The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 329: what you’re looking at

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

818 at the same time they learnt that they had an- other of whose crimes they could only think with THE MYSTERIZE OF THE COURT, Queen commanicated to them the happy intelli- gence that Mr. Coleman had set off to Londoa to blended distress and horror. Yes—bitterness was report the issue of all these proceedings at Osk- mingled with the sweetness of the twins’ reflec- tions: but still there was happiness happiness for that beautifully handsome young . man who now bore a ducal title—beppiness for that maiden of transcending loveliness whose name a patrician dignity graced! And at one time this young man had served in a humble capacity the very kinsman who en} now to be all Christian’s own! But, Ah! if there were one reason more than another for which our young hero rejoiced in the wondrous change that hed taken place in bis circumstances, it was thet for them,— | that relieved from joyous consciousness that his innocence would triumphantly made apparent to very kinsman who bore that usarped title,—the | was interru the wealth that was faithful old special time saluted as r request * My lord,” he said, in “ permit an old man who liked and loved again when they were left alone together by Queen Indora: they mingled their tears as they spoke of their perished parentea—and they smiled upon each other in mutual congratulations for the bounties which ail in s moment seemed to be showering upon his sister closer to him, as they spoke in half-hushed and awe-inspired whispers of the wretched man whom they had ere now seen kneeling, crushed and overwhelmed, at their feet: but again they smiled as they exultingly exclaimed, “Thank | heaven, Lie innocence is made manifest !” And bh neither at the moment mentioned the name, yet in the sympathy and unison of their hearts did they mutually comprehend to whom the allusion pointed—that benefactor whom they had possession, “with a message from that dying man-—— “If he wish to see me,” said Christian, “I will go to him! If he be penitent—truly and sincerely penitent—I will not refuse him my forgiveness, although he took my father’s life !” “And your ladysbip,” esid the old steward, again addressing himself to Christina—* will you accompany my lord your brother P—for the dying man im the pardon of you both |” “Yes—I will go,” replied our generons-hearted known as Mr. Redcliffe, and whom they had sub- | heroine. sequently learnt to be Lord Clandon or Bertram Queen Indora glanced approvingly on the twins; Vivian, and who was now the inmate of a felon’s | and they issued from the room, followed by Purvis. geol—but a gaol released! And Oh! what a deep debt of grati- tude did the twins feel that they owed to that high-minded, noble-hearted Queen who had toiled on so laboriously, so perseveringly, and so arduously, to bring all matters to that crisis which should at the same instant afford the opportunity for proving from which he would shortly be ; They ascended the stairease: they paused for 6 moment at the door of the chamber in which ley the dying nobleman; and in the sympathetic unison of their hearts they exchanged looke which were as much as to imply thet they both felt the necessity of conquering all repugnances as much as possible, in order that they might smooth the pillow of the Bertram Vivian's innocence, and for proclaiming | dying penitent. that they themselves were scious of the ducal house of Marchmont. But on the other hand how Purvis gently opened the door; and the twins entered. By the couch knelt Lavinia, her face immense was the compassion which Christian and | resting upon ber bands; and by her side knelt the Christina experienced for the unfortunate Lavinia ! —that lady whom they knew to be so innocent and so amiable, and who had proved a ministering angel to the husband at whose hands she had sus- tained so much wrong in eo many different ways! village clergyman. The physician was standing close by the head of the bed, with a solemn ex- pression of countenance: for though accustomed to look upon death-scenes, yet thie one was at- tended with circumstances vxtraordinarily calca- The twins had been left alone together for nearly | lated to strike the heart with awe. But the dying an hour ere Queen Indora returned to them as morning was advancing. Bat during that hour how much had they to think of—how much to talk of—what subjects of wonder and horror to con- | cently begun to tarn nobleman himeelf——Oh! what pen can describe the ghastliness of his countenance — the utter. misery of hie looks? His hair which had only re- grey, had actually grown template—what contraste to draw between the past | many shades whiter during the last few hours. and the present—what tears of sweetness and sad- | ness to shed in alternate showers! And now the Queen came back to them; and | Christina threw herself into the arms of that ; Instead of having the ap of a man in the prime of life, he looked as if at least sixty winters had passed over his bead. Lavinia and the cle upon hearing the Sovereign lady who had never treated her as an door gently close, quitted their kneeling postares; inferior, but always as a friend: and Christian, and tears gushed forth from the eyes uf both taking hea Majesty’s hand, pressed it to his lips. Christian and Christina on catching the fret They eat down to converse together; and the glimpse of the countenance of her who had «0 ead —_ 3p —— ~~ —- - am» - Conniclacclk (CO