_Coke Clifton to Guy Fairfax_
_London, Dover Street_
All is over, Fairfax!--I am just brought from the scene of blood!--You
see this is not my hand-writing--My hand must never write more--But I
would employ the little strength I have, in relating 'the last scene of
this eventful history'. My sister is my amanuensis. These surgical
meddlers issued their edict that I should not speak; but they found I
could be as obstinate as themselves: I would not suffer a probe to be
drawn at me till I had written, for when they begin I expect it will
soon be over.
I remember I ended my last at the very minute I was about to mount my
horse. It was a wintery day. The rain fell in sheets, and the wind
roared in my face. My pistols were charged and locked in my pocket.
I rode full speed, but I set off too late! When I approached the
madhouse, I heard the most piercing shrieks and cries of murder!--They
mingled with the storm, in wild and appalling horror!--I rang
violently at the bell!... A ready and an eager hand soon flew to open
the gate--It was Anna St. Ives!--A boy shewed her the way--It was her
cries and his, mingled with the blasphemies of the wretches above,
which I had heard!