The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 126: what you’re looking at

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

104 THE COURT OF LONDON with a stern emphasis. ‘“‘ You craved a peerage, and I sought vengeance. At that time the removal of Arthur Eaton from this world would have placed you on the threshold of your desires, and would have gratified mine at once. Therefore did we make common cause against that young man, you from motives of ambition, and I from motives of revenge. Well, it is true that accident has sud- denly befriended you in a somewhat remarkable manner, for you have acquired your peerage all in a moment — ”’ “‘ And without perpetrating a crime,’ added Lord Holder- ness, emphatically. “Ah! coward— But no, I will not taunt you yet,” exclaimed Fernanda, at first starting from her seat as if to spring upon her husband with the fury of a tiger-cat, then instantaneously subduing her wrath and recovering all her external tranquillity and composure. ‘‘ Yes, you have ob- tained your peerage,” she continued, with a corresponding placidity of voice; ‘“ but I have not as yet succeeded in making the slightest advance toward the gratification of my vengeance.” “« And will you not abandon it, Fernanda, dear Fernanda?”’ inquired the newly created peer, coaxingly. ‘““ Now can I scarcely repress my feelings, so full of disgust. and indignation and amazement am I at the question you have dared to put to me,” cried the lady, the sea-shell pink on her damask cheeks suddenly deepening into the liveliest. crimson, and the violet blue of her eyes darkening to the intensity of the stormiest black. ‘‘ Renounce my vengeance? Never! ’”’ she exclaimed, in a tone of startling fierceness and electrifying wildness. ‘‘ Although married to you, yet my soul cherishes a deeper hatred than ever toward him. Yes, and it was to enable me to consummate my vengeance against. Arthur Eaton all the more easily that I became your wife.”’ “But how can I aid you in your schemes, Fernanda? ”’ demanded Lord Holderness; ‘‘ and what inducement have. I to assist you, even if I possess the power? You do not. suppose that I have any sentiment of vindictiveness to: appease? ”’ “No, but you have ambition to minister unto and avarice to gratify,’’ responded Fernanda, recovering her tranquillity alike of voice and manner. “Ah! I begin to understand you,’ murmured Lord Hol- GOMmiiGcodoo S (C(O)