The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

— — doomed to experience, the power of suffering seemed to have been carried to the utmost capability of en- durance, as well as the acutest pitch of torture. At last there came to his relief a merciful dispensation of utter insensibility. Suffocated by the smoke, Bazzini sank ‘down into a state of stupor, and all that followed was a blank of welcome unconsciousness. CHAPTER XXXI, 2 THE VAULTS. ASSCr an hour after the attempt of the murderous miscreant had been frustrated, and when it was sup- posed that the Italian was securely incarcerated in tho apartment which had been prepared for his reception, the mysterious personage known as Sir John Barring- ton issued from his dressing -room, and was immedi- ately met by the faithful domestic who had so ably assisted in the overthrow of Bazzini. But it was not in the fashionable costume which he had worn during that eventful interview that Barring- ton now appeared. His dress had been exchanged for ons of a less noticeable kind, and his exterior had undergone so complete a metamorphosis, that it was scarcely possible to regard him as being the same man who had crossed the threshold of his room so short a time before. His eyes were still brilliantly keen and penetrating, but they were overhung by thick bushy eyebrows that were not before visible, and which wholly changed their expression; the face was darkened, and a mass of coarse wiry hair that streamed from under the military cap he wore gave a wild and haggard look to his features that strongly contrasted with his previously neat and orderly attire; whilst a plain frock coat, buttoned up to the throat, and a roquelaure thrown loosely over his shoulders, com- pleted this most efficient disguise. The remarkable difference arising from this alteration of apparel, and the change in his identity co artistically produced, even elicited a complimentary remark from the attendant, who had been long familiar with these masquerading habiliments, which were varied from time to time as circumstances required their assumption. *“ You have truly little occasion to fear recognition in that dress, Sir John,” observed the swarthy attend- ant, who appeared to be the only person about the mansion that came into the presence of its owner; “never have I before seen you so completely and im- penetrably disguised.” “There is more need now than ever, John, of keep- ing my real name concealed, and of baffling the ob- servation of those who might hereafter identify me,” returned the baronet, traversing the apartment in which the recent struggle with the Italian had taken place, and approaching the window that commanded a full view of the street leading to the square; “is it not near the hour when you ordered the cabriolet to be here?” “It yet wants forty minutes to the time,” answered the other, referring to a watch he withdrew from his pocket ; and then looking significantly at the disguised baronet, he added, “there is one who might think the hours sped too rapidly if he knew the changes in his fortune that to-night would bring forth.” ‘Mine has been a bold and adventurous experi- ment,” mused Barrington, in a reflective tone, whilst be still directed his attention to the view from the window; “but the game once commenced must be played out to the lastcard. I should account myself THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON, fortunate,” he continued, turning to the domestic as he spoke, “that I have an auxiliary so trustwerthy and competent as John Oliver.” “Tt is, on the contrary, I, Sir John, who should ac- — knowledge with gratitude the eminent services you have rendered me; for without your kind assistance, and the generous help you afforded me when I most — required a friend, I should have been now utterly abandoned. Was it not you who took me into your confidence when every other eye looked coldly on me, and restored to me that self-respect which but for you would have been irretrievably lost ?” “And in so doing I was only striving to fulfil that office which I felt it was my duty to perform. The impulse that directed me to the place where you had been left for dead by the now repentant Saunders was not given in vain. The day that saw you restored to health likewise beheld your character retrieved, and your zeal and fidelity to me since that hour have left me nothing to regret,” | “And my old companion—is he, indeed, Sir John reclaimed from those vicious courses into which he was led, more by his necessities than inclination? has he really been sincere in the remorse that he has lately shown?” “Of that I am convinced. I told him the man he had struck down in a momentary fit of passion, and believed he had murdered, was still living, and that he would be his companion on the voyage. His de- light when I thus relieved his mind of the burden of a crime which he had felt hanging over his career like a dark cloud, was so unaffected, and so earnest in its — nature, that I repented never having made him ac- quainted with the truth before. Often, however, as 1 have availed myself of the power over him which my accidental meeting with you gave me, never haye — T employed it for any other than a gocd ms “Till now, Sir John,” said Oliver, breaking in upon a pause that had followed the last observation of the baronet, ‘:I have implicitly followed your instruc- tions, without seeking tolearn their motives; but now that we are to separate, that a close acquaintance- ship willhave to be renewed with Saunders and the rest who will emigrate with him to the Australian estate you have purchased for us, there is a question of deep | interest to me that I should like to ask.” “Your inquiry refers to the mystery I assumed with this very disguise in which I now appear, does it not?” “If you would believe that I am actuated by no impertinent curiosity in thus forcing myself into your confidence, I would acknowledge that it does,” ad- mitted Oliver, bowing respectfully, “You have partly anticipated my intention of making this disclosure,” rejoined the baronet, “for now the objects I have had in view are nearly gained, there no longer exists a reason for continuing its con- cealment. As I have besides exalted you to the position of my factor in Australia, and confided to you the entire management of the plan, which I fervently — hope will be the means of restoring happiness to — many a poor but deserving family, it is necessary that you should be informed of the circumstances that led to this determination originally.” | “From one who has daily given such proofs of the 5 well aware no other impulse was needed than the - benevolence and nobleness of his di spirit of philanthropy, which I have observed has governed all your actions, Sir John, since you first honoured me with your notice, Rut often as I have been made the almoner of your bounty, and frequently oOmiuicbook O Soe TOE a - ape é ) ss =s