Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 328: what you’re looking at

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ELLEN PERCY; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS fell into Miss Gower’s lap; aud she, doudtless thinking that he had playfully dropped it there for _ her to read, instantaneously took it up. The next moment Lord Frederick snatched it from her hand: then the unfortunate Felicia sank back in her chair—and all was immediately confusion in that box, for she had fainted. The incidents which I have just described were all the work of a few instants; and as the general attention of the audience was at the time riveted upon the performance that was in progress upon the stage, I did not think it probable that many eyes besides my own observed all the minutie of that little scene previous to the swooning of Felicia Gower. Then there was the usual sensation which occurs in a theatre when any such incident takes place ; and I heard several voices in the pit saying, * She has fainted through the heat.” Lord Frederick Ravouscliffe sustained her in his arms for a moment or two, until her lady-com- panions lent their succour; and the poor girl was borne out of the box. I knew not now what course to adopt. Whether it were a note from Melissa or from my father which had produced such an effect first of all upon Lord Frederick himself, and then upon Felicia, it nevertheless ap- peared quite certain that the young nobleman had become aware of some imponding storm. Would he now endeavour to save himself by flight? I was for some moments bewildered how to act,— when I suddenly resolved upon repairing to the entrance-hall of the theatre. Thither I accord- ingly sped; and just at that moment my father made his appearance—not in his disguise, but in his usual apparel. “ Here is the note!” he at once said as I ac- costed him. * Let it be sent to Lord Frederick!” * No—it is useless,” I replied; for 1 was now convinced that the billet which had been delivered to the young nobleman in the box emanated from Melissa. ‘ Follow me quickly !” I hastily led the way up the grand staircase: I showed my father the passage communicating with the tier of boxes to which Lord Frederick’s belonged; and [ said, “ You will find him some- where in that direction !” But scarcely had I thus spoken, when Lord Frederick himself was seen advancing, sustaining Felicia with his arm. She had now recovered: the other young ladies were following; and it was evident that the party was about to leave the theatre. Lord Frederick was whispering in a low and earnest tone to Miss Gower, who was as white as a sheet and had an anxious, dismayed, and be- wildered look. Doubtless her treacherous com- panion was endeavouring to reassure her in re- spect to the contents of the billet, whatever they were, which had produced such a powerful effect upon her. Indeed, so intent was he on his earnest whispefing in her ear, that he did not at first notice my father, who was advancing to meet him —while I, with my veil drawn down over my countenance, remained at a little distance. * Ah!” ejaculated Lord Frederick, as he sud- denly caught sight of my father’s countenance. * You here ?” “Yes, my lord,” replied my father; “and I desire immediate speech with your lordship. Per- haps you will read this note:’—and he handed the one he had written according to the instruc- 315 tions contained in the letter which I had sent off by the underline of the theatre. “ This lady,” I said, now stepping forward, and alluding to Felicla—who, as well as her com- panions, was evidently astonished at the inci- dent that was transpiring,—“ has just been seized with indisposition in the theatre; and perhaps it will be better for his lordship to escort her to her carriage before he reads that note,” * Yos, yes—I will do so!” exclaimed the young nobleman, who had started with terror and sur- prise on recognising me, while his whole appear- ance was that of a person who felt as if he wero standing on the very brink of perdition. He hurried Felicia away,—the other young ladies closely following ; while my father and I brought up the rear; for I was determined not to lose sight of the young nobleman—and having a most difficult as well as important business in hand, I could not be swayed by any consideration of what the young ladies might think. We de- scended the stairs—we reached the entrance-hall —and there Lord Frederick bade some one go out and inquire for the carriages of Lord Carshalton and Mr. Gower. During the few minutes which elapsed ere the messenger returned, I saw that Lord Frederick continued to speak in a low and earnest manner to Felicia: but she no longer held his arm—she looked agitated and distressed—she listened in silence to what he said—and she flung anxious inquiring glances towards my father and myself. I continued to feel deeply pained on ac- count of the young lady, who evidently saw that something was wrong: but there was no help for it—it was impossible to avoid the infliction of the distress of perplexity upon her mind. The messenger returned with the intimation that the carriages were in readiness; and the party pursued its way down the steps at the en- trance of the theatre. Felicia and three of her companions were handed into one equipage: the two remaining young ladies took their seats in the other. Lord Frederick lifted his hat in fare- well salutation; and as the carriages drove off, he turned round, to be immediately confronted by my father and myself. * My lord,” I eaid, “if you value your own safety, utter not here a single syllable that may be overheard by the persons standing by !” He was completely dismayed by my presence; and I therefore knew that Melissa must have con- veyed to him the warning that I had diseovered everything in respect to Lord Tynedale’s cheque. “But this note,’ faltered Lord Frederick, glancing at my father,—“this note which you placed in my hand——” “I is unnecessary to read it now,” I hastily interrupted him. “You will accompany us to Hunter Street.” > I spoke in a peremptory manner ; and the young nobleman looked as if he were about to be led forth to the place of execution. A cab was af once summoned: we all three entered it; and it drove away from the theatre. (COMMU NOOK (COU