The String of Pearls (1850), p. 605

Johanna drew a long breath of relief, and then Mark Ingestrie cried in a voice of surprise—
"What? Do you mean to say you have been in the city before you came here, sir?"
"I have, my friend, and I have been to Colonel Jeffery's, too, before I came here. If I had not, I should not be able to indulge myself with the pleasure of staying here for even the short time that I have been beneath your roof. I must, however, go."
"Something has happened!" said Johanna.
"So there has," said the magistrate with a smile, "but it cannot be anything very serious, you know, as all our dear friends are well. Anything falls light in comparison with the health and happiness of those whom we love."
"Oh, yes—yes," said Johanna. "You are right, and you are very good to preface bad news in so kind a manner, Sir .Richard. It is good, and kind, and grateful, and like you in all respects. I thank you from my heart."
"But what's it all about?" cried Mark Ingestrie. Good gracious, what's it all about? Who talks of bad news? If all our friends are well, how can there be bad news? Do not keep us in suspense, Sir Richard?"
"No—no," said Johanna.
"I will not."
Both Johanna and Mark Ingestrie looked most intently at the magistrate, as he said in his quiet way—
"Sweeney Todd has escaped from Newgate, and is now at large!"
Mark Ingestrie sprang to his feet, and Johanna, for a moment, turned rather pale.
"The villain!" cried Mark.
"Hush!" said Johanna. "Oh, hush, Mark!"
"It was of the utmost importance," continued Sir Richard Blunt, speaking quite calmly, "that all who were in any way comprehended in the list of what Sweeney Todd would call his enemies, should be speedily informed of this fact, and that is what has brought me to Chelsea at so early an hour in the morning."
"We thank you from our hearts," said Johanna.
"We do, indeed," said Mark. "But let him beware of me. He dare not, villain as he is, come within the reach of my arm. The spirit of my poor murdered friend, Thornhill, will cry aloud for vengeance, and nothing should save the murderer from death."
"Oh, Mark—Mark!" said Johanna, "do not speak in such a strain. You do not know Todd. You know nothing of the character and of the capabilities of that man. He is not only one of the most wicked, but he is likewise one of the most crafty and unscrupulous."
"That is true," said the magistrate. "He does not know him. Do you suppose for one moment, Mr. Ingestrie, that I would have ridden over here to give you such a special warning concerning this man, if I apprehended any open attack? No—that I could have trusted to you to ward off. Your life has been one of danger and adventure; but not you, nor I, nor all the world can be prepared against what Todd may, in the profound depths of his imagination, attempt."
"All that is true," said Johanna, "most true."
"You now really alarm me!" said Mark.
"Then I did not mean to do so. All I wished was that you should be made aware of the real extent of the possible danger. For myself, I look upon all such men as Sweeney Todd as mad men, to a certain extent; and now that he is deprived of his money, there is no knowing but he may be willing to sacrifice his life for the gratification of, no doubt, one of the most powerful feelings of his mind, which is revenge!"
"No doubt," said Johanna.
A flush of colour came over the cheek of the young husband, and he took the hand of Johanna in his, as he said—