The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 238: what you’re looking at

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

THE OATHS 211 victim of his passion, if indeed it was in his power by threats and coercion to hold her to her agreement. Makepeace dis- covered that as it still wanted a good hour to dinner-time, Mr. Slater had proceeded to the library, where he had covered the table with deeds and documents, in the midst of which he seemed to be buried, while, on the other hand, the countess was alone in the drawing-room. Thither Makepeace accord- ingly proceeded, and accosting Ethel, he said, “‘ My lady, remember your promise for to-night.” ‘It is impossible that it can be kept,’’ answered the countess; and, admirably well playing her part, she said, “Now do not bend those angry looks upon me. I am not the mistress of my own actions. The earl has suddenly taken it into his head to have Mr. Slater here to settle all financial matters, for his lordship will leave for the Continent to- morrow.” “Ah, indeed! for the Continent? ”’ ejaculated the valet, and then he muttered to himself, ‘“‘ This, then, accounts for the abruptness with which he is resolved to settle his affairs — But why,” he asked of Ethel, ‘‘ does Mr. Slater’s presence here make any difference? ”’ ‘“‘ Because,” replied the countess, ‘‘ my signature is re- quired to certain deeds relative to the property which de- volves upon myself, my jointure, and so forth, and I must sit up to-night to give that signature. Mr. Slater has intimated to me, with an expression of concern for the trouble thus caused, that it may be one or two o’clock in the morning before the business will be terminated.”’ Not for a single instant did Makepeace suspect the truth of all these statements; indeed, they seemed perfectly natural, and Ethel delivered herself of them with an appearance of the utmost sincerity. The valet reflected for a few moments; he thought to himself that it would be supremely ridiculous for him to loosen his hold upon the countess, and as he had all along intended to render her his victim in more ways than one, he was well pleased to learn that the earl was going abroad, as he flattered himself that it would leave the count- ess all the more completely defenceless and at his mercy. “ Well, my lady,” he said, ‘‘ there appears to be no help for it to-night; but if the earl does really depart to-morrow, you may expect me to pay you a visit at about eleven to- morrow night, — for which purpose you can leave unlocked CORAICLOO© <S (CO)