The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 204: what you’re looking at

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

ISABELLA AT VERNER HOUSE 177 should observe, was most comfortably furnished, though a horrible prison all the same)—‘‘but likewise in London.”’ “My poor Isabella,’”’ said Christian, the tears trickling down his cheeks, and he once more strained her to his breast, both the while totally oblivious, in the rapture of their feelings, that the horrible black woman was present in that chamber. ‘‘ You stand in need of rest; you will sleep sweetly, my beloved,” continued our hero, “‘ now that you are conscious of safety. To-morrow we will tell each other all that we may mutually have to impart. Come, dearest Isabella, tarry not another instant in this place which you must loathe and abhor. Ah, you are here,’’ ejaculated Chris- tian, as his eyes now suddenly settled upon the negress while she was about to conduct Miss Vincent from the room. ‘“‘ The young lady will tell you, sir,’’ said the black woman, “that I have not been unkind to her.” “The wretch,” murmured Isabella, shuddering, and then she hastily added, ‘‘ But we can now afford to forgive her, dear Christian, and I willingly admit that, apart from being my gaoler, I have no cause of complaint against her. She promised me liberty, but I dared not believe her; I dreaded some new treachery, some fresh snare, — indeed, I was so wretched — half-wild, half-mad — that I knew not what to think when she told me of her infamous master’s death, and of strange things that had taken place within the walls of this house.” “Think not of the past, my beloved,” said Christian, pressing her fair hand in his own; ‘‘ no one can molest you now, no one will even think of attempting it. As for you,” he continued, addressing himself to the negress, ‘‘ I promised you impunity under certain circumstances, and nothing has transpired to induce me to fly from my word. Remain you in the house for the rest of the night, but perhaps you will do as well to take your departure at an early hour in the morn- ing. I do not ask if you are possessed of funds, for one who has served Sir John Steward as you have served him cannot possibly fail to have a well-filled purse.”’ The black woman’s look showed that our hero was by no means wrong in his surmise, and muttering some words of thanks for the impunity which was guaranteed her she turned to descend the stairs. | | “Stop,” exclaimed Christian, darting forward and _ hold- COnnicloookKks (CO)