The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

220 THE COURT OF LONDON These words were pronounced with a concentrated bitter- ness of feeling denoting the stern resolution which the young girl had adopted not to die unavenged. ‘‘ And, moreover,” she added, after a brief pause, “I will proclaim in the presence of the magistrate and the whole court the name of him who seduced me so vilely and aban- doned me so cruelly. Oh, I will not pass through the dis- grace of the Old Bailey and the hangman, without dragging others through the mire and the filth of public exposure, infamy, and shame.”’ And now the sinister light which burnt in her eyes flashed forth in those rays which carry a shudder with them through the entire frame that they appear to penetrate and into the depths of the soul to which they seem to pierce. ‘““Miss Walters,’ Grumley hastened to observe, “‘ you must renounce your present plans and alter your policy altogether.’’ “What do you mean?” exclaimed the young girl, now surveying the constable with ineffable amazement. ‘““T mean, Miss Walters, that I am your friend, and that I will save you, if you will permit me to do it,’”’ responded Grumley in a rapid tone. “Save me! ”’ repeated Caroline, clutching with a hysterical joy at the hope which fell thus suddenly upon her soul. “Yes, save you from the scaffold, miss,’ answered Grumley. ‘‘ Now listen one moment. Whether innocent or guilty, you'll find that the evidence will be overwhelming against you, and you will likewise find that it’s my own self as will have got up the case so strong against you.”’ ‘Then how can you proclaim yourself my friend? ”’ asked Caroline, bitterly. | “Because I am compelled to do my dooty as a officer in the eyes of the public,” replied Grumley, meeting unflinch- ingly the searching look which the girl threw upon him; ‘‘ whereas in private,”’ he added, “‘ I may befriend and serve whomsoever I choose.”’ “TI understand you,” said Caroline, her confidence return- ing. ‘‘ But wherefore should you feel any interest in me? I am an utter stranger to you.” ‘True: but Mrs. Brace has enjoined me to do all I can for you.” “Mrs. Brace!” repeated Caroline, in a tone of inde- Gomi re) NOOKS (C(O)