The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 230: what you’re looking at

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

THE OATHS 203 ordeal that I will flinch from encountering to convince you of my innocence. But, alas! Adolphus —”’ ‘Suspicious now in your turn?” he ejaculated. Then in a solemn voice, and with a corresponding look, he said, “Would you accompany me, Ethel, to the chamber in which the deed itself was perpetrated? Would you stand with me by the side of the couch on which the murdered victim lay, would you place your hand upon the very pillow which was pressed by his head, would you in the other hand grasp the holy volume and then swear — nes,” interrupted Ethel, ‘‘ I would do all that. But you, Adolphus — ‘“‘ And I likewise,’’ responded the young earl. ‘“ Truly there must have been some hideous, horrible mistake, for surely, surely such dread perjury — ”’ “IT am incapable of it,” ejaculated Ethel. ‘ Of what need to perjure myself to you? Would it not be the most unnecessary of crimes? ”’ ‘“‘ Yes, and on my part the same,” replied Adolphus, “ the most unnecessary of crimes. I know not how it is, but an idea has sprung up in my mind that we perhaps have been too harsh to each other, each too quick in arriving at a con- clusion. But, oh, ifit wereso— But, no, no, itis impossible! The deed must lie between us two, and I know that for my- self — ”’ “And I know likewise for myself,’’ ejaculated Ethel, warmly and impatiently, “ that —’’ But suddenly curbing her returning anger, she added, in a solemn tone, ‘‘ Come, let us do as you have said; let us proceed to the chamber where the terrible deed took place, and, oh, it is with a light conscience in that respect that I shall swear the oath upon the sacred volume.”’ With these words the Countess of Lascelles took up the taper which she had brought with her; but as she lifted it from the table somewhat rapidly, it flickered almost to ex- tinction, and Adolphus said, ‘‘ We must have a better light than this; we must look well in each other’s countenance. Proceed, Ethel. I will join you in a moment.”’ He hastened into his bedchamber, and returned with a lamp which threw forth a strong glare. In silence they pro- ceeded from the anteroom; still in silence, too, and with noiseless steps, like stealthily walking ghosts, they passed EOMIIGIOOKS (CO)