Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 58: what you’re looking at

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

MORNING IN LONDON 41 “Yes, ten thousand pounds,” repeated Mrs. Smith. ‘‘ Will that sum suffice? ”’ “IT accept the proposal, with all the conditions you may annex to it,’ said Mr. Thurston, recovering his outward composure, although his heart was elate with an indescribable Joy. | “You will undertake, then, to preserve an inviolable secrecy regarding what little you already know or what more you may suspect in reference to the mother of that child,’ resumed Mrs. Smith. ‘ I mean that, should you meet her hereafter you will not attempt to recognize her, wherever that encounter may take place, and under whatever circum- stances.” ‘‘T assent to all this,” said the surgeon; “ and I swear most solemnly to observe the compact.”’ “The same condition which I last stipulated applies to myself,’ continued Mrs. Smith. “ Wherever and whenever you may happen to meet me, we must be strangers — total strangers to each other.’’ “ All shall be as you propose, madam,” returned Mr. Thurston. ‘‘ Have you any further instructions? ”’ “None,” replied the lady. ‘“‘ This evening the money shall be paid to you, and at any risk to herself I must remove my unhappy friend to-morrow.” “To-morrow!” exclaimed the surgeon. ‘“‘ Consider, madam, the weather is inclement, it is in the depth of win- ter — ”’ “ But the case is urgent, sir,’’ interrupted Mrs. Smith, in a tone which cut short all further remonstrance on the part of the medical man. Thus terminated the colloquy; and when they retraced their way to the bedchamber, Mrs. Mordaunt instantaneously perceived by her friend’s countenance that she had effected an arrangement with the surgeon. After breakfast Mrs. Smith had obtained writing-materials irom the sisters and immediately penned the following letter: ) ) 6c was prematurely delivered of a male child last night. The infant lives, and is pronounced by the medical man to be healthy. Arrangements have been made in a satisfactory way relative to the disposal of the babe. Cir- GOMIGdoOoks (C©)