Rose Mortimer; Or, The Ballet-Girl's Revenge — page 67: what you’re looking at

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

THE BALLET-GIRL’S REVENGE. ee “You see,’’ said the man, “that we are willing— nay, anxious—to treat you with every consideration and forbearance ; but you must obey us. I think now that you will do as we request.” Rose was humbled. ‘“ What do you wish?” she. demanded in faltering accents. “* Dress yourself,” “‘ But my clothing is gone,” ‘“In the things youhaye, then.’ —_ “At least, let me know the purpose for this strange diguise.”’ ‘‘ No—enough for you that you have a mission to fulfil which you must and shall carry out. Don’t at- tempt to thwart us, for you see how you will fail, and the consequences of the attempt must recoil upon you with disastrous effect.” Further resistance was useless. And now that Rose had no other alternative she hastily arrayed herself in the suit of male clothing. The alacrity with which she now obeyed the re- quest—or rather command—of the man procured her much more consideration than before, and he waited patiently without, until she announced that she was ready. Then he entered. A glance at his costume showed her that he was attired for travelling—a circumstance which she men- tally noted, as she wondered if it had anything to do with her own disposal. For a minute or two he surveyed her attentively, in a way that brought the crimson blood with a rush into her fair face. She made, in truth, a dashing young man, and her glass had of course assured her of the fact. The close scrutiny to which she was now subjected, therefore, caused her blushes to rise, for she could not but attribute his glances to admiration. “It is really marvellous !’’? he exclaimed. “ You will do capitally ; but you must not move about with those mincing little steps now, or you will be dis- covered at once.”’ “* By whom ?”’ ‘““No matter that—by any one who chances to see you—any one that we do not wish should dis- cover you.”’ ‘* But, at least, tell me the reason I should fear dis- covery.” * Not a word.”’ This was all he would utter, and Rose was forced to rest contented. Arrived below, he led her into an apartment in which a meal of the most sumptuous description was prepared. Here he handed her to a chair, with a politeness Which seemed to come but ill from one who had observed such a singular behaviour towards her before. “Eat,” hesaid. ‘‘ Take as much refreshment as you can now, for we are about to start upon a long jour- ney.”’ Rose did not now even contemplate discussing the authority by which he uttered his commands. The air of command appeared to be quite natural to him, and after a short time she did not think of gainsaying anything he advanced, even though she was so immediately interested. While she was partaking of the rich viands_ be- fore her the old man returned. He greeted our heroine with agrave inclination of the head, and then turned to the younger man. “Good morning, Maurice,’”’ he said, in the gruff tone which had so startled Rose upon the previous day. ** Good day, sir.” Are you ready 2” 61 ‘Not quite,” said the other, glancing at their guest. F080 caught the look, and at once moved from the able. ‘Do not disturb yourself,’ said the old man. “Maurice will wait for you. You understand ?”’ The latter words were addressed to the young man, who bowed in reply. . ‘Oh, I.am quite prepared,’”’ said Rose Mortimer. ** Nay, but you had better breakfast well ere we depart,”’ said Maurice. ‘‘ We shall not make a stage for some time yet.” The old man now motioned to the last speaker to leave the room. Then he drew a chair for Rose, and placed himself at the table opposite to her. ** Now,” said he, ‘‘ before we leave I have a word or two of caution to impress upon you, to which I beg you will give your best attention,” Rose bowed in silence. “Your name is henceforth Edgar Deville,” he began. ‘* Edgar Deville ?” ce Ary.2? ce mui ‘Pardon me,” said the old man. ‘In order to lose no time at present, oblige me by listening with attention to what I have to say, without interruption. I told you yesterday that you had to play a part ina comedy of real life.’’ ** You did, sir.’’ “Then remember. Explanations for, the present are impossible. But bear in mind, as your starting point, that you answer only to the name of Edgar Deville.” ‘Very well, sir.’”’ *‘The part we now call upon you to play touches upon a most critical business for myself and Maurice. Follow out our instructions implicitly. Have what confidence in us you may—”’ “Confidence ?”’ interrupted Rose. impossible !” ‘‘ Perhaps. But no matter. Under any circum- stances you must obey us to the letter, and all will be well. You will achieve a brilliant position, be courted and féted in society, and have incalculable wealth at your command.” Rose was perfectly. dumbfounded. ‘* But surely, sir,’’ she said, ‘there must be some explanation of this.” ‘¢ Anon.”’ ** And is it possible for me to play such a part as that to which you allude in utter ignorance of its ob- ject?” ‘* Perfectly.” “But, sir, I entreat you, if possible, to give me some explanation, and rely upon my discretion.” ‘¢ Presently, I tell you,’ replied the old man. ‘‘ For the present you must be satisfied that whatever you may have to do with us now can only result in your own social advancement. Any other girl would have jumped at such an offer as ours, believe me.”’ ‘“T do believe you,’”’ replied Rose, ‘‘ and therefore I cannot imagine why you have forced your benefits upon me, who am 60 unwilling to serve my own ad- vancement.”’ ‘Unwilling, ay? And that’s the mystery to me, that you, whom we have rescued from such a pre- carious mode of existence, should have displayed so much obstinacy.”’ ‘‘ Not obstinacy, sir,” said Rose. ‘‘ If I am so well treated by you and Mr. Maurice, as you call tho gentleman who has just left us, I can but be grateful for your kindness. I only object to work in the dark.’ Tut, tut!” said the gentleman impatiently. ‘* I.ct ‘Oh! that is COMMCsOOKS.EORnn —— —-i