THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON .  BY  GEORGE W .  M .  REYNOLDS ,  AUTHOR OF " PICKWICK ABROAD , " " THE MODERN LITERATURE OF FRANCE , " " ROBERT MACAIRE , " ETC.  WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS  BY G .  STIFF .  VOL. I .  LONDON : GEORGE VICKERS , 3 , CATHERINE STREET , STRAND .  MDCCCXLVI .  THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON .  PROLOGUE .  BETWEEN the 10th and 13th centuries Civilisation withdrew from Egypt and Syria , rested for a little space at Constantinople , and then passed away to the western climes of Europe .  From that period these climes have been the grand laboratory in which Civilisation has wrought out refinement in every art and every science , and whence it has diffused its benefits over the earth .  It has taught commerce to plough the waves of every sea with the adventurous keel ; it has enabled handfuls of disciplined warriors to subdue the mighty armaments of oriental princes ; and its daring sons have planted its banners amidst the eternal ice of the poles .  It has cut down the primitive forests of America ; carried trade into the interior of Africa ; annihilated time and distance by the aid of steam ; and now contemplates how to force a passage through Suez and Panama .  The bounties of Civilisation are at present almost everywhere recognised .  Nevertheless , for centuries has Civilisation established , and for centuries will it maintain , its headquarters in the great cities of Western Europe : and with Civilisation does Vice go hand-in-hand .  Amongst these cities there is one in which contrasts of a strange nature exist .  The most unbounded wealth is the neighbour of the most hideous poverty ; the most gorgeous pomp is placed in strong relief by the most deplorable squalor ; the most seducing luxury is only separated by a narrow wall from the most appalling misery .  The crumbs which fall from the tables of the rich would appear delicious viands to starving millions ; and yet those millions obtain them not !  In that city there are in all districts five prominent buildings : the church , in which the pious pray ; the gin-palace , to which the wretched poor resort to drown their sorrows ; the pawnbroker 's, where miserable creatures pledge their raiment , and their children 'sraiment , even unto the last rag , to obtain the means of purchasing food , and — alas !  too often — intoxicating drink ; the prison , where the victims of a vitiated condition of society expiate the crimes to which they have been driven by starvation and despair ; and the workhouse , to which the destitute , the aged , and the friendless hasten to lay down their aching heads — and die !  And , congregated together in one district of this city , in an assemblage of palaces , whence emanate by night the delicious sounds of music ; within whose walls the foot treads upon rich carpets ; whose sideboards are covered with plate ; whose cellars contain the choicest nectar of the temperate and torrid zones ; and whose inmates recline beneath velvet canopies , feast at each meal upon the collated produce of four worlds , and scarcely have to breathe a wish before they find it gratified .  Alas !  how appalling are these contrasts !  And , as if to hide its infamy from the face of heaven , this city wears upon its brow an everlasting cloud , which even the fresh fan of the morning fails to disperse for a single hour each day !  And in one delicious spot of that mighty city — whose thousand towers point upwards , from horizon to horizon , as an index of its boundless magnitude — stands the dwelling of one before whom all knees bow , and towards whose royal footstool none dares approach save with downcast eyes and subdued voice .  The entire world showers its bounties upon the head of that favoured mortal ; a nation of millions does homage to the throne whereon that being is exalted .  The dominion of this personage so supremely blest extends over an empire on which the sun never sets — an empire greater than Jenghiz Khan achieved or Mohammed conquered .  This is the parent of a mighty nation ; and yet around that parent 'sseat the children crave for bread !  Women press their little ones to their dried-up breasts in the agonies of despair ; young delicate creatures waste their energies in toil from the dawn of day till long past the hour of midnight , perpetuating their unavailing labour from the hour of the brilliant sun to that when the dim candle sheds its light around the attic 'snaked walls ; and even the very pavement groans beneath the weight of grief which the poor are doomed to drag over the rough places of this city of sad contrasts .  For in this city the daughter of the peer is nursed in enjoyments , and passes through an uninterrupted avenue of felicity from the cradle to the tomb ; while the daughter of poverty opens her eyes at her birth upon destitution in all its most appalling shapes , and at length sells her virtue for a loaf of bread .  There are but two words known in the moral alphabet of this great city ; for all virtues are summed up in the one , and all vices in the other : and those words are  WEALTH .  | POVERTY .  Crime is abundant in this city : the lazar-house , the prison , the brothel , and the dark alley , are rife with all kinds of enormity ; in the same way as the palace , the mansion , the clubhouse , the parliament , and the parsonage , are each and all characterised by their different degrees and shades of vice .  But wherefore specify crime and vice by their real names , since in this city of which we speak they are absorbed in the multi-significant words — Wealth and Poverty ?  Crimes borrow their comparative shade of enormity from the people who perpetrate them : thus is it that the wealthy may commit all social offences with impunity ; while the poor are cast into dungeons and coerced with chains , for only following at a humble distance in the pathway of their lordly precedents .  From this city of strange contrasts branch off two roads , leading to two points totally distinct the one from the other .  One winds its tortuous way through all the noisome dens , of crime , chicanery , dissipation , and voluptuousness : the other meanders amidst rugged rocks and wearisome acclivities , it is true , but on the wayside are the resting-places of rectitude and virtue .  Along those roads two youths are journeying .  They have started from the same point ; but one pursues the former path , and the other the latter .  Both come from the city of fearful contrasts ; and both follow the wheels of fortune in different directions .  Where is that city of fearful contrasts ?  Who are those youths that have thus entered upon paths so opposite the one to the other ?  And to what destinies do those separate roads conduct them ?  CHAPTER I .  THE OLD HOUSE IN SMITHFIELD .  OUR narrative opens at the commencement of July , 1831.  The night was dark and stormy .  The sun had set behind huge piles of dingy purple clouds , which , after losing the golden hue with which they were for awhile tinged , became sombre and menacing .  The blue portions of the sky that here and there had appeared before the sunset , were now rapidly covered over with those murky clouds which are the hiding-places of the storm , and which seemed to roll themselves together in dense and compact masses , ere they commenced the elemental war .  In the same manner do the earthly squadrons of cavalry and mighty columns of infantry form themselves into one collected armament , that the power of their onslaught may be the more terrific and irresistible .  That canopy of dark and threatening clouds was formed over London ; and a stifling heat , which there was not a breath of wind to allay or mitigate , pervaded the streets of the great metropolis .  Everything portended an awful storm .  In the palace of the peer and the hovel of the artisan the windows were thrown up ; and at many , both men and women stood to contemplate the scene — timid children crowding behind them .  The heat became more and more oppressive .  At length large drops of rain fell , at intervals of two or three inches apart , upon the pavement .  And then a flash of lightning , like the forked tongue of one of those fiery serpents of which we read in oriental tales of magic and enchantment , darted forth from the black clouds overhead .  At an interval of a few seconds the roar of the thunder , reverberating through the arches of heaven — now sinking , now exalting its fearful tone , like the iron wheels of a chariot rolled over a road with patches of uneven pavement here and there — stunned every ear , and struck terror into many a heart — the innocent as well as the guilty .  It died away , like the chariot , in the distance ; and then all was solemnly still .  The interval of silence which succeeds the protracted thunder-clap is appalling in the extreme .  A little while — and again the lightning illuminated the entire vault above : and again the thunder , in unequal tones , — amongst which was one resembling the rattling of many vast iron bars together , — awoke every echo of the metropolis from north to south , and from east to west .  This time the dread interval of silence was suddenly interrupted by the torrents of rain that now deluged the streets .  There was not a breath of air ; and the rain fell as perpendicularly straight as a line .  But with it came a sense of freshness and of a pure atmosphere , which formed an agreeable and cheering contrast to the previously suffocating heat .  It was like the spring of the oasis to the wanderer in the burning desert .  But still the lightning played , and the thunder rolled , above .  At the first explosion of the storm , amidst the thousands of men and women and children , who were seen hastening hither and thither , in all directions , as if they were flying from the plague , was one person on whose exterior none could gaze without being inspired with a mingled sentiment of admiration and interest .  He was a youth , apparently not more than sixteen years of age , although taller than boys usually are at that period of life .  But the tenderness of his years was divined by the extreme effeminacy and juvenile loveliness of his countenance , which was as fair and delicate as that of a young girl .  His long luxuriant hair , of a beautiful light chestnut colour , and here and there borrowing dark shades from the frequent undulations in which it rolled , flowed not only over the collar of his closely-buttoned blue frock coat , but also upon his shoulders .  Its extreme profusion , and the singular manner in which he wore it , were , however , partially concealed by the breadth of the brim of his hat , that was placed as it were entirely upon the back of his head , and , being thus thrown off his countenance , revealed the high , intelligent , and polished forehead above which that rich hair was carefully parted .  His frock coat , which was single-breasted , and buttoned up to the throat , set off his symmetrical and elegant figure to the greatest advantage .  His shoulders were broad , but were characterised by that fine fall or slope which is so much admired in the opposite sex .  He wore spurs upon the heels of his diminutive polished boots ; and in his hand he carried a light riding-whip .  But he was upon foot and alone ; and , when the first flash of lightning dazzled his expressive hazel eyes , he was hastily traversing the foul and filthy arena of Smithfield-market .  An imagination poetically inspired would suppose a similitude of a beautiful flower upon a fetid manure heap .  He cast a glance , which may almost be termed one of affright , around ; and his cheek became flushed .  He had evidently lost his way , and was uncertain where to obtain an asylum against the coming storm .  The thunder burst above his head ; and a momentary shudder passed over his frame .  He accosted a man to inquire his way ; but the answer he received was rude , and associated with a ribald joke .  He had not courage to demand a second time the information he sought ; but , with a species of haughty disdain at the threatening storm , and a proud reliance upon himself , proceeded onwards at random .  He even slackened his pace : a contemptuous smile curled his lips , and the glittering white teeth appeared as it were between two rose-leaves .  His chest , which was very prominent , rose up and down almost convulsively ; for it was evident that he endeavoured to master conflicting feelings of vexation , alarm , and disgust — all produced by the position in which he found himself .  To one so young , so delicate , and so frank in appearance , the mere fact of losing his way by night in a disgusting neighbourhood , during an impending storm , and insulted by a low-life ruffian , was not the mere trifle which it would have been considered by the hardy and experienced man of the world .  Not a public conveyance was to be seen ; and the doors of all the houses around appeared inhospitably closed : and every moment it seemed to grow darker .  Accident conducted the interesting young stranger into that labyrinth of narrow and dirty streets which lies in the immediate vicinity of the north-western angle of Smithfield-market .  It was in this horrible neighbourhood that the youth was now wandering .  He was evidently shocked at the idea that human beings could dwell in such fetid and unwholesome dens ; for he gazed with wonder , disgust , and alarm upon the houses on either side .  