Rosa Lambert — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

| | | mre ee me me oe ee TCT OO ON OE LE See eee SOON ee ROSA LAMBERT. 239 proffered. Then methought he gradually turned into the Marquis of Belmore, whose loud mocking laugh of triumph rang through my brain, NextI fancied that I was seated at a splendid banquet, together with all those females whose acquaintance I had formed at the time I was living under the protection of Mr. Alvanly. They were splendidly arrayed—plumes upon their brows, diamonds on their bosoms: their eyes sparkled as brightly as the wine itself—their spirits were as effervescent as the champagne which excited them. But me- thought that as I contemplated the brilliant as- semblage,—amongst whom I was as gorgeously decorated and as exuberant in hilarity as the rest, —a cold chill gradually came over me; at the same time that a change was operating on the part of us al]. In the same way that the illusions of the dissolving views change some figures into others— landscapes into towns—trees into ships-——human beings into monsters,—so was the transition gra- dually but perceptibly taking place with us female revellers. More icy grew the chill upon me—more haggard and appalled grew my looks—as I beheld the rouge and the pearl-powder upon the cheeks of my companions changing into wanness and ghastliness—as their garments gradiently turned into foul and fetid rags—as the brilliant light which had flooded the saloon subsided into dim- ness—and as the apartment itself took the sem- blance of a narrow, dirty, and obscure street. Me- thought that with madness in my brain, I glanced over my own form, and found that it was passing through the same hideous transition,—until at length, from that splendid banqueting scene, my companions and myself had all sunk down into the street, where we were now dragging ourselves along in the lowest stage of degradation, pollution, and misery to which the most abject courtezans can possibly be reduced. It seemed to me that I was shivering bitterly with the cold; and that per- ceiving a fire at a distance, I repaired thither to warm my freezing limbs. The intensity of the chill which was on me, made me creep close up to that fire: a sensation of drowsiness came over me —my thoughts fell into confusion, till they glided out of my brain—and my miseries were forgotten in slumber. But all on a sudden it seemed to me as it a wild ery of “Fire!” startled me up; and I found myself enveloped in flames. Good heayens! there was some reality in this last portion of my dream; for I had started up in bed, and was stricken with fearfullest dismay as an intolerable light burst upon my unclosing eyes, associated with a powerful heat. The room was on fire. Piercing shrieks thrilled forth from my lips: but terror paralyzed my limbs. The door burst open—some one rushed in—I was seized in his arms—-and was borne to an adjacent chamber, where he placed me upon a bed; and I fainted through excess of horror. When I came to myself, I found the chamber- | maid of the hotel standing by the side of the bed, administering the restoratives which had brought me back to my senses. A few hastily put ques- tions were as quickly answered. The curtains of my bed had caught on fire; a gentleman who oe- cupied the next room—the one in which I now found myselt—had heard my screams while he was undressing in preparation for retiring to rest; and he had saved me in the manner already described. et ee ie a ee eee ie de ne —————————ee —— The landlord and the waiters, alarmed by the same cause, had sped to the room, and had fortunately succeeded in extinguishing the fire before it had done much mischief. Such was the account I re. ceived from the chambermaid; and I recollected that I had left a candle burning on a night-table by the side of the couch. I at once admitted that it was all my own fault, and bade her assure the landlord that I was able and willing to pay the expenses of all the damage which had ensued from my carelessness. The chambermaid intimated that I might remain in the room to which I had been brought, as the gentleman should be provided with another. His own effects were speedily shifted thence: my portmanteau and clothes were brought in to me; and thus terminated an incident which might have led to an awful sacrifice of life as well as of property. The remainder of the night was passed in uneasy and broken slumbers; and when the morn- ing came, I was so unwell as to be compelled to take my breakfast in bed. Towards mid-day, how- ever, feeling much better, I rose and dressed my- self. I was now determined to go back to London without delay: but as a matter of courtesy, I was anxious to express my gratitude towards the gen- tleman who had rescued me. [ intimated this much to the chambermaid; and she went to in- quire whether he was in at the time? She re- turned, with an affirmative response,—informing me that he was a Mr. Wellesley, and that he had only arrived at the hotel on the previous evening. { was conducted to a sitting-room; and in a few minutes Mr. Wellesley was announced. He was a man of about seven-and-twenty—tall and well-formed, though the least thing inclined to stoutness—and exceedingly handsome, with dark hair and eyes, fine glossy whiskers, and a beautiful — set of teeth. His manners were those of a polished gentleman—totally devoid of affectation—frankly urbane and courteous. As he entered the room, I proffered him my hand, expressing my gratitude for the immense service he had rendered me. “Pray do not thank me,” he said; ‘for I only performed a duty. If young ladies,” he added with a smile, “will read in bed, these accidents must of course occur.” «JT can assure you, Mr. Wellesley,” I answered, “T was not reading: but I must confess to the un- pardonable carelessness of having left the candle burning too close to the curtains.” You look unwell,” he observed, gazing upon me with interest; “and no wonder!—for it was enough to terrify you. Is there anything I can do, Mrs. Beaumont, to serve you? It was my intention to repair to London presently: but my time is my own, and I cheerfully place it at your disposal,” “T thank you, Mr. Wellesley,” was my rejoinder: “but the purpose which brought me to Woolwich, is accomplished ; and I also am about to return to London. Indeed, I have already ordered a place to be taken in the coach which leaves at two o’clock.” *In that case, Mrs. Beaumont,” replied Mr. Wellesley, “we shall be fellow-travellers; and it will afford me pleasure to escort you to your destination.” After a little more discourse, Mr. Wellesley left me for the present: but we soon met again when GOMmMicwooks (EO)