The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 236: what you’re looking at

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

THE OATHS 209 stances which evidently are not altogether in our own hands, but under the guidance of that Heaven which has thus so strangely but so mercifully placed us on the right track. And now good night, Ethel.” “Good night, Adolphus,” and without a hand being shaken between them, but still with a far different feeling toward each other from that which they had entertained until within this hour, they separated. On the following day, soon after breakfast, a letter was received from Mrs. Gardiner, to the effect that favourable tidings had been obtained relative to Miss Vincent, who was quite safe and well; but she (Mrs. Gardiner) had only a moment’s time to pen this hasty announcement for the satisfaction of the earl and of the countess, inasmuch as she was just on the point of setting off to rejoin Miss Vincent at Ramsgate. The housekeeper concluded by promising to write further particulars on the following day, unless she should find on her arrival at Verner House — which was her destination — that Miss Vincent herself had written com- plete details to the earl and her ladyship. ‘But Isabella has not written to us,’ said Adolphus, ‘and I am tortured with the idea that she suspects some- thing dreadful on our part. It is for you to write to her, Ethel. Write confidentially to her, tell her that providential circumstances have afforded us a clue to the discovery of the murderer of her uncle; hesitate not to mention the name of Makepeace, for the sooner Isabella’s mind is disabused of any horrible suspicion against either you or me, or perhaps both of us, the better.”’ “I will not fail to write,” answered the countess. ‘“‘ And you, Adolphus, what course have you decided upon? ”’ ‘“T am now going to consult an attorney, to whom [I shall communicate everything,” Adolphus replied, “‘ and. I know that his counsel will be given in a friendly as Me as pruden- tial spirit.”’ Makepeace, utterly unaware of the fact of on somnam- bulism, utterly unsuspicious therefore of the storm that was gathering above his head, and threatening to turn the tables completely against himself, heard with satisfaction the earl’s order for the carriage to be gotten in immediate readiness, for the villainous valet thought that the young nobleman was about to go and investigate his financial affairs for the pur- CORNICLOO© cS (CO