It seemed as if he had never beheld till now a labyrinth of dwellings whose very aspect appeared to speak of hideous poverty and fearful crime .  Meantime the lightning flashed , and the thunder rolled ; and at length the rain poured down in torrents .  Obeying a mechanical impulse , the youth rushed up the steps of a house at the end of one of those dark , narrow , and dirty streets the ominous appearance of which was every now and then revealed to him by a light streaming from a narrow window , or the glare of the lightning .  The framework of the door projected somewhat , and appeared to offer a partial protection from the rain .  The youth drew as closely up to it as possible ; but to his surprise it yielded behind him , and burst open .  With difficulty he saved himself from falling backwards into the passage with which the door communicated .  Having recovered from the sudden alarm with which this incident had inspired him , his next sentiment was one of pleasure to think that he had thus found a more secure asylum against the tempest .  He , however , felt wearied — desperately wearied ; and his was not a frame calculated to bear up against the oppressive and crushing feeling of fatigue .  He determined to penetrate , amidst the profound darkness by which he was surrounded , into the dwelling ; thinking that if there were any inmates they would not refuse him the accommodation of a chair ; and if there were none , he might find a seat upon the staircase .  He advanced along the passage , and groped about .  His hand encountered the lock of a door : he opened it , and entered a room .  All was dark as pitch .  At that moment a flash of lightning , more than usually vivid and prolonged , illuminated the entire scene .  The glance which he cast around was as rapid as the glare which made objects visible to him for a few moments .  He was in a room entirely empty ; but in the middle of the floor — only three feet from the spot where he stood — there was a large square of jet blackness .  The lightning passed away : utter darkness again surrounded him ; and he was unable to ascertain what that black square , so well defined and apparent upon the dirty floor , could be .  An indescribable sensation of fear crept over him ; and the perspiration broke out upon his forehead in large drops .  His knees bent beneath him ; and , retreating a few steps , he leaned against the door-posts for support .  He was alone — in an uninhabited house , in the midst of a horrible neighbourhood ; and all the fearful tales of midnight murders which he had ever heard or read , rushed to his memory : then , by a strange but natural freak of the fancy , those appalling deeds of blood and crime were suddenly associated with that incomprehensible but ominous black square upon the floor .  He was in the midst of this terrible waking dream — this more than ideal nightmare — when hasty steps approached the front door from the street ; and , without stopping , entered the passage .  The youth crept silently towards the farther end , the perspiration oozing from every pore .  He felt the staircase with his hands ; the footsteps advanced ; and , light as the fawn , he hurried up the stairs .  So noiseless were his motions , that his presence was not noticed by the new-comers , who in their turns also ascended the staircase .  The youth reached a landing , and hastily felt for the doors of the rooms with which it communicated .  In another moment he was in a chamber , at the back part of the house .  He closed the door , and placed himself against it with all his strength — forgetful , poor youth !  that his fragile form was unavailing , with all its power , against even the single arm of a man of only ordinary strength .  Meantime the new-comers ascended the stairs .  CHAPTER II .  THE MYSTERIES OF THE OLD HOUSE .  FORTUNATELY for the interesting young stranger , the individuals who had just entered the house did not attempt the door of the room in which he had taken refuge .  They proceeded straight — and with a steadiness which seemed to indicate that they knew the locality well — to the front chamber upon the same floor .  In a few moments there was a sharp grating noise along the wall ; and then a light suddenly shone into the room where the young stranger was concealed .  He cast a terrified glance around , and beheld a small square window in the wall , which separated the two apartments .  It was about five feet from the floor — a height which permitted the youth to avail himself of it , in order to reconnoitre the proceedings in the next room .  By means of a candle which had been lighted by the aid of a lucifer-match , and which stood upon a dirty deal table , the young stranger beheld two men , whose outward appearance did not serve to banish his alarm .  They were dressed like operatives of the most humble class .  One wore a gabardine and coarse leather gaiters , with laced-up boots ; the other had on a fustian shooting-jacket and long corduroy trousers .  They were both dirty and unshaven .  The one with the shooting-jacket had a profusion of hair about his face , but which was evidently not well acquainted with a comb : the other wore no whiskers , but his beard was of three or four days 'growth .  Both were powerful , thick-set , and muscular men ; and the expression of their countenances was dogged , determined , and ferocious .  The room to which they had betaken themselves was cold , gloomy , and dilapidated .  It was furnished with the deal table before mentioned , and three old crazy chairs , upon two of which the men now seated themselves .  But they were so placed that they commanded , their door being open , a full view of the landing-place ; and thus the youthful stranger deemed it impolitic to attempt to take his departure for the moment .  " Now , Bill , out with the bingo , " said the man in the gabardine to his companion .  " Oh !  you 'realways for the lush , you are , Dick , " answered the latter in a surly tone , producing at the same time a bottle of liquor from the capacious pocket of his fustian coat .  " But I wonder how the devil it is that Crankey Jem ai n't come yet .  Who the deuce could have left that infernal door open ?  "  " Jem or some of the other blades must have been here and left it so .  It do n't matter ; it lulls suspicion .  "  " Well , let 'smake the reglars all square , " resumed the man called Bill , after a moment 'spause ; " we 'llthen booze a bit , and talk over this here new job of our'n .  "  " Look alive , then , " said Dick ; and he forthwith took from beneath his gabardine several small parcels done up in brown paper .  The other man likewise divested the pockets of his fustian coat of divers packages ; and all these were piled upon the table .  A strange and mysterious proceeding then took place .  The person in the fustian coat approached the chimney , and applied a small turnscrew , which he took from his pocket , to a screw in the iron frame-work of the rusty grate .  In a few moments he was enabled to remove the entire grate with his hands ; a square aperture of considerable dimensions was then revealed .  Into this place the two men thrust the parcels which they had taken from their pockets : the grate was replaced , the screws were fastened once more , and the work of concealment was complete .  The one in the gabardine then advanced towards that portion of the wall which was between the two windows ; and the youth in the adjoining room now observed for the first time that the shutters of those windows were closed , and that coarse brown paper had been pasted all over the chinks and joints .  Dick applied his hand in a peculiar manner to the part of the wall just alluded to , and a sliding panel immediately revealed a capacious cupboard .  Thence the two men took food of by no means a coarse description , glasses , pipes , and tobacco ; and , having hermetically closed the recess once more , seated themselves at the table to partake of the good cheer thus mysteriously supplied .  The alarm of the poor youth in the next chamber , as he contemplated these extraordinary proceedings , may be better conceived than depicted .  His common sense told him that he was in the den of lawless thieves — perhaps murderers ; in a house abounding with the secret means of concealing every kind of infamy .  His eyes wandered away from the little window that had enabled him to observe the above-described proceedings , and glanced fearfully around the room in which he was concealed .  He almost expected to see the very floor open beneath his feet .  He looked down mechanically as this idea flitted through his imagination ; and to his horror and dismay he beheld a trap-door in the floor .  There was no mistaking it : there it was — about three feet long and two broad , and a little sunken beneath the level of its frame-work .  Near the edge of the trap-door lay an object which also attracted the youth 'sattention and added to his fears .  It was a knife with a long blade pointed like a dagger .  About three inches of this blade was covered with a peculiar rust : the youth shuddered ; could it be human blood that had stained that instrument of death ?  Every circumstance , however trivial , aided , in such a place as that , to arouse or confirm the worst fears , the most horrible suspicions .  The voices of the two men in the next room fell upon the youth 'sear ; and , perceiving that escape was still impracticable , he determined to gratify that curiosity which was commingled with his fears .  " Well , now , about this t'other job , Dick ?  " said Bill .  " It 'sJem as started it , " was the reply .  " But he told me all about it , and so we may as well talk it over .  It 'sup Islington way — up there between Kentish Town and Lower Holloway .  "  " Who 'scrib is it ?  "  " A swell of the name of Markham .  He is an old fellow , and has two sons .  One , the eldest , is with his regiment ; t'other , the youngest , is only about fifteen , or so — a mere kid .  "  " Well , there 'sno danger to be expected from him .  But what about the flunkies ?  "  " Only two man-servants and three vimen .  One of the man-servants is the old butler , too fat to do any good ; and t'other is a young tiger .  "  " And that 'sall ?  "  " That 'sall .  Now you , and I , and Jem is quite enough to crack that there crib .  When is it to be done ?  "  " Let 'ssay to-morrow night ; there is no moon now to speak on , and business in other quarters is slack .  "  " So be it .  Here goes , then , to the success of our new job at old Markham 's; " and as the burglar uttered these words he tossed off a bumper of brandy .  This example was followed by his worthy companion ; and their conversation then turned upon other topics .  " I say , Bill , this old house has seen some jolly games , ha n't it ?  "  " I should think it had too .  It was Jonathan Wild 'sfavourite crib ; and he was no fool at keeping things dark .  "  " No , surely .  I dare say the well-staircase in the next room there , that 'scovered over with the trap-door , has had many a dead body flung down it into the Fleet .  "  " Ah !  and without telling no tales too .  But the trap-door has been nailed over for some years now .  "  The unfortunate youth in the adjacent chamber was riveted in silent horror to the spot , as these fearful details fell upon his ears .  " Why was the trap-door nailed down ?  "  " ' Cos there 'sno use for that now , since the house is uninhabited , and no more travellers comes to lodge here .  Besides , if we wanted to make use of such a conwenience , there 'sanother — — "  A loud clap of thunder prevented the remainder of this sentence from reaching the youth 'sears .  " I 'veheard it said that the City is going to make great alterations in this quarter , " observed Dick , after a pause .  " If so be they comes near us , we must shift our quarters .  "  " Well , and do n't we know other cribs as good as this — and just under the very nose of the authorities too ?  The nearer you gets to them the safer you finds yourself .  Who 'dthink now that here , and in Peter-street , and on Saffron-hill too , there was such cribs as this ?  Lord , how such coves as you and me does laugh when them chaps in the Common Council and the House of Commons gets on their legs and praises the blue-bottles up to the skies as the most acutest police in the world , while they wotes away the people 'smoney to maintain ' em !  "  " Oh !  as for alterations , I do n't suppose there 'llbe any for the next twenty years to come .  They always talks of improvements long afore they begins ' em .  "  " But when they do commence , they wo n't spare this lovely old crib !  It 'ud go to my heart to see them pull it about .  I 'dmuch sooner take and shove a dozen stiff uns myself down the trap than see a single rafter of the place ill-treated — that I would .  "  " Ah !  if so be as the masons does come to pull its old carcass about , there 'llbe some fine things made known to the world .  Them cellars down stairs , in which a man might hide for fifty years and never be smelt out by the police , will turn up a bone or two , I rather suspect ; and not of a sheep , nor a pig , nor a bull neither .  "  " Why — half the silly folks in this neighbourhood are afeerd to come here even in the daytime , because they say it 'shaunted , " observed Bill , after a brief pause .  " But , for my part , I should n't be frightened to come here at all hours of the night , and sit here alone too , even if every feller as was scragged at Tyburn or Newgate , and every one wot has been tumbled down these holes into the Fleet , was to start up , and — — "  The man stopped short , turned ghastly pale , and fell back stupified and speechless in his chair .  His pipe dropped from between his fingers , and broke to pieces upon the floor .  " What the devil 'sthe matter now ?  " demanded his companion , casting an anxious glance around .  " There !  there !  do n't you see — — , " gasped the terrified ruffian , pointing towards the little window looking into the next room .  " It 'sonly some d — — d gammon of Crankey Jem , " ejaculated Dick , who was more courageous in such matters than his companion .  " I 'lldeuced soon put that to rights !  "  Seizing the candle , he was hurrying towards the door , when his comrade rushed after him , crying , " No — I wo n't be left in the dark !  I ca n't bear it !  Damme , if you go , I 'llgo with you !  "  The two villains accordingly proceeded together into the next room .  CHAPTER III .  THE TRAP-DOOR .  THE youthful stranger had listened with ineffable surprise and horror to the conversation of the two ruffians .  His nerves had been worked up by all the circumstances of the evening to a tone bordering upon madness — to that pitch , indeed , when it appeared as if there were no alternative left save to fall upon the floor and yield to the delirium tremens of violent emotions .  He had restrained his feelings while he heard the burglary at Mr. Markham 'sdwelling coolly planned and settled ; but when the discourse of those two monsters in human shape developed to his imagination all the horrors of the fearful place in which he had sought an asylum , — when he heard that he was actually standing upon the very verge of that staircase down which innumerable victims had been hurled to the depths of the slimy ditch beneath , — and when he thought how probable it was that his bones were doomed to whiten in the dark and hidden caverns below , along with the remains of other human beings who had been barbarously murdered in cold blood , — reason appeared to forsake him .  A cold sweat broke forth all over him ; and he seemed about to faint under the impression of a hideous nightmare .  He threw his hat upon the floor — for he felt the want of air .  That proud forehead , that beautiful countenance were distorted with indescribable horror ; and an ashy pallor spread itself over his features .  Death , in all its most hideous forms , appeared to follow — to surround — to hem him in .  There was no escape : — a trap-door here — a well , communicating with the ditch , there — or else the dagger ; — no matter in what shape — still Death was before him — behind him — above him — below him — on every side of him .  It was horrible — most horrible !  Then was it that a sudden thought flashed across his brain ; he resolved to attempt a desperate effort to escape .  He summoned all his courage to his aid , and opened the door so cautiously that , though the hinges were old and rusted , they did not creak .  The crisis was now at hand .  If he could clear the landing unperceived , he was safe .  It was true that , seen or unseen , he might succeed in escaping from the house by means of his superior agility and nimbleness ; but he reflected that these men would capture him , again , in a few minutes , in the midst of a labyrinth of streets with which he was utterly unacquainted , but which they knew so well .  He remembered that he had overheard their secrets and witnessed their mysterious modes of concealment ; and that , should he fall into their power , death must inevitably await him .  These ideas crossed his brain in a moment , and convinced him of the necessity of prudence and extreme caution .  He must leave the house unperceived , and dare the pitiless storm and pelting rain ; for the tempest still raged without .  He once more approached the window to ascertain if there were any chance of stealing across the landing-place unseen .  Unfortunately he drew too near the window : the light of the candle fell full upon his countenance , which horror and alarm had rendered deadly pale and fearfully convulsed .  It was at this moment that the ruffian , in the midst of his unholy vaunts , had caught sight of that human face — white as a sheet — and with eyes fixed upon him with a glare which his imagination rendered stony and unearthly .  The youth saw that he was discovered ; and a full sense of the desperate peril which hung over him , rushed to his mind .  He turned , and endeavoured to fly away from the fatal spot ; but , as imagination frequently fetters the limbs in a nightmare , and involves the sleeper in danger from which he vainly attempts to run , so did his legs now refuse to perform their office .  His brain whirled — his eyes grew dim : he grasped at the wall to save himself from falling — but his senses were deserting him — and he sank fainting upon the floor .  He awoke from the trance into which he had fallen , and became aware that he was being moved along .  Almost at the same instant his eyes fell upon the sinister countenance of Dick , who was carrying him by the feet .  The other ruffian was supporting his head .  They were lifting him down the staircase , upon the top step of which the candle was standing .  All the incidents of the evening immediately returned to the memory of the wretched boy , who now only too well comprehended the desperate perils that surrounded him .  The bottom of the staircase was reached : the villains deposited their burden for a moment in the passage , while Dick retraced his steps to fetch down the candle .  And then a horrible conflict of feelings and inclinations took place in the bosom of the unhappy youth .  He shut his eyes ; and for an instant debating within himself whether he should remain silent or cry out .  He dreamt of immediate — instantaneous death ; and yet he thought that he was young to die — oh !  so young — and that men could not be such barbarians — —  But when the two ruffians stooped down to take him up again , fear surmounted all other sentiments , feelings , and inclinations ; and his deep — his profound — his heartfelt agony was expressed in one long , loud , and piercing shriek !  And then a fearful scene took place .  The two villains carried the youth into the front room upon the ground-floor , and laid him down for a moment .  It was the same room to which he had first found his way upon entering that house .  It was the room in which , by the glare of the evanescent lightning , he had seen that black square upon the dirty floor .  For a few instants all was dark .  At length the candle was brought by the man in the fustian coat .  The youth glanced wildly around him , and speedily recognised that room .  He remembered how deep a sensation of horror seized him when that black square upon the floor first caught his eyes .  He raised himself upon his left arm , and once more looked around .  Great God !  was it possible ?  That ominous blackness — that sinister square was the mouth of a yawning gulf , the trap-door of which was raised .  A fetid smell rose from the depths below , and the gurgling of a current was faintly heard .  The dread truth was in a moment made apparent to that unhappy boy — much more quickly than it occupies to relate or read .  He started from his supine posture , and fell upon his knees at the feet of those merciless villains who had borne him thither .  " Mercy , mercy !  I implore you !  Oh !  do not devote me to so horrible a death !  Do not — do not murder me !  "  " Hold your noisy tongue , you fool , " ejaculated Bill , brutally .  " You have heard and seen too much for our safety ; we ca n't do otherwise .  "  " No , certainly not , " added Dick .  " You are now as fly to the fakement as any one of us .  "  " Spare me , spare me , and I will never betray you !  Oh !  do not send me out of this world , so young — so very young !  I have money , I have wealth , I am rich , and I will give you all I possess !  " ejaculated the agonized youth ; his countenance wearing an expression of horrible despair .  " Come ; here 'senough .  Bill , lend a hand !  " and Dick seized the boy by one arm , while his companion took a firm hold of the other .  " Mercy , mercy !  " shrieked the youth , struggling violently ; but struggling vainly .  " You will repent when you know — — I am not what I — — "  He said no more : his last words were uttered over the mouth of the chasm ere the ruffians loosened their hold ; — and then he fell .  The trap-door was closed violently over the aperture , and drowned the scream of agony which burst from his lips .  The two murderers then retraced their steps to the apartment on the first floor .  * * * * *  On the following day , about one o'clock , Mr. Markham , a gentleman of fortune residing in the northern environs of London , received the following letter : —  " The inscrutable decrees of Providence have enabled the undersigned to warn you , that this night a burglarious attempt will be made upon your dwelling . The wretches who contemplate this infamy are capable of a crime of much blacker die . Beware ! " AN UNKNOWN FRIEND . "  This letter was written in a beautiful feminine hand .  Due precaution was adopted at Mr. Markham 'smansion ; but the attempt alluded to in the warning epistle was , for some reason or another , not made .  CHAPTER IV .  THE TWO TREES .  IT was between eight and nine o'clock , on a delicious evening , about a week after the events related in the preceding chapters , that two youths issued from Mr. Markham 'shandsome , but somewhat secluded dwelling , in the northern part of the environs of London , and slowly ascended the adjacent hill .  There was an interval of four years between the ages of these youths , the elder being upwards of nineteen , and the younger about fifteen ; but it was easy to perceive by the resemblance which existed between them that they were brothers .  They walked at a short distance from each other , and exchanged not a word as they ascended the somewhat steep path which conducted them to the summit of the eminence that overlooked the mansion they had just left .  The elder proceeded first ; and from time to time he clenched his fists , and knit his brows , and gave other silent but expressive indications of the angry passions which were concentrated in his breast .  His brother followed him with downcast eyes , and with a countenance denoting the deep anguish that oppressed him .  In this manner they arrived at the top of the hill , where they seated themselves upon a bench , which stood between two young ash saplings .  For a long time the brothers remained silent ; but at length the younger of the two suddenly burst into tears , and exclaimed , " Oh !  why , dearest Eugene , did we choose this spot to say farewell — perhaps for ever ?  "  " We could not select a more appropriate one , Richard , " returned the elder brother .  " Four years ago those trees were planted by our hands ; and we have ever since called them by our own names .  When we were wont to separate , to repair to our respective schools , we came hither to talk over our plans , to arrange the periods of our correspondence , and to anticipate the pursuits that should engage us during the vacations .  And when we returned from our seminaries , we hastened hither , hand-in-hand , to see how our trees flourished ; and he was most joyous and proud whose sapling appeared to expand the more luxuriantly .  If ever we quarrelled , Richard , it was here that we made our peace again ; and , seated upon this bench , we have concocted plans for the future ; which , haply , will never now be realised !  "  " You are right , my dear brother , " said Richard , after a pause , during which he appeared to reflect profoundly upon Eugene 'swords ; " we could not have selected a better spot .  Still it is all those happy days to which you allude that now render this moment the more bitter .  Tell me , must you depart ?  Is there no alternative ?  Can I not intercede with our father ?  Surely , surely , he will not discard one so young as you , and whom he has loved — must still love — so tenderly ?  "  " Intercede with my father !  " repeated Eugene , with an irony which seemed extraordinary in one of his tender age ; " no , never !  He has signified his desire , he has commanded me no longer to pollute his dwelling — those were his very words , and he shall be obeyed .  "  " Our father was incensed , deeply incensed , when he spoke , " urged Richard , whose voice was rendered almost inaudible by his sobs ; " and to-morrow he will repent of his harshness towards you .  "  " Our father had no right to blame me , " said Eugene violently ; " all that has occurred originated in his own conduct towards me .  The behaviour of a parent to his son is the element of that son 'sruin or success in after life .  "  " I know not how you can reproach our father , Eugene , " said Richard , somewhat reproachfully , " for he has ever conducted himself with tenderness towards us ; and since the death of our dear mother — — "  " You are yet too young , Richard , " interrupted Eugene impatiently , " to comprehend the nature of the accusation which I bring against my father .  I will , however , attempt to enable you to understand my meaning , so that you may not imagine that I am acting with duplicity when I endeavour to find a means of extenuation , if not of justification , for my own conduct .  