Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 207: what you’re looking at

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

ed at TE AT eT LT LE LCT, RE OE LL LLL 194 Dairymple aiight from the second equipage: but it was in a low tone that the ejaculation was given forth, and the expression of her countenance at once became sombre and gloomy. Now, the reader must bear in mind that it was exactly seven months since that memorable scene in the jeweller’s shop which had led to such start- ling revelations for Mary Glentworth, — seven months since she learnt that the Duke of Ard- leigh was her father, — seven months since she discovered that in the person of Clarence Beau- champ she had loved her own half-brother, the Marquis of Dalrymple! Woauat unlucky stars had combined their malig- nant influences to bring all these personages at the same time beneath the same roof? I sawina moment that the Ardleigh family would be sure to learn presently that myself and Mary Glentworth were there; for it must transpire in the course of conrersation with Lady Frederick Ravenscliffe, as she was ignorant that there were any reasons why the fact had better be concealed. Mary understood what was passing in my mind; and she said coldly, “Do not annoy yourself, my dear Ellen, on account of this oceurrence; for the Ard- leigh family is nothing to me. I have told you as pouch before. I shall keep my own room, and take care to avoid a meeting during the hour or two that they may perhaps remain beneath this roof.” “At all events, my dear Mary,” I said, “as Juliet is acquainted with so much that concerns you, why not suffer her to know the rest >—why not let her be taken entirely into your confidence ? If you assent, I will speed and whisper in her ear that there are most special reasons why your name should not be mentioned in the presence of the Ardleigh family; ard on another occasion we will tell her the whole truth.” “Do as you like, Ellen,” responded Mary: “and perhaps it would be better for you to act as you have suggested.” Mary Glentworth now hurried up to her own chamber, while I proceeded down stairs to ascer- tain to what extent the Duchess of Ardleigh was injured, and likewise to whisper a few hasty words in Juliet’s ear. On reaching the hall I found that much confusion prevailed: the Duke’s domestics aud the servants of River House were running hither and thither, or else were conversing in low mysterious whispers. I hastened to the dining- room, to which the Duchess had been borne; and I beheld her stretched upon the sofa—her hus- band, her son, and Juliet bending over her, while her own lady’s-maid and Juliet’s were removing her bonnet and shawl. “T hope that her Grace is not seriously in- jured ?” I asked in a whisper of Juliet. Lady Frederick Ravenseljffe shook her head ominously,—at the same time replying in a very low tone, “ She is evidently much hurt: but we know not as yet to what extent. We have sent for Mr. Singleton.” The Marquis of Dalrymple now observed me ; and at once taking my hand, he pressed it with the fervour of true friendship, at the same time looking both amazed and pleased to find me there. The Duke was also astonished at recognising me; and he whispered, “ This is a bad business, Miss Perey : I don’t know how it will end. Tho idea ELLEN PERCY; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS. of an unfenced ditch by the side of a public high- way! I should as soon think of having an un- covered well next to my drawing-room! But I wish that fellow Peaseblossom had been here af “See, my lord!” I interrupted him; “ her Grace moves! She groans—she is in great pain——” “Ah, poor creature! no wonder !” responded the Duke ; “ for her head came in violent con. cussion with the frame-work of the carriage door as it fell over.” I now seized an opportunity to draw Juliet aside for a moment; and [I hastily whispered, * Do not mention the name of Mary Glentworth in the presence of any of these personages! Iwill give you suflicient reasons on another occasion.” Juliet bent upon me a look of intelligenee, as much as to imply that my wish should be com- plied with, whatsoever its motive might be; and we returned to the sofa whereon lay the Duchess of Ardleigh. In a few minutes Mr. Singleton was announced ; and he at once proceeded to ex- amine the Duchess of Ardleigh’s head. As [I watched his countenance, [ perceived thaé it gra. dually lost much of the ominous seriousness which it at first wore; and at length he said, “ The in- jury is great; but so far as I can now judge, it is by no means necessary that it should prove fatal. The Duchess must be conveyed to a Nalcuaieies and it is probable that for several days—it may even be for weeks—she must be kept as quiet as possible beneath this roof,” “Do you not think it better,” inquired the Duke, “ to move her Grace up to Londos—to our own mansion ?—One word aside with you, if you please, sir!” I had noticed that Mr. Singleton was looking very hard at the Duke; and [ now all in a mo. ment comprehended why if was that his Grace suddenly took him aside. Mr, Singleton was the surgeon who had been called in on the night of Mrs. Glentworth’s death: he had then seen the Duke of Ardleigh, whom he however believed to be only plain Mr. Glentworth, the deceased lady’s brother-in-law. Now, ail in a moment he had re- cognised that same self-styled Mr. Glentworth in the Duke of Ardleigh who stood before him! It was therefore no doubt for the purpose of giving some few syllables of explanation that the Duke drew Mr. Singleton aside in the manner which I have just described. * And now about the removal?” said the Duke, when their hastily whispered colloquy of a few minutes was over. ** Impossible, my lord!” answered Mr. Single. ton: “ it would be the death of her Grace!” “ The hospitalities of River House,” said Juliet, * though no doubt humble ana insignificant toa degree in comparison with the princely magnifi- cence which prevails at Ardleigh House, shail be most cordially afforded % “Ob, I have no doubt of that, Lady Frederick,” replied the Duke: “ but I only thought i “ Father,” interrupted the Marquis of Dal- rymple, in that tone of reproof which he not un- frequently adopted towards the Duke, for whora he scarcely experienced very much respect, “ Lady Frederick Ravenscliffe has spoken most kindiy and generously ; and all our gratitude is her ladyship’s due.” »? . com Gboo EC ALLOA LL LAD OLED er OS a Oe ee a ee nen ae ee C- (E©)