The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 94: what you’re looking at

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THE PRISONER IN THE DOCK 77 the duke, adopting a reproachful look and tone. ‘‘ AmI not your brother? ”’ ‘“‘T have no brother,” replied Lord Clandon, and for a moment his chest heaved as if with a convulsing sob. ‘‘ No, I have not a brother. I had once a brother, whom I loved dearly and devotedly, but — but — that time has long passed, and for nineteen years,’ added Bertram, fixing his eyes sig- nificantly upon the duke, “‘ there has been no one in the world whom I could call my brother.”’ ‘“‘ Bertram, your brain is turned,’’ said Marchmont. ‘“ Pray listen to me. Gold doubtless can procure your escape. [ will lavish it by thousands, by hundreds of thousands, if needful — ”’ ‘“No more! ”’ ejaculated Bertram, in a peremptory tone. ‘“‘ Tf all the doors stood open, and no one barred my egress, I would not go hence. My destiny shall be fulfilled. I know what itis; I believe in God, I have faith in His justice. And now enough. Leave me.”’ “No, no, I cannot leave you thus,” cried the Duke of Marchmont, easily converting his real agitation into a sem- blance of profound grief. ‘‘ What horrible thoughts, Ber- tram, have you in your head? Why is your conduct thus unnatural towards me? Why did you appear before me at Oaklands, to scare me with the idea that I beheld one from the dead? Oh, you must escape, you must fly hence, you must betake yourself to some foreign country. All my for- tune is at your disposal. I will beggar myself to ensure your welfare.”’ ‘“ Leave me, I say,’”’ answered Bertram, who was evidently struggling with violent internal emotions; ‘‘ leave me, I insist.” The duke was bewildered how to act. There was a mo- ment when he was about to fall upon his knees, to entreat, to implore, to give utterance to all the wild things which were agitating in his brain, but yet he dared not. He again looked at his brother; the prisoner’s countenance now was cold, stern, and implacable, and as Marchmont hesitated what to do, Lord Clandon extended his arm toward the door, exclaiming, ‘‘ Begone! I know you not as a brother.’’ It seemed to be by a sort of mechanical involuntary process that the Duke of Marchmont obeyed the mandate and slunk away from Bertram’s presence. The governor came hastily COnnICLOOOKS (©)