My father lavished his gold upon my education , as he also did upon yours ; and he taught us from childhood to consider ourselves the sons of wealthy parents who would enable their children to move with éclat in an elevated sphere of life .  It was just this day year that I joined my regiment at Knightsbridge .  I suddenly found myself thrown amongst gay , dissipated , and wealthy young men — my brother officers .  Many of them were old acquaintances , and had been my companions at the Royal Military College at Sandhurst .  They speedily enlisted me in all their pleasures and debaucheries , and my expenditure soon exceeded my pay and my allowance .  I became involved in debts , and was compelled to apply to my father to relieve me from my embarrassments .  I wrote a humble and submissive letter , expressing contrition for my faults , and promising to avoid similar pursuits in future .  Indeed , I was wearied of the dissipation into which I had plunged , and should have profited well by the experience my short career of pleasure and folly had enabled me to acquire .  I trembled upon that verge when my father could either ruin or save me .  He did not reply to my letter , and I had not courage to seek an interview with him .  Again did I write to him : no answer .  I had lost money at private play , and had contracted debts in the same manner .  Those , Richard , are called debts of honour , and must be paid in full to your creditor , however wealthy he may be , even though your servants and tradesmen should be cheated out of their hard-earned and perhaps much-needed money altogether .  I wrote a third time to our father , and still no notice was taken of my appeal .  The officers to whom I owed the money lost at play began to look coldly upon me , and I was reduced to a state of desperation .  Still I waited for a few days , and for a fourth time wrote to my father .  It appears that he was resolved to make me feel the inconvenience of the position in which I had placed myself by my follies ; and he sent me no answer .  I then called at the house , and he refused to see me .  This you know , Richard .  What could I do ?  Driven mad by constant demands for money which I could not pay , and smarting under the chilling glances and taunting allusions of my brother officers , I sold my commission .  You are acquainted with the rest .  I came home , threw myself at my father 'sfeet , and he spurned me away from him !  Richard , was my crime so very great ?  and has not the unjust , the extreme severity of my father been the cause of all my afflictions ?  "  " I dare not judge between you , " said Richard mildly .  " But what does common sense suggest ?  " demanded Eugene .  " Doubtless our father knows best , " returned the younger brother .  " Old men are often wrong , in spite of their experience — in spite of their years , " persisted Eugene .  " My dear brother , " said Richard , " I am afraid to exercise my judgment in a case where I stand a chance of rebelling against my father , or questioning his wisdom ; and , at the same time , I am anxious to believe everything in your justification .  "  " I knew that you would not comprehend me , " exclaimed Eugene , impatiently .  " It is ridiculous not to dare to have an opinion of one 'sown !  My dear brother , " he added , turning suddenly round , " you have been to Eton to little purpose : I thought that nearly as much of the world was to be seen there as at Sandhurst .  I find that I was mistaken .  "  And Eugene felt and looked annoyed at the turn which the conversation had taken .  Richard was unhappy , and remained silent .  In the meantime the sun had set ; and the darkness was gradually becoming more intense .  Suddenly Eugene grasped his brother 'shand , and exclaimed , " Richard , I shall now depart !  "  " Impossible !  " cried the warm-hearted youth : " you will not leave me thus — you will not abandon your father also , for a hasty word that he has spoken , and which he will gladly recal to-morrow ?  Oh !  no — Eugene , you will not leave the dwelling in which you were born , and where you have passed so many happy hours !  What will become of you ?  What do you purpose ?  What plan have you in view ?  "  " I have a few guineas in my pocket , " returned Eugene ; " and many a princely fortune has been based upon a more slender foundation .  "  " Yes , " said Richard hastily ; " you read of fortunes being easily acquired in novels and romances ; and in past times persons may have enriched themselves suddenly ; but in the great world of the present day , Eugene , I am afraid that such occurrences are rare and seldom seen .  "  " You know nothing of the world , Richard , " said Eugene , almost contemptuously .  " There are thousands of persons in London who live well , and keep up splendid establishments , without any apparent resources ; and I am man of the world enough to be well aware that those always thrive the best in the long run who have the least to lose at starting .  At all events I shall try my fortune .  I will not , cannot succumb to a parent who has caused my ruin at my very first entrance into life .  "  " May God prosper your pursuits , and lend you the fortune which you appear to aim at !  " ejaculated Richard fervently .  " But once again — and for the last time , let me implore you — let me entreat you not to put this rash and hasty resolve into execution .  Do stay — do not leave me , my dearest , dearest brother !  "  " Richard , not all the powers of human persuasion shall induce me to abandon my present determination , " cried Eugene emphatically , and rising from the bench as he spoke .  " It is growing late , and I must depart .  Now listen , my dear boy , to what I have to say to you .  "  " Speak , speak !  " murmured Richard , sobbing as if his heart would break .  " All will be yet well , " said Eugene , slightly touched by his brother 'sprofound affliction .  " I am resolved not to set foot in my father 'shouse again ; you must return thither and pack me up my papers and a few necessaries .  "  " And you will not leave this spot until my return ?  " said Richard .  " Solemnly I promise that , " answered Eugene .  " But stay ; on your part you must faithfully pledge yourself not to seek my father , nor in any way interfere between him and me .  Nay , do not remonstrate ; you must promise .  "  " I promise you all — anything you require , " said Richard mournfully ; and , after affectionately embracing his brother , he hurried down the hill towards the mansion , turning back from time to time to catch a glimpse of Eugene 'sfigure through the increasing gloom , to satisfy himself that he was still there between the two saplings .  Richard entered the house , and stole softly up to the bed-room which his brother usually occupied when at home .  He began his mournful task of putting together the few things which Eugene had desired him to select ; and while he was thus employed the tears rolled down his cheeks in torrents .  At one moment he was inclined to hurry to his father , and implore him to interfere in time to prevent Eugene 'sdeparture ; but he remembered his solemn promise , and he would not break it .  Assuredly this was a sense of honour so extreme , that it might be denominated false ; but it was , nevertheless , the sentiment which controlled all the actions of him who cherished it .  Tenderly , dearly as he loved his brother — bitterly as he deplored his intended departure , he still would not forfeit his word and take the simple step which would probably have averted the much-dreaded evil .  Richard 'ssense of honour and inflexible integrity triumphed , on all occasions , over every other consideration , feeling , and desire ; and of this characteristic of his brother 'snature Eugene was well aware .  Richard had made a small package of the articles which he had selected , and was about to leave the room to return to his brother , when the sound of a footstep in the passage communicating with the chamber , suddenly fell upon his ear .  Scarcely had he time to recover from the alarm into which this circumstance had thrown him , when the door slowly opened , and the butler entered the apartment .  He was a man of about fifty years of age , with a jolly red face , a somewhat bulbous nose , small laughing eyes , short grey hair standing upright in front , whiskers terminating an inch above his white cravat , and in person considerably inclined to corpulency .  In height he was about five feet seven inches , and had a peculiar shuffling rapid walk , which he had learnt by some twenty-five years 'practice in little journeys from the sideboard in the dining-room to his own pantry , and back again .  He was possessed of an excellent heart , and was a good-humoured companion ; but pompous , and swelling with importance in the presence of those whom he considered his inferiors .  He was particularly addicted to hard words ; and as , to use his own expression , he was " self-taught , " it is not to be wondered if he occasionally gave those aforesaid hard words a pronunciation and a meaning which militated a little against received rules .  In attire , he was unequalled for the whiteness of his cravat , the exuberance of his shirt-frill , the elegance of his waistcoat , the set of his kerseymere tights , and the punctilious neatness of his black silk stockings , and his well-polished shoes .  " Well , Master Richard , " said the butler , as he shuffled into the room , with a white napkin under his left arm , " what in the name of everythink indiwisible is the matter now ?  "  " Nothing , nothing , Whittingham , " replied the youth .  " You had better go down stairs — my father may want you .  "  " If so be your father wants anythink , Tom will despond to the summins as usual , " said the butler , leisurely seating himself upon a chair close by the table whereon Richard had placed his package .  " But might I be so formiliar as to inquire into the insignification of that bundle of shirts and ankerchers .  "  " Whittingham , I implore you to ask me no questions : I am in a hurry — and — — "  " Master Richard , Master Richard , " cried the butler , shaking his head gravely , " I 'mvery much afeerd that somethink preposterious is going to incur .  I could not remain a entire stranger to all that has transpirated this day ; and now I know what it is , " he added , slapping his right hand smartly upon his thigh ; " your brother 'sa-going to amputate it !  "  " To what ?  "  " To cut it , then , if you reprehend that better .  But it sha n't be done , Master Richard — it sha n't be done !  '  " Whittingham — — "  " That 'smy nomenklitter , Master Richard , " said the old man , doggedly ; " and it was one of the fust you ever learned to pernounce .  Behold ye , Master Richard , I have a right to speak — for I have knowed you both from your cradles — and loved you too !  Who was it , when you come into this subluminary spear — who was it as nussed you — and — — "  " Good Whittingham , I know all that , and — — "  " I have no overdue curiosity to satisfy , Master Richard , " observed the butler ; " but my soul 'sinflicted to think that you and Master Eugene could n't make a friend of old Whittingham .  I feel it here , Master Richard — here , in my buzzim !  " — and the worthy old domestic dealt himself a tremendous blow upon the chest as he uttered these words .  " I must leave you now , Whittingham ; and I desire you to remain here until my return , " said Richard .  " Do you hear , Whittingham ?  "  " Yes , Master Richard ; but I do n't choose to do as you would wish in this here instance .  I shall foller you .  "  " What , Whittingham ?  "  " I shall foller you , sir .  "  " Well — you can do that , " said Richard , suddenly remembering that his brother had in nowise cautioned him against such an intervention as this ; " and pray God it may lead to some good .  "  " Ah !  now I see that I am raly wanted , " said the butler , a smile of satisfaction playing upon his rubicund countenance .  Richard now led the way from the apartment , the butler following him in a stately manner .  They descended the stairs , crossed the garden , and entered the path which led to the top of the hill .  " Two trees , I suppose ?  " said the old domestic inquiringly .  " Yes — he is there !  " answered Richard ; " but the reminiscence of the times when we planted those saplings has failed to induce him to abandon a desperate resolution .  "  " Ah !  he ai n't got Master Richard 'sheart — I always knowed that , " mused the old man half audibly as he trudged along .  " There are them two lads — fine tall youths — both black hair , and intelligible black eyes — admirably formed — straight as arrows — and yet so diversified in disposition !  "  Richard and the butler now reached the top of the hill .  Eugene was seated upon the bench in a deep reverie ; and it was not until his brother and the faithful old domestic stood before him , that he awoke from that fit of abstraction .  " What !  Is that you , Whittingham ?  " he exclaimed , the moment he recognised the butler .  " Richard , I did not think you would have done this .  "  " It was n't Master Richard 'sfault , sir , " said Whittingham ; " I was rayther too wide awake not to smell what was a-going on by virtue of my factory nerves ; and so — — "  " My dear Whittingham , " hastily interrupted Eugene , " I know that you are a faithful servant to my father , and very much attached to us : on that very account , pray do not interfere !  "  " Interfere !  " ejaculated Whittingham , thoroughly amazed at being thus addressed , while a tear started into his eye : " not interfere Master Eugene ?  Well , I 'm— I 'm— I 'm— regularly flabbergasted !  "  " My mind is made up , " said Eugene , " and no persuasion shall alter its decision .  I am my own master — my father 'sconduct has emancipated me from all deference to parental authority .  Richard , you have brought my things ?  We must now say adieu .  "  " My dearest brother — — "  " Master Eugene — — "  " Whither are you going ?  "  " I am on the road to fame and fortune !  "  " Alas !  " said Richard mournfully , " you may perhaps find that this world is not so fruitful in resources as you now imagine .  "  " All remonstrances — all objections are vain , " interrupted Eugene impatiently .  " We must say adieu !  But one word more , " he added , after an instant 'spause , as a sudden thought seemed to strike him ; " you doubt the possibility of my success in life , and I feel confident of it .  Do you pursue your career under the auspices of that parent in whose wisdom you so blindly repose : I will follow mine , dependent only on mine own resources .  This is the 10th of July , 1831 ; twelve years hence , on the 10th of July , 1843 , we will meet again upon this very spot , between the two trees , if they be still standing .  Remember the appointment : we will then compare notes relative to our success in life !  "  The moment he had uttered these words , Eugene hastily embraced his brother , who struggled in vain to retain him ; and , having wrung the hand of the old butler , who was now sobbing like a child , the discarded son threw his little bundle over his shoulder , and hurried away from the spot .  So precipitately did he descend the hill in the direction leading away from the mansion , and towards the multitudinous metropolis at a little distance , that he was out of sight before his brother or Whittingham even thought of pursuing him .  They lingered for some time upon the summit of the hill , without exchanging a word ; and then , maintaining the same silence , slowly retraced their steps towards the mansion .  CHAPTER V. ELIGIBLE ACQUAINTANCES .  FOUR years passed away .  During that interval no tidings of the discarded son reached the disconsolate father and unhappy brother ; and all the exertions of the former to discover some trace of the fugitive were fruitless .  Vainly did he lavish considerable sums upon that object : uselessly did he despatch emissaries to all the great manufacturing towns of England , as well as to the principal capitals of Europe , to endeavour to procure some information of him whom he would have received as the prodigal son , and to welcome whose return he would have " killed the fatted calf : " — all his measures to discover his son 'sretreat were unavailing .  At length , after a lapse of four years , he sank into the tomb — the victim of a broken heart !  A few days previous to his death , he made a will in favour of his remaining son , the guardianship of whom he intrusted to a Mr. Monroe , who was an opulent City merchant , and an old and sincere friend .  Thus , at the age of nineteen , Richard found himself his own master , with a handsome allowance to meet his present wants , and with a large fortune in the perspective of two years more .  Mr. Monroe , feeling the utmost confidence in the young man 'sdiscretion and steadiness , permitted him to reside in the old family mansion , and interfered with him and his pursuits as little as possible .  The ancient abode of the family of Markham was a spacious and commodious building , but of heavy and sombre appearance .  This gloomy aspect of the architecture was increased by the venerable trees that formed a dense rampart of verdure around the edifice .  The grounds belonging to the house were not extensive , but were tastefully laid out ; and within the enclosure over which the dominion of Richard Markham extended , was the green hill surmounted by the two ash trees .  From the summit of that eminence the mighty metropolis might be seen in all its vastitude — that metropolis whose one single heart was agitated with so many myriads of conflicting passions , warring interests , and opposite feelings .  Perhaps a dozen pages of laboured description will not afford the reader a better idea of the characters and dispositions of the two brothers than that which has already been conveyed by their conversation and conduct detailed in the preceding chapter .  Eugene was all selfishness and egotism , Richard all generosity and frankness : the former deceitful , astute , and crafty ; the latter honourable even to a fault .  With Eugene , for the present , we have little to do ; the course of our narrative follows the fortunes of Richard Markham .  The disposition of this young man was somewhat reserved , although by no means misanthropical nor melancholy .  That characteristic resulted only from the domesticated nature of his habits .  He was attached to literary pursuits , and frequently passed entire hours together in his study , poring over works of a scientific and instructive nature .  When he stirred abroad for the purpose of air and exercise , he preferred a long ramble upon foot , amongst the fields in the vicinity of his dwelling , to a parade of himself and his fine horse amid the busy haunts of wealth and fashion at the West End of London .  It was , nevertheless , upon a beautiful afternoon in the month of August , 1835 , that Richard appeared amongst the loungers in Hyde Park .  He was on foot , and attired in deep mourning ; but his handsome countenance , symmetrical form , and thoroughly genteel and unassuming air attracted attention .  Parliament had been prorogued a fortnight before ; and all London was said to be " out of town .  " Albeit , it was evident that a considerable portion of London was " in town , " for there were many gorgeous equipages rolling along " the drive , " and the enclosure was pretty well sprinkled with well-dressed groups and dotted with solitary fashionable gentlemen upon foot .  From the carriages that rolled past many bright eyes were for a moment turned upon Richard ; and in these equipages there were not wanting young female bosoms which heaved at the contrast afforded by that tall and elegant youth , so full of vigour and health , and whose countenance beamed with intelligence , and the old , emaciated , and semi-childish husbands seated by their sides , and whose wealth had purchased their hands , but never succeeded in obtaining their hearts .  Richard , wearied with his walk , seated himself upon a bench , and contemplated with some interest the moving pageantry before him .  He was thus occupied when he was suddenly accosted by a stranger , who seated himself by his side in an easy manner , and addressed some common-place observation to him .  This individual was a man of about two-and-thirty , elegantly attired , agreeable in his manners , and prepossessing in appearance .  Under this superficial tegument of gentility a quicker eye than Richard Markham 'swould have detected a certain swagger in his gait and a kind of dashing recklessness about him which produced an admirable effect upon the vulgar or the inexperienced , but which were not calculated to inspire immediate confidence in the thorough man of the world .  Richard was , however , all frankness and honour himself , and he did not scruple to return such an answer to the stranger 'sremark as was calculated to encourage farther conversation .  " I see the count is abroad again , " observed the stranger , following with his eyes one of the horsemen in " the drive .  " " Poor fellow !  he has been playing at hide-and-seek for a long time .  "  " Indeed !  and wherefore ?  " exclaimed Richard .  " What !  are you a stranger in London , sir ?  " cried the well-dressed gentleman , transferring his eyes from the horseman to Markham 'scountenance , on which they were fixed with an expression of surprise and interest .  " Very nearly so , although a resident in its immediate vicinity all my life ; " and , with the natural ingenuousness of youth , Richard immediately communicated his entire history , from beginning to end , to his new acquaintance .  Of a surety there was not much to relate ; but the stranger succeeded in finding out who the young man was , under what circumstances he was now living , and the amount of his present and future resources .  " Of course you mean to see life ?  " said the stranger .  " Certainly .  I have already studied the great world by the means of books .  "  " But of course you know that there is nothing like experience .  "  " I can understand how experience is necessary to a man who is anxious to make a fortune , but not to him who has already got one .  "  " Oh , decidedly !  It is frequently more difficult to keep a fortune than it was to obtain one .  "  " How — if I do not speculate ?  "  " No ; but others will speculate upon you .  "  " I really cannot comprehend you .  As I do not wish to increase my means , having enough , I shall neither speculate with my own nor allow people to speculate with it for me ; and thus I can run no risk of losing what I possess .  "  The stranger gazed half incredulously upon Markham for a minute ; and then his countenance expressed a species of sneer .  " You have never played ?  "  " Played !  at — — ?  "  " At cards ; for money , I mean .  "  " Oh !  never !  "  " So much the better : never do .  Unless , " added the stranger , " it is entirely amongst friends and men of honour .  But will you avail yourself of my humble vehicle , and take one turn round ' the Drive ?  ' "  The stranger pointed as he spoke to a very handsome phaeton and pair at a little distance , and attended by a dapper-looking servant in light blue livery with silver lace .  " Might I have the honour of being acquainted with the name of a gentleman who exhibits so much kindness — — "  " My dear sir , I must really apologise for my sin of omission .  You confided your own circumstances so frankly to me that I cannot do otherwise than show you equal confidence in return .  Besides , amongst men of honour , " he continued , laying particular stress upon a word which is only so frequently used to be abused , " such communications , you know , are necessary .  I do not like that system of familiarity based upon no tenable grounds , which is now becoming so prevalent in London .  For instance , nothing is more common than for one gentleman to meet another in Bond-street , or the Park , or in Burlington Arcade , for example 'ssake , and for the one to say to the other — ' My dear friend , how are you ? '— 'Quite well , old fellow , thank you ; but , by-the-by , I really forget your name ! ' However , " added the fashionable gentleman with a smile , " here is my card .  My town-quarters are Long 'sHotel , my country seat is in Berkshire , and my shooting-box is in Scotland , at all of which I shall be most happy to see you .  "  Richard , who was not only highly satisfied with the candour and openness of his new friend , but also very much pleased and amused with him , returned suitable acknowledgments for this kind invitation ; and , glancing his eyes over the card which had been placed in his hands , perceived that he was conversing with the Honourable Arthur Chichester .  As they were moving towards the phaeton , a gentleman , elegantly attired , of about the middle age , and particularly fascinating in his manners , accosted Mr. Chichester .  " Ah !  who would have thought of meeting you here — when London is actually empty , and I am ashamed of being yet left in it ?  Our mutual friend the duke assured me that you were gone to Italy !  "  " The duke always has some joke at my expense , " returned Mr. Chichester .  " He was once the cause of a very lovely girl committing suicide .  She was the only one I ever loved ; and he one day declared in her presence that I had just embarked for America .  Poor thing !  she went straight up to her room , and — — "  " And !  " echoed Richard .  " Took poison !  " added Mr. Chichester , turning away his head for a moment , and drawing an elegant cambric handkerchief across his eyes .  " Good heavens !  " ejaculated Markham .  " Let me not trouble you with my private afflictions .  Sir Rupert , allow me to introduce my friend Mr. Markham : — Mr .  Markham , Sir Rupert Harborough .  "  The two gentlemen bowed , and the introduction was effected .  " Whither are you bound ?  " inquired Sir Rupert .  " We were thinking of an hour 'sdrive , " leisurely replied Mr. Chichester ; " and it was then my intention to have asked my friend Mr. Markham to dine with me at Long 's.  Will you join us , Sir Rupert ?  "  " Upon my honour , nothing would give me greater pleasure ; but I am engaged to meet the duke at Tattersall 's; and I am then under a solemn promise to dine and pass the evening with Diana .  "  " Always gallant — always attentive to the ladies !  " exclaimed Mr. Chichester .  " You know , my dear fellow , that Diana is so amiable , so talented , so fascinating , so accomplished , and so bewitching , that I can refuse her nothing .  It is true her wants and whims are somewhat expensive at times ; but — — "  " Harborough , I am surprised at you !  What !  