Madame Flamingo’s house, as you may judge, is much out in
its dignity, and in a general uproar. There was something
touching-something that the graver head might ponder over, in the words
of this unfortunate girl—“I have struggled!” A heedless and
gold-getting world seldom enters upon the mystery of its meaning. But
it hath a meaning deep and powerful in its appeal to society- one that
might serve the good of a commonwealth did society stoop and take it by
the hand.
So sudden was the motion with which this girl snatched the mask from
the face of the Judge, (he stood as if appalled,) that, ere he had
gained his self-possession, she drew from her girdle a pearl-hilted
stiletto, and in attempting to ward off the dreadful lunge, he struck
it from her hand, and into her own bosom. The weapon fell gory to the
floor-the blood trickled down her bodice-a cry of “murder” resounded
through the hall! The administrator of justice rushed out of the door
as the unhappy girl swooned in the arms of her partner. A scene so
confused and wild that it bewilders the brain, now ensued. Madame
Flamingo calls loudly for Mr. Soloman; and as the reputation of her
house is uppermost in her thoughts, she atones for its imperiled
condition by fainting in the arms of a grave old gentleman, who was
beating a hasty retreat, and whose respectability she may compromise
through this uncalled-for act.
A young man of slender form, and pale, sandy features, makes his way
through the crowd, clasps Anna affectionately in his arms, imprints a
kiss on her pallid brow, and bears her out of the hall.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account