The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 57: what you’re looking at

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

38 THE COURT OF LONDON that of murder. But now, so desperate have grown the circumstances of my position, I can contemplate them both with calmness. Do not you, therefore, discourage me, my husband; but rather inspire me with firmness, if any be wanting on my part, to perform one of those deeds either of which has become a duty. Yes, and whatever be your decision, you will screen me. If your judgment be self- destruction for me, if you would rather lose your wife alto- gether, than let her live as a murderess, you will not allow the world to know that I took poison. But if, on the other hand, you decide that I shall ive — ”’ ‘“My God! my God! you are driving me mad, Eleanor,” exclaimed the wretched nobleman, as he pressed his hand forcibly to his throbbing brows and leaned against the mantelpiece for support. ‘‘ Do not talk thus dreadfully, do not abandon yourself to the fearful thoughts which are whirling you along with their eddies.’ ‘Oh, you must be calm, you must be calm, Francis! ”’ cried the lady, taking his hand and pressing it to her bosom. ‘“‘ Those wild and passionate ejaculations on your part, those entreaties so unavailing in the face of my unalterable resolve, those earnest prayers and anguished cries only add bitterness to a scene which is already a crucifixion of us both. Come, be bold, be firm, be courageous, my dear husband; and prepare to give that decision which now alone is wanting to direct me in one path or the other.” ‘‘ And are you thus determined, Eleanor? ” asked the un- happy nobleman, scarcely able to believe in the frightful truth which was now present to his contemplation. ‘““T take Heaven to witness that my resolve is unalterable —my mind unchangeable!’”’ answered the countess, in a solemn tone. ‘‘ There, feel my hand; does it tremble? No. And my heart palpitates with violence no longer. I am calm, I am tranquil, I am even happy in the certitude of being released, by one means or another, from an intoler- able tyranny. And remember, my dear husband, that if you doom me by your decision to suicide, you will yet remain alive to endure that persecution whence I shall have escaped by the avenue of self-destruction.” “No, no, my Eleanor, my loved one,’ exclaimed the Earl of Desborough, whose feelings were harrowed to a frightful degree of poignancy, “‘ you shall not die! What, CORNIELIOOLKKS (E()