The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 361: what you’re looking at

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

THE FIRST ORDEAL 331° “Tt will be based upon the Master’s report,” cried Fer- nanda, petulantly. ‘¢ Additional evidence may be offered, Lady Holderness,”’ returned the marchioness, in her quiet manner, the very serenity of which was a reproof and a warning. ‘“‘ Additional evidence!’’ repeated Earl Montgomery, feeling that this ejaculatory taking up of Lady Bellenden’s - words would bring the discourse to a crisis. “Yes, additional evidence, my lord,’ replied the marchion- ess; ‘“‘and inasmuch as the testimony to which I allude will throw much additional light upon the case, I repeat my proposition that we three should constitute ourselves the judges thereof, and I will answer for it that within a couple of hours we shall come to a decision, whereas in Chancery we may still be kept waiting for years. Now, Lord Mont- gomery, and you, Lady Holderness, what say you? ”’ “Is this a jest, madam?” inquired Fernanda, burning with vexation and spite. _ “T never was more serious in my life,’”’ returned the marchioness; ‘‘ and you have no idea how very serious the matter may also be made for yourself and Lord Montgomery, if you reject my proposition for investigating it amicably. In plain terms, the evidence I have to bring forward must be produced somewhere; but whether in this drawing-room before our three selves, or in the presence of a still more solemn and certainly more terrible tribunal, I now leave for you to decide.”’ “* Let us humour her ladyship and play at judges, Eugene,”’ said Fernanda, her eyes flashing with the fires of concen- trated rage, — a rage which was enhanced by the apparently unprovokable calmness of Lady Bellenden. “ Well, let us play at judges, then,” added Montgomery, wondering what was to follow. - _ The marchioness took a silver hand-bell from under the cushion of the sofa, and rang it. A door at the farther extremity of the room opened, and an old man made his appearance.. ‘“* Austin! ” ejaculated Lord Secmary, thrown off his guard by this unexpected incident. . “ Ah! Isee that you know him, then? ”’ cried Lady Bellen- den; and turning toward the man, she said, “‘ Do you: also recognize this gentleman and this lady? mi COU Doo eS (G(O)