The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

48 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘Yes, I followed you, Eleanor, thus far on your path of vengeance and of daring,’”’ replied the earl, in a voice that was thick and hoarse; ‘“‘ and I remained close at hand to protect you in the event of a struggle with your enemy.”’ ‘‘ And that enemy — he is no more,” said the countess, in a low, deep, and solemn tone. “‘ But you, Mr. Meagles, how came you here?” she demanded, turning abruptly toward that individual. ‘‘ My object was of a friendly nature toward you, unhappy lady,’”’ replied Tim, on whose countenance were yet depicted the traces of that horror with which the shocking deed had inspired him. ‘“‘ Suffice it to say that I accidentally learned Ramsey’s intention to pay this neighbourhood a visit to- night; and, believing his visit to bode no good to you, I, followed him all the way from London and watched him hither. But would to God that I had attended to my own business instead! ’”’ he added, bitterly. ‘Mr. Meagles,”’ said the earl, taking Tim’s hand and pressing it forcibly, ‘‘ you must not betray this frightful secret. That villain has only met his righteous doom. Alas! you are not ignorant of the fatal power which he exercised over my unhappy wife, you are acquainted with the tre- mendous secret of that influence. Know, then, in addition, that the miscreant’s last act of despotism was the endeavour to extort a large sum of money as the price of his silence; and my wife, unable to endure that continued persecution —’”’ “God knows that there is extenuation enough for this crime! ”’ ejaculated Meagles. “ But terrible dangers now environ me,” and he hastily explained the nature of his position, as we have already detailed it at the opening of this chapter. “Then what is to be done? What would you advise? ”’ asked the earl, trembling from head to foot. “Oh, do not imagine that punishment shall be allowed to overtake the innocent, Mr. Meagles!” exclaimed the Countess of Desborough, with a sudden presence of mind and a moral courage that sprang from a heroic resolution to dare and suffer all the consequences of her crime. ‘ I have not been bold only to perpetrate the deed; but I will continue bold to avow it! ”’ ‘No, never, never!” groaned the unhappy earl, wringing his hands despairingly. (EOANIKE NOC KS (E)