The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

12 THE COURT OF LONDON In the first place, I entertain no vindictive feeling toward your ladyship, and I should therefore be sorry to cause an exposure which would produce dishonour or danger of any kind to you. In the second place, I am in duty bound to do all I can to shield my beloved father’s memory from reproach, and hence I can have no wish to drag to light an unfortunate amour which would stamp him as the seducer of a friend’s wife. Under all these circumstances the matter must be hushed up as far as possible, and we will consult Mr. Sampson upon the subject.” ‘* Be it so,” rejoined Ernestina, still speaking with firmness and decision. ‘‘ Even if he should insist on introducing the whole transaction to the cognizance of the tribunals, I am prepared to undergo whatever punishment may be awarded to me.”’ “Lady Ernestina Dysart,’ said the young gentleman, “I have already declared my belief in the truth of your tale, but as a duty toward the memory of my deceased parent, I shall assure myself by means of a surgical exam- ination that circumstances support your statement, and if so, the tribunals would award you but a slight punishment for concealing the death, even if Mr. Sampson should insist upon dragging the transaction before them. But he will not, I am convinced that he will not,’’ added Sir Valentine, emphatically. He now looked at his watch, and found that it was nearly four o’clock in the morning. “I would suggest,” he continued, “‘ that we should repair at once to Mr. Sampson’s and hear his opinion, but I fear to overtax your energies, for you look ill, you seem as if you had been up all night.”’ “Let us go to Mr. Sampson’s at once,” said Ernestina, rising from her seat and drawing her veil over her counte- nance. | ) ‘“‘ Be it so,” rejoined Malvern, and they issued forth to- gether. CORDRICLIOOO (CO in