complain of the fantasies of the most beautiful woman in London — if not in England — you a man of seven thousand a year , and who at the death of an uncle — — "  " Upon my honour I begrudge her nothing !  " interrupted Sir Rupert , complacently stroking his chin with his elegantly-gloved hand .  " But , by the way , if you will honour me and Diana with your company this evening — and if Mr. Markham will also condescend — — "  " With much pleasure , " said Mr. Chichester ; " and I am sure that my friend Mr. Markham will avail himself of this opportunity of forming the acquaintance of the most beautiful and fascinating woman in England .  "  Richard bowed : he dared not attempt an excuse .  He had heard himself dubbed the friend of the Honourable Mr. Arthur Chichester ; his ears had caught an intimation of a dinner at Long 's, which he knew by report to be the headquarters of that section of the fashionable world that consists of single young gentlemen ; and he now found himself suddenly engaged to pass the evening with Sir Rupert Harborough and a lady of whom all he knew was that her name was Diana , and that she was the most beautiful and fascinating creature in England .  Truly , all this was enough to dazzle him ; and he accordingly resigned himself to Mr. Arthur Chichester 'sgood will and pleasure .  Sir Rupert Harborough now remembered " that he must not keep the duke waiting ; " and having kissed the tip of his lemon-coloured glove to Mr. Chichester , and made a semi-ceremonious , semi-gracious bow to Markham — that kind of bow whose formality is attempered by the blandness of the smile accompanying it — he hastened away .  It may be , however , mentioned as a singular circumstance , and as a proof of how little he cared about keeping " the duke " waiting , that , instead of proceeding towards Tattersall 's, he departed in the direction of Oxford-street .  This little incident was , however , unnoticed by Richard — for the simple reason , that at this epoch of his life he did not know where Tattersall 'swas .  " What do you think of my friend the baronet ?  " inquired Mr. Chichester , as they rolled leisurely along " the Drive " in the elegant phaeton .  " I am quite delighted with him , " answered Richard ; " and if her ladyship be only as agreeable as her husband — — "  " Excuse me , but you must not call her ' her ladyship .  ' Address her and speak of her simply as Mrs. Arlington .  "  " I am really at a loss to comprehend — — "  " My dear friend , " said Chichester , sinking his voice , although there was no danger of being overheard , " Diana is not the wife of Sir Rupert Harborough .  The baronet is unmarried ; and this lady — — "  " Is his mistress , " added Markham hastily .  " In that case I most certainly shall not accept the kind invitation I received for this evening .  "  " Nonsense , my dear friend !  You must adapt your behaviour to the customs of the sphere in which you move .  You belong to the aristocracy — like me — and like the baronet !  In the upper class , even supposing you have a wife , she is only an encumbrance .  Nothing is so characteristic of want of gentility as to marry early ; and as for children , pah !  they are the very essence of vulgarity !  Then , of course , every man of fashion in London has his mistress , even though he only keeps her for the sake of his friends .  This is quite allowable amongst the aristocracy .  Remember , I am not advocating the cause of immorality : I would not have every butcher , and tea-dealer , and linen-draper do the same .  God forbid !  Then it would , indeed , be the height of depravity !  "  " Since it is the fashion , and you assure me that there is nothing wrong in this connexion between the baronet and Mrs. Arlington — at least , that the usages of high life admit it — I will not advance any farther scruples , " said Richard ; although he had a slight suspicion , like the ringing of far-distant bells in the ears , that the doctrine which his companion had just propounded was not based upon the most tenable grounds .  It was now half-past six o'clock in the evening ; and , one after the other , the splendid equipages and gay horsemen withdrew in somewhat rapid succession .  The weather was nevertheless still exquisitely fine ; indeed , it was the most enchanting portion of the entire day .  The sky was of a soft and serene azure , upon which appeared here and there thin vapours of snowy white , motionless and still ; for not a breath of wind stirred the leaf upon the tree .  Never did Naples , nor Albano , nor Sorrentum , boast a more beautiful horizon ; and as the sun sank towards the western verge , he bathed all that the eye could embrace — earth and sky , dwelling and grove , garden and field — in a glorious flood of golden light .  At seven o'clock Mr. Chichester and his new acquaintance sat down to dinner in the coffee-room at Long 'sHotel .  The turtle was unexceptionable ; the iced punch faultless .  Then came the succulent neck of venison , and the prime Madeira .  The dinner passed off pleasantly enough ; and Richard was more and more captivated with his friend .  He was , however , somewhat astonished at the vast quantities of wine which the Honourable Mr. Chichester swallowed , apparently without the slightest inconvenience to himself .  Mr. Chichester diverted him with amusing anecdotes , lively sallies , and extraordinary narratives ; and Richard found that his new friend had not only travelled all over Europe , but was actually the bosom friend of some of the most powerful of its sovereigns .  These statements , moreover , rather appeared to slip forth in the course of conversation , than to be made purposely ; and thus they were stamped with an additional air of truth and importance .  At about half-past nine the Honourable Mr. Chichester proposed to adjourn to the lodgings of Mrs. Arlington .  Richard , who had been induced by the example of his friend and by the excitement of an interesting conversation , to imbibe more wine than he was accustomed to take , was now delighted with the prospect of passing an agreeable evening ; and he readily acceded to Mr. Chichester 'sproposal .  Mrs. Arlington occupied splendidly furnished apartments on the first and second floors over a music-shop in Bond-street : thither , therefore , did the two gentlemen repair on foot ; and in a short time they were introduced into the drawing-room where the baronet and his fair companion were seated .  CHAPTER VI .  MRS. ARLINGTON .  THE Honourable Mr. Arthur Chichester had not exaggerated his description of the beauty of the Enchantress — for so she was called by the male portion of her admirers .  Indeed , she was of exquisite loveliness .  Her dark-brown hair was arranged en bandeaux , and parted over a forehead polished as marble .  Her eyes were large , and of that soft dark melting blue which seems to form a heaven of promises and bliss to gladden the beholder .  She was not above the middle height of woman ; but her form was modelled to the most exquisite and voluptuous symmetry .  Her figure reminded the spectator of the body of the wasp , so taper was the waist , and so exuberant was the swell of the bust .  Her mouth was small and pouting ; but , when she smiled , the parting roses of the lips displayed a set of teeth white as the pearls of the East .  Her hand would have made the envy of a queen .  And yet , above all these charms , a certain something which could not be exactly denominated boldness nor effrontery , but which was the very reverse of extreme reserve , immediately struck Richard Markham .  He could not define the fault he had to find with this beautiful woman ; and still there was something in her manners which seemed to proclaim that she did not possess the tranquillity and ease of a wife .  She appeared to be constantly aiming at the display of the accomplishments of her mind , or the graces of her attitudes .  She seemed to court admiration by every word and every motion ; and to keep alive in the mind of the baronet the passion with which she had inspired him .  She possessed not that confidence and contented reliance upon the idea of unalienable affections which characterise the wife .  She seemed to be well aware that no legal nor religious ties connected the baronet to her ; and she , therefore , kept her imagination perpetually upon the rack to weave new artificial bonds to cast around him .  And , as if each action or each word of the baronet severed those bonds of silk and wreathed flowers , she found , Penelope-like , that at short intervals her labours were to be achieved over again .  This constant state of mental anxiety and excitement imparted a corresponding restlessness to her body ; and those frequent changes of attitude , which were originally intended to develop the graces of her person , or allow her lover 'seye to catch short glimpses of her heaving bosom of snow , became now a settled habit .  Nevertheless , she was a lovely and fascinating woman , and one for whom a young heart would undertake a thousand sacrifices .  By accident Richard was seated next to Mrs. Arlington upon the sofa .  He soon perceived that she was , indeed , as accomplished as the baronet had represented her to be ; and her critical opinions upon the current literature , dramatic novelties , and new music of the day were delivered with judgment and good taste .  Richard could not help glancing from time to time in admiration at her beautiful countenance , animated as it now was with the excitement of the topics of discourse ; and whenever her large blue eyes met his , a deep blush suffused his countenance , and he knew not what he said or did .  " Well , what shall we do to amuse ourselves ?  " said Chichester , at the expiration of about an hour , during which coffee had been handed round .  " Upon my honour , " exclaimed the baronet , " I am perfectly indifferent .  What say you to a game of whist or écarté ?  "  " Just as you choose , " said Chichester carelessly .  At this moment the door opened , and a roguish-looking little tiger — a lad of about fourteen , in a chocolate-coloured livery , with three rows of bright-crested buttons down his Prussian jacket — entered to announce another guest .  A short , stout , vulgar-looking man , about forty years of age , with a blue coat and brass buttons , buff waistcoat , and grey trousers , entered the room .  " Holloa , old chap , how are you ?  " he exclaimed in a tone of most ineffable vulgarity .  " Harborough , how are you ?  Chichester , my tulip , how goes it ?  "  The baronet hastened to receive this extraordinary visitor , and , as he shook hands with him , whispered something in his ear .  The stranger immediately turned towards Richard , to whom he was introduced by the name of Mr. Augustus Talbot .  This gentleman and the baronet then conversed together for a few moments ; and Chichester , drawing near Markham , seized the opportunity of observing , " Talbot is an excellent fellow — a regular John Bull — not over polished , but enormously rich and well connected .  You will see that he is not more cultivated in mind than in manners ; but he would go to the devil to do any one a service ; and , somehow or another , you ca n't help liking the fellow when once you know him .  "  " Any friend of yours or of the baronet 'swill be agreeable to me , " said Richard ; " and , provided he is a man of honour , a little roughness of manner should be readily overlooked .  "  " You speak like a man of the world , and as a man of honour yourself , " said Mr. Chichester .  Meantime the baronet and Mr. Talbot had seated themselves , and the Honourable Mr. Chichester returned to his own chair .  The conversation then became general .  " I did n't know that you were in town , Talbot , " said Mr. Chichester .  " And I forgot to mention it , " observed the baronet .  " Or rather , " said the lady , " you meditated a little surprise for your friend Mr. Chichester .  "  " I hope you 'vebeen well , ma'am , since I saw you last — that is the day before yesterday , " said Mr. Talbot .  " You was complaining then of a slight cold , and I recommended a treacle-posset and a stocking tied round the throat .  "  " My dear Talbot , take some liqueur , " cried the baronet , rising hastily , and purposely knocking down his chair to drown the remainder of Mr. Talbot 'sobservation .   " But I dare say you did n't follow my advice , ma'am , " pursued Mr. Talbot , with the most imperturbable gravity .  " For my part I am suffering dreadful with a bad foot .  I 'lltell you how it were , ma'am .  I 'vegot a nasty soft corn on my little toe ; and so what must I do , but yesterday morning I takes my razor , sharpens it upon the paytent strap , and goes for to cut off master corn .  But instead of cutting the corn , I nearly sliced my toe off ; and — — "  " By the way , Diana , has the young gentleman called yet , whom we met the other evening at the Opera ?  " said the baronet , abruptly interrupting this vulgar tirade .  " Do you mean the effeminate youth whom we dubbed the Handsome Unknown ?  " said the Enchantress .  " Yes : he who was so very mysterious , but who seemed so excessively anxious to form our acquaintance .  "  " He promised to call some evening this week , " answered Diana , " and play a game of écarté .  He told me that he was invincible at écarté .  "  " Talking of écarté , let us play a game , " ejaculated Mr. Chichester , who was sitting upon thorns lest Mr. Talbot should commence his vulgarities again .  " Well , I 'lltake a hand with pleasure , " said this individual : then turning towards Diana , he added , " I will tell you the rest of the adventure about the soft corn another time , ma'am .  "  " What a nuisance this is !  " whispered Chichester to the baronet .  " The young fellow does stare so .  "  " You must give him some explanation or another , " hastily replied the baronet ; " or I 'lltell Diana to say something presently that will smooth down matters .  "  The cards were produced , and Mr. Talbot and the Honourable Mr. Chichester sat down to play .  Sir Rupert backed the former , and considerable sums in gold and notes were placed upon the table .  Presently the lady turned towards Richard , and said with a smile , " Are you fond of écarté ?  " " I must venture a guinea upon Mr. Chichester .  Sir Rupert is betting against him ; and I love to oppose Sir Rupert at cards .  You will see how I shall tease him presently .  "  With these words the Enchantress rose and seated herself near Mr. Chichester .  Of course Markham did the same ; and in a very short time he was induced by the lady to follow her example , and back the same side which she supported .  Mr. Chichester , however , had a continued run of ill luck , and lost every rubber .  Richard was thus the loser of about thirty sovereigns ; but he was somewhat consoled by having so fair a companion in his bad fortune .  He would have suffered himself to be persuaded by her to persist in backing Mr. Chichester , as she positively assured him that the luck must change , had not that gentleman himself suddenly risen , thrown down the cards , and declared that he would play no more .  " Would you , ma'am , like to take Mr. Chichester 'splace ?  " said Mr. Talbot .  Mr. Chichester shook his head to the baronet , and the baronet did the same to Diana , and Diana accordingly declined .  The card-table was therefore abandoned ; and Mrs. Arlington , at the request of Sir Rupert , seated herself at the piano .  Without any affectation she sang and accompanied herself upon the instrument in a manner that quite ravished the heart of Richard Markham .  Suddenly the entire house echoed with the din of the front-door knocker , and almost simultaneously the bell was rung with violence .  In a few moments the young tiger announced Mr. Walter Sydney .  He was a youth apparently not more than nineteen or twenty , of middle height , and very slim .  He wore a tight blue military frock coat buttoned up to the throat ; ample black kerseymere trousers , which did not , however , conceal the fact that he was the least thing knock-kneed , and a hat with tolerably broad brims .  His feet and hands were small to a fault .  His long light chestnut hair flowed in luxuriant undulations over the collar of his coat , even upon his shoulders , and gave him a peculiarly feminine appearance .  His delicate complexion , upon the pure red and white of which the dark dyes of no beard had yet infringed , wore a deep blush as he entered the room .  " Mr. Sydney , you are welcome , " said Mrs. Arlington , in a manner calculated to reassure the bashful youth .  " It was but an hour ago that we were talking of you , and wondering why we had not received the pleasure of a visit .  "  " Madam , you are too kind , " replied Mr. Sydney , in a tone which sounded upon the ear like a silver bell — so soft and beautiful was its cadence .  " I am afraid that I am intruding : I had hoped to find you alone — I mean yourself and Sir Rupert Harborough — and I perceive that you have company — — "  He stammered — became confounded with excuses — and then glanced at his attire , as much as to intimate that he was in a walking dress .  Both the baronet and Diana hastened to welcome him in such a manner as to speedily place him upon comfortable terms with himself once more ; and he was then introduced to Mr. Chichester , Mr. Talbot , and Mr. Markham .  The moment the name of Markham was mentioned , the youthful visitor started perceptibly , and then fixed his intelligent hazel eyes upon the countenance of Richard with an expression of the most profound interest mingled with surprise .  Mr. Chichester made an observation at the same moment , and Sydney immediately afterwards entered with ease and apparent pleasure into a conversation which turned upon the most popular topics of the day .  Richard was astonished at the extreme modesty , propriety , and good sense with which that effeminate and bashful youth expressed himself ; and even the baronet , who was in reality well informed , listened to his interesting visitor with attention and admiration .  Still there was a species of extreme delicacy in his tastes , as evidenced by his remarks , which bordered at times upon a fastidiousness , if not an inexperience actually puerile or feminine .  At half-past eleven supper was served up , and the party sat down to that most welcome and sociable of all meals .  It was truly diverting to behold the manner in which Mr. Talbot fell , tooth and nail , upon the delicacies which he heaped upon his plate ; and his applications to the wine-bottle were to correspond .  At one time he expressed his regret that it was too vulgar to drink half-and-half ; and on another he vented his national prejudices against those who maintained that Perigord pies were preferable to rump steaks , or that claret was more exquisite than port or sherry .  Once , when , it would appear , Mr. Chichester kicked him under the table , he roared out a request that his soft corn might be remembered ; and as his friends were by no means anxious for a second edition of that interesting narrative — especially before Mr. Walter Sydney — they adopted the prudent alternative of conveying their remonstrances to him by means of winks instead of kicks .  After supper Mr. Talbot insisted upon making a huge bowl of punch in his own fashion ; but he found that Mr. Chichester would alone aid him in disposing of it .  As for Mr. Walter Sydney , he never appeared to do more than touch the brim of the wine-glass with his lips .  In a short time Mr. Talbot insisted upon practising his vocal powers by singing a hunting song , and was deeply indignant with his friends because they would not join in the very impressive but somewhat common chorus of " Fal de lal lal , fal de lal la .  " It is impossible to say what Mr. Talbot would have done next ; but , much to the horror of the baronet , Mr. Chichester , and Diana — and equally to the surprise of Richard Markham and Walter Sydney — he suddenly lost his balance , and fell heavily upon the floor and into a sound sleep simultaneously .  " What a pity , " said Mr. Chichester , shaking his head mournfully , and glancing down upon the prostrate gentleman , as if he were pronouncing a funeral oration over his remains ; " this is his only fault — and , as it happens every night , it begins materially to disfigure his character .  Otherwise , he is an excellent fellow , and immensely rich !  "  At this moment the eyes of Richard caught those of Walter Sydney .  An ill-concealed expression of superlative contempt and ineffable disgust was visible upon the handsome countenance of the latter ; and the proud curl of his lip manifested his opinion of the scene he had just witnessed .  In a few moments he rose to depart .  To Diana he was only coldly polite ; to the baronet and Chichester superbly distant and constrained ; but towards Markham , as he took leave of him , there was a cordiality in his manner , and a sincerity in the desire which he expressed " that they should meet again , " which formed a remarkable contrast with his behaviour towards the others .  That night slumber seemed to evade the eyes of Richard Markham .  The image of Mrs. Arlington , and all that she had said , and the various graceful and voluptuous attitudes into which she had thrown herself , occupied his imagination .  At times , however , his thoughts wandered to that charming youth — that mere boy — who seemed to court his friendship , and who was so delicate and so fragile to encounter the storms and vicissitudes of that world in whose dizzy vortex he was already found .  Nor less did Richard ever and anon experience a sentiment of profound surprise that the elegant and wealthy Sir Rupert Harborough , the accomplished and lovely Diana , and the fastidious Mr. Arthur Chichester , should tolerate the society of such an unmitigated vulgarian as Mr. Talbot .  CHAPTER VII .  THE BOUDOIR .  IT was the morning after the events related in the last chapter .  The scene changes to a beautiful little villa in the environs of Upper Clapton .  This charming retreat , which consisted of a main building two storeys high , and wings each containing only one apartment , was constructed of yellow bricks that had retained their primitive colour , the dwelling being too far from the metropolis to be affected by its smoky exhalations .  The villa stood in the midst of a small garden , beautifully laid out in the French style of Louis XV .  ; and around it — interrupted only by the avenue leading to the front door of the dwelling — was a grove of evergreens .  This grove formed a complete circle , and bounded the garden ; and the entire enclosure was protected by a regular paling , painted white .  This miniature domain , consisting of about four acres , was one of the most beautiful spots in the neighbourhood of London ; and behind it — far as the eye could reach — stretched the green fields , smiling and cultivated like those of Tuscany .  In front of the villa was a small grass plot , in the centre of which was a basin of clear and pellucid water , upon whose surface floated two noble swans , and other aquatic birds of a curious species .  Every now and then the silence of the morning was broken by the bay of several sporting-dogs , which occupied , in the rear of the building , kennels more cleanly and more carefully attended upon than the dwellings of many millions of Christians .  And yet the owner of that villa wanted not charity : witness the poor woman and two children who have just emerged from the servants 'offices laden with cold provisions , and with a well-filled bundle of other necessaries .  At the door of a stable a groom was seen dismounting from the back of a thorough-bred chestnut mare , which had just returned from an airing , and upon which he cast a glance of mingled pride and affection .  The windows of the villa were embellished with flowers in pots and vases of curious workmanship ; and outside the casements of the chambers upon the first floor were suspended cages containing beautiful singing birds .  To the interior of one of those rooms must we direct the attention of the reader .  It was an elegant boudoir : and yet it could scarcely justify the name ; for by a boudoir we understand something completely feminine , whereas this contained articles of male and female use and attire strangely commingled — pell-mell — together .  Upon a toilet-table were all the implements necessary for the decoration and embellishment of female beauty ; and carelessly thrown over a chair were a coat , waistcoat , and trousers .  A diminutive pair of patent-leather Wellington boots kept company with delicate morocco shoes , to which sandals were affixed .  A huge press , half-open , disclosed an array of beautiful dresses — silk , satin , and precious stuffs of all kinds ; and on a row of pegs were hung a scarlet hunting-coat , a shooting-jacket , a jockey-cap , and other articles of attire connected with field sports and masculine recreations .  Parasols , foils , single-sticks , dandy-canes , and hunting-whips , were huddled together in one corner of that bureau .  And yet all the confusion of these various and discrepant objects was so regular in appearance — if the phrase can be understood — that it seemed as if some cunning hand had purposely arranged them all so as to strike the eye in a manner calculated to encourage the impression that this elegant boudoir was inhabited by a man of strange feminine tastes , or a woman of extraordinary masculine ones .  There was no pompous nor gorgeous display of wealth in this boudoir : its interior , like that of the whole villa throughout , denoted competence and ease — elegance and taste , but no useless luxury nor profuse expenditure .  The window of the boudoir was half open .  A bowl of chrystal water , containing gold and silver fish , stood upon a table in the recess of the casement .  The chirrup of the birds echoed through the room , which was perfumed with the odour of sweet flowers .  By the wall facing the window stood a French bed , on the head and foot of which fell pink satin curtains , flowing from a gilt-headed arrow fixed near the ceiling .  It was now nine o'clock , and the sun shed a flood of golden light through the half-open casement upon that couch which was so voluptuous and so downy .  A female of great beauty , and apparently about five-and-twenty years of age , was reading in that bed .  Her head reposed upon her hand , and her elbow upon the pillow : and that hand was buried in a mass of luxuriant light chestnut hair , which flowed down upon her back , her shoulders , and her bosom ; but not so as altogether to conceal the polished ivory whiteness of the plump fair flesh .  The admirable slope of the shoulders , the swan-like neck , and the exquisite symmetry of the bust , were descried even amidst those masses of luxuriant and shining hair .  