,” rejoined Staunton: “for how can I in- troduce myself secretly and stealthily into my uncle’s house? how can I obtain access to his chamber ?” “And even at the last moment yeur courage might fail you,” observed Lady Saxondale. “Now, listen with attention once more. I happen to know —no matter how—that in the chapel at Saxondale Castle you may, if you choose, meet a certain person whom you will find a ready and willing instrument to serve your purpose. Hoe is a man who for the eake of gold will hesitate at no crime which the human imagination can suggest, or of which human mature is capable. To him you may entrust the phial of which I have already told you how to pos- sess yourself ;—and rest assured that when he learns how he is to use it, he will neither hesitate nor quail. but promise him five hundred pounds for the accom- plishment of the deed—and he will afterwards leave so that you need not fear to be troubled by his importunities for the future.” “And who is this person that can render such valuable aid?’ inquired Lord Harold, who had lis- tened with trembling eagerness to the dark and terrible imstructions which had just been given him. “Hoe answers to the name of Chiffin,” responded her ladyship. a “ Chiffin P” ejaculated Staunton, instantaneously struck with the name. “What! he of whom the newspapers sometime since spoke as the suspected murderer of a publican and his wife in a place called Agar Town? Ab! and now tnat I bethink me, my uncle mentioned this same mdividual to me as one whom you had employed——” “You need not say any more,” interrupted Lady Saxondale, with cold calmness: “I see that your uncle has been explicit enough in respect to may pro- ceadings. Yes—it is perfectly true that he and you—would have perished a few weeks ago, had it not been for some accident the particulars of which I have not learnt, but which in some way or another frustrated Chiffin’s plan. But doubtless you are sufficiently acquainted with this individual’s charac- ter, to be well aware that he is a fitting instrument for your purpose.” * None could serve me better,” Harold. “A man wo is already in fear of the law’s ven- | mother geance, and who perhaps awaits but the means for _ enabling him to leave the country, is the best instru- ment I could obtain. But now, before I express my | thanks for all this additional information you have given me,” continued Staunton, “let us understand THR MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. A AA each other. What will you seek at my hands if I succeed in making myself Marquis of Eagiedean ?” “ Nothing,” replied Lady Saxondale. “Can you not comprehend that I have a bitter vengeance te wreak upon this uncle of yours—and that I shall be satisfied in thus accomplishing the end through you? As for thanks, I need them not. But one more word of advice will I proffer :—which is, that you call to your aid all possible circumspection and pru- dence, warinees and caution; for it is a bold stroke that you are playing, though one well worth the venture. Ah! and there is yet something else that I may do for you. Doub‘less your uncle has not been too munificent in the pecuniary means which he has placed at your disposal f—and you will re- quire ample funds in the execution of your projecte. Permit me to be your banker: it is not the first time.” Thus speaking, Lady Saxondale drew forth her purse, and presented Lord Harold Staunton with two English Bank-notes for five hundred pounds each. “You said that you would accept no thanks, Harriet,” he observed, as he received the gift: “ but nevertheless do I proffer them. And now one word more. Where can I find you—or where can I communicate with you-if the necessity should arise ?”” “IT know not--I can name no address st present,” answered Lady Saxondale. “Juliana and myself have for the last few weeks been living in retire- ment at some village fifty or sixty miles hence; but being recognized by English visitors, we re- solved on changing our quarters. We are now on our way to Germany. In a few months’ time, perhaps, we may return to England: or at least I shall—and then it may be that I shall have to congratulate you on bearing the title and possessing the estates of Eagledean. Our interview has been long enough. Farewell, Harold.” ‘ Farewell, Harrict. What! not one embrace f” “Give not way to a renewal of past follies,” responded Lady Saxondale, coldly drawing back from the overtures of the young nobleman. “ Fare- well.” She beckoned him in a peremptory manner leave the apartment: and he didso. On the stairs, he was informed by the waiter that his dinner was served up; and he accordingly repsired to the room in which the table was spread. But he had hittle appetite for the viands with which the board was covered: all his thoughts and all his “But no matter,” he said to himeeclf. “ Doubt. lees Lady Saxondale has become perfectly indif- ferent to the proceedings of her son; and if he be an infatuated fool, let him remain so. Jt is not fas OT SSSR, SESSSSSESIEED COLL ( 5 DOO CS (GO)