The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 164: what you’re looking at

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

146 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘Yes, because you are heartless and indifferent,” ex- claimed Lilian, bitterly, ‘‘ whereas I, throughout a long series of twenty years, have still loved on.” “Then if all these watchings and pryings and peerings result from love,” exclaimed Bernard Audley, with mingled passion and scorn, “ for Heaven’s sake give up loving alto- gether.”’ ‘‘ Ah! do not say that!” cried Lilian, a visible shudder sweeping over her frame, as if she felt the influence of a power which she had ever struggled to ward off. ‘‘ Do not say that, or it may be I shall follow your advice. Snap but one chord, the last which vibrates in my heart, and this love of mine will dissolve suddenly — no, not dissolve, it will turn into the bitterest hatred.” ‘““T care not,’’ ejaculated the minor canon, his rage now becoming ungovernable. ‘I detest the sickly sentimental- ism which you prate about. Love, indeed! there can be none between us. Circumstances destroyed it long, long ago. It is a morbid feeling of jealousy and disappointment which impels you thus to hang upon my footsteps and inter- fere in my pursuits. I am sick of it, I am wearied of it, and this day, after all you have said, I am more than ever re- solved to rid myself of your impertinent supervision.” ~“ Bernard, this to me? ”’ said Lilian, in a voice of mingled astonishment and reproach, as if she could scarcely believe her ears. ‘Yes, this to you,” retorted the minor canon, almost. maddened with the rage that had flamed up in his soul. “You yourself have provoked the present crisis. It was. not I who sought it. You say that I dwell in fear of you? Well, your words prove the morbid hankering which you have to rule me by terrorism. Now, then, let this bond be broken at once. Do your worst, I defy you. Whatever evil you can say of me, must your own name be mixed up in. And now beware how you continue to molest me. By Heavens! I will do you a mischief the next time you cross. my path. As for your income, that shall be paid regularly as heretofore — ”’ ‘‘ Enough! ” suddenly ejaculated Lilian, her pale coun- tenance having become ghastly, her lips white and quivering, her whole frame convulsed with the agonizing feelings that raged in her bosom. ‘‘ Enough! you have said your worst, CORnniclooOo C@