The Young Apprentice; or, The Watch-Words of Old London — page 193: what you’re looking at

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

OEY za! (Sis " 176 THE YOUNG APPRENTICE. “T overheard your last words, my lord,’’ he said (he had in truth overheard ail), “and I reckon that you will have need of some trusty follower.” “You mean yourself, doubtless ?” “T am ever ready to follow you, and aid yon, uy be coved it, by being th to ou have pro 6 one bear witness against my innocent wife,” cried etna) ‘Tord, what ould I do, £ canght ay, my lord, what co o, I ca her red-handed f” "s ‘s Liar |’? exclaimed his master, half drawin his sword from his scabbard, “ But no, I wil do you no harm; such fools as are would defile by their blood the sword of a gentleman, Why, you poor fool! yon silly knave ! Blanche is innecent; she is already d ao. Read this letter.” He handed to the man the missive he had just received from Lord Raymond. Harry Martin changed colour as his eyes passed over it. ‘‘ Indeed, then, my lord,” he said, in an altered tone. “Indeed, I fear I have made a great error; but I saw my lady standing, knife in hand, over the murdered man, and with her pale face, and the blood of the dead upon her, she looked like one who was guilty.” “Your inclinations perhaps led you that way,’ said Villiers, sternly. “I am aware that my lady held you in no special favour. You can leave me. Ah! Loydall, Iam glad to see you retorn With your wine, for I am faint and weary, The good old servant had brought with him not only wine, but some delicate viands, with which to tempt his master. “Let me entreat you, my lord,” he said, as he approached, “to eat a little. To save my lady, you have need, not only of courage, buat of strength ; and if you starve yourself you may fail in the very hour of triumph.” “True, true,” cried Villiere, smiling ; “you are a good counsellor ; I will do as you bid me, as far as I am able, though I must confess that the danger of my dear wife has taken from me all appetite, save for a prompt and deadly re- ven ge,” He sat down at the table, and partaking sparingly of the meat before him, drank eagerly of the rich wine, and then sprang up once more, “Let me have a fresh horse,” said he; “let me not lose time, any way.” “ A fresh horse is at the door, my lord,” said Loydall. “Good fellow; you are ever diligent and faithful, Adieu, now watch my house carefully. Above all, watch the movements of that fellow Martin. I begin to suspect him to be no friend of mine, Let no one enter on any pretence. a all attempts, even if you have to fight or it,” With these words he quitted the house, and leaping on the back of his horse, dashed off to- wards London. The plan in his mind was simple. Knowing well how connected Lord Raymond had been with the Alsatians, he resolved to pay on i NOTIOH.—ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL WILL PIOTURE BE GIVEN AWAY WITH NO. 28. his visit first of all to that spot in disguise, and he, accordingly, lost no time, when he reached London, in making his way to the heart of the Bully’s Paradise. Leaving him here to his adventures, we must return for a moment to Lady Blanche, whom we left at the instant that Lord Raymond entered room. CHAPTER XXXII, THE VILLIAN UNDISGUISED—THE STOLEN KISS —THE STREUGGLE-—THE SOUNDS OF STRIFE — THE ATTACK—THE WINDOW-—-THE ENTRANCE OF THE AVENGEES--AN UNEXPECTED DIS8- ASTER, LADY VILLIERS had discarded most of her clothing, and was lying on the bed in a long, loose, white robe, which she had worn benea her purple velvet when she entered the abode of the conspirators. Lord Raymond eyed her with unfeigned ad- miration and triumph. She looked, indeed, infinitely beautiful, as the mellow light of the lamp fell upon her. ‘Ah! my charmer,” he said, “vou are at length in my power. Baffled as I hare been, I am at length triumphant.” ‘‘T do not see it,” cried Lady Blanehe ; “I see no triumph, except it be a triumph to gaze at me, and see me in captivity.” “Oh! that is not my triumph,” he cried, ap- proaching nearer to her, as she stood up before m pale and angry; “a long and dreary cap- tivity has wondrous effects upon the minds of prisoners. I hope that in process of time I may sacceed in my long-cherished wish. I may in- duce you to love me.” The lip curled in bitter scorn, and her bosom heaved with angry emotion. ‘Love |” she cried, “‘ Miserable wretch, do you presume to talk of love to mef You, whom I despise and hate more than ] dreamed it possible I could hate and despise any human being. No, Lord Raymond, captive though I may be, the image of my lord and husband is enshrined in my heart, and there it shall be for ever.’ Lord Raymond laughed. : “Ah!” he said, “this is early yet. You do not know the secrets of captivity yet. You will see that when time has tamed you, you wil! feel far less averse to my words, Picture to your- self these gloomy walls; glance around you ; see how dark and dismal St is, and think how much happier you would be in my mansion, with every luxury that wealth can attain for you.” “The picture has no charm in my eyes,” returned y Blanche, disdainfully. “You Profor your prison, then?” said Lord Raymond. ‘‘T prefer my own happy home,” returned she ; ‘‘a home where I was blessed with the presence of my true and noble husband. I can see no attraction in a life of ahame with a coward and a traitor.” Lord Raymond muttered a fierce imprecation. ‘“‘ Have a care, Lady Villiers,” he cried ; “ have a care how you provoke my anger. Where disinclination is s0 evident, force may prevail.” Others will follow in a few weeks. PRINTED IN SEVEN COLOURS, N@ a . GOVE OO © <S)