The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 352: what you’re looking at

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

AMY O21 venge, if opportunity may serve, and from something which she hints in her letter, there is a chance that her services may prove thus available. But, oh, if Marion could but be reclaimed! it is this that dwells in my mind. And now, aiter all I have told you of the degradation of my sister, and with your knowledge of my own shame and dishonour, I ask what have I worth living for, unless it be for revenge, and wherefore should I continue to cling to life when once that revenge is accomplished? ”’ Christian endeavoured to reason with the young woman in a proper manner, but she was deaf to all his remonstrances; her mind was evidently settled upon the wreaking a deadly vengeance of some sort against the Duke of Marchmont, and our hero saw with pain and sorrow that no friendly argu- ment could divert her from her course. He therefore at length rose to depart. ‘““T have not as yet explained,”’ he said, ‘‘ the precise motive of my visit, and from something which you yourself let drop, it may be unnecessary to make the offer which I had originally intended. Judging from all you told me in the railway carriage some weeks back, I fancied that you purposed to retire into some seclusion here, and not knowing how you might be situated in a financial point of view —”’ ‘A thousand thanks, Mr. Ashton,’’ responded Amy, ‘but I have sufficient for all my purposes. Though de- clining this generous offer, I am not the less sensible of your well-meant kindness, and I shall be for ever grateful.’’ Christian took his departure, and returning to the station, he proceeded by the next train to London. On his arrival in the British metropolis, he repaired straight to Mrs. Macaulay’s house in Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square, and Mrs. Macaulay in person opened the front door to receive him. “Well, my dear Mr. Ashton, it is quite an age since [ saw you,” exclaimed the lodging-house keeper, with her blandest smiles and most amiable looks. ‘‘ Where have you been for the last two months? But, dear me! how you are improving, and what a fine handsome young man you are growing! A lady of my age may pay you such a com- pliment, you know. But pray walk in. Your room is all ready for your reception. I have got rid of that odious old couple who used to lock up their tea-caddy and decant COMIC OOO <S (CO)