A high and ample forehead , hazel eyes , a nose perfectly straight , small but pouting lips , brilliant teeth , and a well rounded chin , were additional charms to augment the attractions of that delightful picture .  The whole scene was one of soft voluptuousness — the birds , the flowers , the vase of gold and silver fish , the tasteful arrangements of the boudoir , the French bed , and the beautiful creature who reclined in that couch , her head supported upon the well-turned and polished arm , the dazzling whiteness of which no envious sleeve concealed !  From time to time the eyes of that sweet creature were raised from the book , and thrown around the room in a manner that denoted , if not mental anxiety , at least a state of mind not completely at ease .  Now and then , too , a cloud passed over that brow which seemed the very throne of innocence and candour ; and a sigh agitated the breast which the sunbeams covered as it were with kisses .  Presently the door was opened softly , and an elderly female , well but simply dressed , and of placid and reserved aspect , entered the room .  " Mr. Stephens is below , " said the servant ; " I told him you had not risen yet , and he says he will await your convenience .  "  " I know not how it is , " exclaimed the lady impatiently , " but I never felt less disposed for the visit of him whom I regard as my benefactor .  Ah !  Louisa , " she added , a cloud overspreading her entire countenance , " I feel as if one of those dreadful attacks of despondency — one of those fearful fits of alarm and foreboding — of presentiment of evil , were coming on ; and — — "  " Pray calm yourself , " interrupted the servant , speaking in a kind and imploring tone .  " Remember that the very walls have ears ; that a word spoken in too high a tone may betray your secret ; and heaven alone knows what would be the result of such an appalling discovery !  "  " Yes , it is that horrible mystery , " ejaculated the lady , " which fills me with the most acute apprehensions .  Compelled to sustain a constant cheat — to feel that I am a living , a breathing , a moving falsehood , a walking lie ; — forced to crush all the natural amenities — ay , and even the amiable weaknesses of my sex ; governed by an imperious necessity against which it is now impossible to rebel , — how can I do otherwise than experience moments of unutterable anguish !  "  " You must still have patience — patience only for a few months — three short months , — and the result of all this suspense — the end of all this anxiety , will be no doubt as advantageous — as immensely important and beneficial — as we are led to believe .  "  " True : we are bound to believe a man who seems so serious in all his actions with regard to me , " said the lady , after a short pause , during which she seemed to be wrapped up in a deep reverie .  " But why does he keep me in the dark with regard to the true nature of that grand result ?  Why does he not trust me , who have placed such unbounded , such implicit confidence in him ?  "  " He is afraid lest an unguarded moment on your part should betray what he assures us to be of the most vital — the last importance , " answered the domestic , in a kindly remonstrative tone .  " And really , my dearest girl , " she added , affectionately , — " pardon me for calling you so — — "  " Ah !  Louisa , you are my dearest friend !  " said the lady energetically .  " You , and you alone , have supported my courage during the four years and a half that this horrible deceit has already lasted ; your kindness — — "  " I have only done my duty , and acted as my heart dictated , " mildly replied the female dependant .  " But as I was observing , you are so very imprudent , as it is ; and can you expect that Mr. Stephens will reveal to you the minute details of a scheme , which — — "  " Imprudent !  " hastily exclaimed the lady : " how am I imprudent ?  Do I not follow all his directions — all your advice ?  Have I not even learned to talk to the very groom in his own language about the horses and the dogs ?  and do I not scamper across the country , upon my chestnut mare , with him following upon the bay horse at my heels , as if we were both mad ?  And then you say that I am imprudent , when I have done all I can to sustain the character which I have assumed ?  And with the exception of these rides , how seldom do I go abroad ?  Half-a-dozen names include all my acquaintances : and no one — no one ever comes here !  This is , indeed , a hermit 'sdwelling !  How can you say that I am imprudent ?  "  " Without going out of this very room , " began Louisa , with a smile , " I could — — "  " Ah !  the eternal remonstrances against these habiliments of my sex !  " exclaimed the lady , drawing back the satin curtain at the head of the bed with her snow-white arm , and glancing towards the bureau which contained the female dresses : " ever those remonstrances !  Alas !  I should die — I could not support this appalling deceit — were I not to gratify my woman 'sfeelings from time to time ?  Do you think that I can altogether rebel against nature , and not experience the effects ?  And , in occasionally soothing my mind with the occupations natural to my sex , have I ever been imprudent ?  When I have dressed my hair as it should ever be dressed — when I have put on one of those silk or muslin robes , merely to see myself reflected in my mirror — and , oh !  what a pardonable vanity under such circumstances !  — have I ever been imprudent enough to set foot outside this retreat — this boudoir , to which you alone are ever admitted ?  Do I ever dress with the blinds of the windows raised ?  No : I have done all that human being can do to support my spirits during this sad trial , and sustain the character I have assumed .  But if it be desired that I should altogether forget my sex — and cling to the garb of a man ; if I may never — not even for an hour in the evening — follow my fantasy , and relieve my mind by resuming the garb which is natural to me — within these four walls — unseen by a soul save you — — "  " Yes , yes , you shall have your way , " interrupted Louisa soothingly .  " But Mr. Stephens waits : will you not rise and see him ?  "  " It is my duty , " said the lady resignedly .  " He has surrounded me with every comfort and every luxury which appetite can desire or money procure ; and , however he may ultimately benefit by this proceeding , in the meantime my gratitude is due to him .  "  " The delicacy of his conduct towards you equals his liberality , " observed Louisa pointedly .  " Yes ; notwithstanding the peculiarity of our relative position , not a word , not a look disrespectful towards me from the first moment of our acquaintance !  He faithfully adheres to his portion of the contract , and I will as religiously observe mine .  "  " You speak wisely and consistently , " said Louisa ; " and the result of your honourable conduct towards Mr. Stephens will no doubt be a recompense which will establish your fortunes for life .  "  " That hope sustains me .  Oh !  how happy , thrice happy shall I be , when , the period of my emancipation being arrived , I may escape to some distant part of my own native country , or to some foreign clime , resume the garb belonging to my sex , and live in a way consistent with nature , and suitable to my taste .  It is in anticipation of those golden moments that I from time to time retire into the impenetrable mystery of this boudoir , and dress myself in the garb which I love , and which is my own .  And when that elysian age shall come , oh !  how shall I divert my mind with a retrospection upon these long weary weeks and months , during which I have been compelled to study habits opposed to my taste and feeling — to affect a love of horses and dogs , that a manly predilection may avert attention from a feminine countenance , — and to measure each word that falls from my lips , to study each attitude which my form assumes , and to relinquish pursuits and occupations which my mind adores .  "  The lady threw herself back upon her pillow and gave way to a delicious reverie .  Louisa did not attempt to disturb her for some minutes .  At length she murmured something about " keeping Mr. Stephens waiting rather longer than usual ; " and her mistress , acting by a sudden impulse , rose from her couch .  Then followed the mysterious toilet .  Stays , curiously contrived , gave to that exquisitely modelled form as much as possible the appearance of the figure of a man .  The swell of the bosom , slightly compressed , was rendered scarcely apparent by padding skilfully placed , so as to fill up and flatten the undulating bust .  The position of the waist was lowered ; and all this was effected without causing the subject of so strange a transformation any pain or uneasiness .  The semi-military blue frock coat , buttoned up to the throat , completed the disguise ; and as this species of garment is invariably somewhat prominent about the chest , the very fashion of its make materially aided an effectual concealment , by averting surprise at the gentle protuberance of the breast , in the present instance .  Louisa arranged the luxuriant and flowing hair with particular attention , bestowing as much as possible a masculine appearance upon that which would have been a covering worthy of a queen .  The toilet being thus completed , this strange being to whom we have introduced our readers , descended to a parlour on the ground floor .  When Louisa left the boudoir she carefully locked the door and consigned the key to her pocket .  CHAPTER VIII .  THE CONVERSATION .  THE parlour which that lovely and mysterious creature — who now seemed a youth of about twenty — entered upon the ground floor , was furnished with taste and elegance .  Everything was light , airy , and graceful .  The windows were crowded with flowers that imparted a delicious perfume to the atmosphere , and afforded a picture upon which the eye rested with pleasure .  A recess was fitted up with book-shelves , which were supplied with the productions of the best poets and novelists of England and France .  Around the walls were suspended several paintings — chiefly consisting of sporting subjects .  Over the mantel , however , were two miniatures , executed in water-colours in the first style of the art , and representing the one a lovely youth of sixteen , the other a beautiful girl of twenty .  And never was resemblance more striking .  The same soft and intelligent hazel eyes — the same light hair , luxuriant , silky , and shining — the some straight nose — the same vermilion lips , and well-turned chin .  At a glance it was easy to perceive that they were brother and sister ; and as the countenance of the former was remarkably feminine and delicate , the likeness between them was the more striking .  Beneath the miniature of the brother , in small gilt letters upon the enamelled frame , was the word Walter : under the portrait of the sister was the name of Eliza .  Attired as she now was , the mysterious being whom we have introduced to our readers , perfectly resembled the portrait of Walter : attired as she ought to have been , consistently with her sex , she would have been the living original of the portrait of Eliza .  Upon a sofa in the parlour , some of the leading features of which we have just described , a man , dressed with great neatness , but no ostentatious display , was lounging .  He was in reality not more than three or four and thirty years of age ; although a seriousness of countenance — either admirably studied , or else occasioned by habits of business and mental combination — made him appear ten years older .  He was handsome , well-formed , and excessively courteous and fascinating in his manners : but , when he was alone , or not engaged in conversation , he seemed plunged in deep thought , as if his brain were working upon numerous plans and schemes of mighty and vital import .  The moment the heroine of the boudoir entered the parlour , Mr. Stephens — for he was the individual whom we have just described — rose and accosted her in a manner expressive of kindness , respect , and patronage .  " My dear Walter , " he exclaimed , " it is really an age since I have seen you .  Six weeks have elapsed , and I have not been near you .  But you received my letter , stating that I was compelled to proceed to Paris upon most particular business ?  "  " Yes , my dear sir , " answered the lady , — or in order that some name may in future characterise her , we will call her Walter , or Mr. Walter Sydney , for that was indeed the appellation by which she was known , — " yes , my dear sir , I received your letter , and the handsome presents and remittances accompanying it .  For each and all I return you my sincere thanks : but really , with regard to money , you are far too lavish towards me .  Remember that I scarcely have any opportunity of being extravagant , " added Walter , with a smile ; " for I scarcely ever stir abroad , save to take my daily rides ; and you know that I never receive company , that my acquaintances are limited , so limited — — "  " I know , my dear Walter , that you follow my advice as closely as can be expected , " said Mr. Stephens .  " Three short months more and my object will be achieved .  We shall then be both of us above the reach of Fortune 'scaprices and vicissitudes .  Oh !  how glorious — how grand will be this achievement !  how well worth all the sacrifices that I have required you to make .  "  " Ah !