The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 399: what you’re looking at

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

368 THE COURT OF LONDON advanced to meet the man whom the domestic was now ushering into the apartment. ‘‘ What is your business? ”’ she asked, motioning the serv- ant to withdraw; and her voice trembled not, neither did her limbs, although an ice chill fastened upon her heart’s core as she met the sinister gaze of the visitor whose very look denoted the officer of justice. “T want to speak to your ladyship on a very particular matter,” said the man; ‘“ but Lord Holderness must be present, if he happens to be at home — ” “Did not the servant tell you that his lordship was within? ” inquired Fernanda. “Why, yes, my lady, the hall-porter said so,” returned Crawley, the Bow Street officer, for he indeed it was; but the lady’s extraordinary self-possession, so inconsistent with conscious guilt and so far beyond the usual power of hypo- critical assumption, perfectly staggered the man despite of all his experience. ‘“‘ And what is the nature of the business that has brought you hither? ”’” demanded Lady Holderness, with a dignified courtesy that. was in admirable keeping with her rank. “ To tell your ladyship the truth,’”’ replied Crawley, ‘‘ it’s not a very pleasant business anyway; but I’d rather ex- plain it in the presence of his lordship, whom I want to see as well as yourself.” ‘Sit down for a moment,” said Fernanda, pointing to a chair, “ and I will fetch Lord Holderness.”’ Then, without any visible excitement, she passed into the back drawing-room, closing the leaf of the folding door behind her. Her husband, who had listened at those doors to the brief dialogue which took place between Fernanda and the con- stable, seemed now to be armed with the courage of despera- tion, and the intrepid woman was both amazed and rejoiced — if joy she could possibly experience under such circum- stances — at this change which had been wrought in him at the supreme moment. ‘ All is lost! ’’ she said, in a low whisper, as she took his hand and pressed it in token of satisfaction at his altered demeanour. “I know it, Fernanda,’’ responded Lord Holderness, with firm but hollow accents. ‘I listened — ”’ ’ CORNICE NOOLKKS (E(0)