The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 125: what you’re looking at

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

102 REYNOLDS’ WORKS parlour of the village inn, showed him how fearfully Ber- tram must have suffered. ‘What tidings, Hugh?” inquired Bertram, literally gasping with the fever of suspense, and with the horrible misgivings which Lord Clandon’s melancholy expression of countenance was but too well calculated to inspire. ‘Alas! nothing good,” was the elder brother’s response. » ‘ Nothing good,’ murmured the unhappy Bertram, his features indicative of despair. ‘‘ But what has occurred? Tell me, Hugh,” he exclaimed, with feverish haste. ‘‘ Did you assure our uncle —”’ ‘““My dear Bertram,’’ rejoined Lord Clandon, taking his brother’s hand and pressing it, ‘‘ I did all that I could, but in vain.” ‘“ And my letter?’’ cried Bertram; ‘has not the duke had my letter? ”’ “Your letter? ’’ exclaimed Clandon, in astonishment. ‘* But now I bethink me,”’ Bertram went on to say rapidly, ‘it could not have reached the house before you must have left. I despatched it by a boy half an hour back. I was mad, frenzied, goaded to desperation. The time was passing, and you came not — I knew not what to do — my anxiety was intolerable — ”’ ‘‘ And what said you to the duke in your letter? ’”’ asked Lord Clandon. “ T scarcely recollect,’ replied Bertram. “TI tell you that I was mad when I wrote it — I am mad still. My God, and she innocent. But where is she, Hugh? What has become of her? ”’ ‘‘ She has left Oaklands,’”’ answered Lord Clandon. ‘“ First of all she was to depart with Mrs. Bailey — ”’ ‘“’ And she has left? ’’ exclaimed Bertram, wildly; ‘“‘ she has left? She has lost her home, — she who is innocent. Oh, wretch that Iam! Itis I that have caused this fearful havoc of feelings, — this frightful desolation of circumstances,’ and the miserable young man wrung his hands bitterly. “* But she has left, you say? ” he almost immediately added. ‘‘ Whither has she gone? ”’ ‘‘T know not,’ responded Clandon. ‘ Mrs. Bailey de- parted without her, and the unfortunate Eliza quitted the house on foot, alone —”’ | - “Good heavens! is this possible?’ ejaculated Bertram, Gomichboo Ss) (E(0)