The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 55: what you’re looking at

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

38 THE COURT OF LONDON thereupon the prefect addressed him in the following manner: “In expectation of your convalescence, and naturally supposing that you would wish to put a term to your im- prisonment, those who at present rule your destinies have prepared this bond, which you must sign; and I am in- structed, upon receiving your signature, after you shall have duly perused and considered it, to grant you your freedom.”’ ‘““ My freedom!” ejaculated Loftus. ‘‘ And immediately, too? ”’ he asked, raising himself up in his couch and looking eagerly at the prefect. ‘Yes, this very day if you choose,” replied the functionary. ‘It is now two o’clock in the afternoon,” he added, consult- ing his watch, “‘ and there is not the slightest reason where- fore you should not be comfortably installed at one of our vay Parisian hotels ere sunset.” ‘Oh, but 1 am so weak, so feeble, so ill Loftus, sinking back upon the pillow. ‘“‘ Change of air and a sense of freedom will speedily restore you to health,” said the prefect. “Give me the bond,” cried Loftus, stretching out his hand. ‘‘ Let me see what it contains. And yet,’’ he ob- served, abruptly checking the eagerness of his manner, while a dark cloud fell as suddenly upon his features, “‘ it is useless —I know beforehand it is useless! That bond doubtless stipulates conditions which I cannot in honour fulfil.’”’ “Then will you remain a captive all your life?’ asked the prefect, significantly. ‘“ Heavens! can such an atrocity be contemplated toward me?”’ exclaimed Jocelyn, in mingled astonishment and terror. “You must understand,” said the prefect, “‘ that inas- much as the individuals whom your conduct has converted into enemies are possessed of power illimitable, so will their persecution of you be pitiless if you persist in thwarting or interfering with their designs. Believe me, young man, it is a somewhat dangerous thing to obey the impulses of a maud- lin chivalry, a sickly sentimentalism, or a false honour — ” ‘Silence, sir!’’ exclaimed Loftus, with a mingled dignity and sternness, as the excitement of his soul animated him with the strength to raise himself up once more to a sitting posture in the couch. ‘‘ You are calumniating all the finest !’? murmured Gomicbdooks (E(@)