The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 55: what you’re looking at

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

38 REYNOLDS’ WORKS self. I offer to annihilate your debts by the destruction of bonds and documents; I offer likewise on my client’s part to restore your daughter’s fortune with which you have made away; and more than that, I will guarantee to yourself a certain sum of money, a reasonable sum, to the amount of a few thousand pounds, so that if you consider you have positively and veritably a chance of redeeming your broken fortunes, the opportunity will be afforded you. On the other hand, the fullest and completest revelation in respect to cer- tain past incidents whereof I have no doubt that you possess a knowledge, — this is the condition on which alone so much will be done for you. Need I speak more plainly? Your countenance,’’ added Coleman, impressively, ‘‘ proves beyond a matter of doubt that you labour not under the slightest uncertainty as to the meaning of my words.” ‘But is this a delusion? Am I under the influence of a waking dream? Dare I believe the language which meets my ears?’ and Armytage, pressing his hands to his throbbing brows, appeared to feel as if this would steady his reeling brain. “You may believe everything you hear,” responded Mr. Coleman. ‘“‘ Have I not already told you that all has been a matter of calculation? You remember that I sought you out, I forced money upon you; it was not you who first ad- dressed yourself to me.” “True! true!’’ ejaculated Armytage. Then suddenly starting up, he fixed his eyes keenly upon the lawyer, saying, “ But if I were to tell you everything, would any harm re- dound upon my own head? ”’ ““T can scarcely think, Mr. Armytage,’’ replied Mr. Cole- man, ‘‘ that you yourself have a crime wherewith you have to reproach your conscience — unless it be the concealment of your knowledge of another’s crime; but that is com- paratively venial.” Armytage reflected; a powerful struggle was evidently i ing place within his breast, and turning again toward the lawyer, he said, ‘‘ It is true I could make a revelation, but to what use would it be turned? ” —“ You must not question me too far,”’ answered Coleman. Then assuming a solemn air, he added, in a corresponding tone, ‘‘ The day is near at hand, Mr. Armytage, when the justice of Heaven will assert itself, and when all mysteries CORNIELIOOLKKS (E(©)