The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 366: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. if from palsied fingers: for the stupor of dismay seized all in a moment upon Lady Saxondale. Yes—it seized upon her in @ moment: but its para- lyzing effect lasted only for that moment. She recovered her presence of mind as quickly as she had lost it: that is to say, she had recovered it suffi- ciently to stoop down and pick up the card—a movement which she accomplished so rapidly that it even anticipated that of the servant who likewise stooped to pick it up. The outward and visible evidences of Lady Saxondale’s emotions were so transitory—passing in a swift brief instant—that the domestic did not notice them, but thought that it was through a pure accident the card had been thus dropped. “Show Dr. Ferney into this room,” said Lady Saxondale: and though it cost her an almost super- kuman effort to speak with a forced calmness, it nevertheless struck her that her voice was hollow and sepulchral—at least it sounded so unto her own ears. The domestic bowed and withdrew; and the in- stant he had quitted the library, Lady Saxondale pressed her right hand to her throbbing brows, mur- muring, “My God, my God! what will happen next P” A thunderbolt falling upon her head at that in- stant would have been mercy: for the wildest, most avonizing terrors were agitating in her brain, as she thought to herself that there was but one possible object for which Dr. Ferney could visit her—an object which menaced her with utter annihilation ! Suddenly however a brightening, cheering thought flashed in unto her mind. Dr. Ferney loved her— had loved her for many long, long years—was de- voted to that mysterious interest of her’s which for the instant she had deemed so imperilled; and he would not betray her—no, she felt assured that he would not! Ata glance, too, of her mental vision, she reviewed the circumstances of their recent meeting—and how he had solemnly proclaimed his readiness to lay down his life for her rather than breathe a word that should hurt her. She reflected likewise on the amiability of his disposition—the generosity of his nature: and she thoucht also of the immense power of her own charms—her own fascinations. By the time therefore that the door opened again, Lady Saxondale was herself once more—strong-minded, bold, courageous, resolute— prepared for any emergency. But she remained seated at the table with her back towards the open- | ing door, that a too sudden discovery of her identity on the part of the physician should not elicit from lim an ejaculation that would excite the astonish- ment of the domestic. Nevertheless, Lady Saxon- dale felt more than half persuaded that the precau- tion was unnecessary: for must he not have already discovered that Mrs. Smith and Lady Saxondale were one and the same? and was it not on account of this discovery that he had come to visit her now ? “Dr. Ferney,” exclaimed the domestic, announc- ing the physician in the usual way: and then the door of the library closed again. Lady Saxondale rose from the table: but the instant that Dr. Ferney caught a glimpse of her eountenance, he did give vent to an ejaculation of wonder and amazement—and he staggered back as if stricken a fierce blow by the hand of an invisiblo riant, © Yes, Dr. Ferney,” said her ladyship, extending her hand with the most gracious affability towards him: “it is I[—and now the mystery is cleared up: Mrs. Smith exists for you no longer {” Ts it possible? is it possible?’ murmured the doctor, with confusion in his brain: and he took the proffered hand in a mechanical, unconscious manner. ‘My dear friend, pray be seated,” said her lady- ship. ‘Come, place yourself on this sofa; and I will sit down by your side. What has procured me the pleasure of your visit ?” *“ And you are Lady Saxondale?” he said, still gazing with a sort of vacant incredulity upon the mistress of the castle: ‘you are Lady Saxondale P” “* And most welcome are you at Saxondale Castle! But do tell me, my dear Dr. Ferney, what has brought you hither? Is there anything amiss? Why do you still gaze upon me in this manner? You really begin to frizhten me. Are you not towards me the same kind and devoted friend I have ever thought you?” “ Yes—God grant that I may be enabled to con- tinue so!” was the physician’s solemn response: and now he appeared to be recovering somewhat of his wonted self-possession. * You will hasten to tell me, then, what has brought you hither?” said her ladyship; “for it is evident enough that in seeking Lady Saxondale, you did not expect to meet the Mrs. Smith of other times. Therefore I suppose your visit has nothing to do with the circumstances which first rendered us acquainted P” “ No—nothing, nothing,” rejoined the doctor; ‘and his answer afforded unspeakable relief to Lady Saxondale. “I have come upon quite another business—but a most unpleasant one: and to tei! your ladyship the truth, I know not how to break it to you. Yet wliy should I not? Doubtless you will be enabled to explain it. God grant that you will be so!” “Pray tell me, my dear friend, what all this means? You are rendering me exceedingly un- easy.” ‘Listen then,’ resumed tke doctor, “while I explain myself. You know, Lady Saxondale, the passionate devotion I have ever entertained for all those pursuits which are connected with the myste- ries of my profession—and that amongst them, that of anatomical research has not been the least. For many years past, I have however practised this branch but little. Excuse me for touching upon such topics: but it is necessary. The other night a dead body was brought to my house: for occasion- ally I do return to that pursuit which was once the most favourite of all. Well, then, Lady Saxondale |—a body was brought to my house: it was the corpse of a female—an elderly one; and the mo- ment I beheld it, I was smitten with a suspicion that the deceased had not come fairly by her death. : It bore the external evidences of poison—but not of any common poison—a poison of a very subtle and | peculiar nature, the evidences of which could only be known to the experienced eye. And my suspi- cion proved correct: for anatomical research showed me that this woman had died by that very poison which I myself had succeeded in eliminating some weeks back, and which I showed to you on the night | you visited me at my house!” dol . EE, LLL LLL LL LLL TL, iit, ECOMICclboookxs (CO)