The Mysteries of the Court of London Vol. 7 — page 197: what you’re looking at

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182 THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. — on A 8 Ee — — which be constantly though secretly cherished : namely, of introducing him thoroughly, and with- out any more cautious and guarded efforts, inte the very best society. This was the real secret of the marriage so far as he himself was concerned —though the world suspected if not, because ho had ever managed to conceal that one weakness which he possessed—we mean the yearning after patrician acquaintances. But ae for his espousing so young a creature,—in the firat place, the oppor- tunity presented itself, and he had seized upon it. Secondly, his moncyocratic pride had made him calculate that his wealth was a fair set-off against Lady Auastatia’s high birth—and that in return for the riches he could give, the borrowed lustre of her rank was a fair compensation. And then again, no matter how shrewd a man may be in every other sort of calculation, yet in respect to matrimony he never thinke himself too old for a wife, however youthful: hie vanity will not per- mit him to recognise the disparity which others see: he flatters himself that he possesses every quality to command respect and secure esteem. Perhaps in reference to love, a person of Sir Frederick Latham’s disposition might have treated the idea somewhat scornfully,—looking upon it as & mere piece of romauce—well enough for school- boys and puling misses to read abuut— but exist- ing as nothing which ought to enter into those calculations whereupon matrimony ie based. Two years of wedded life had Anastatia thus experienced; and her lot did not appear to be an unhappy one. Those who had known her from her childhood, even went eo far as to declare that she was perfectly bappy. Very certain it was that she presided with the utmost amiability, as well as with cheerfulness, over the sumptuous entertain- ments which were so frequently given at Tudor House. There was always that interesting sweet- ness about ber which, by » little stretch of senti- mentalism, might be taken fur an habitual pen- siveness, sqrene without being melancholy; and thus perhaps it was quite natural for some to suppose that she hed either courageously or elge meekly resigned hereelf to theslot which destiny, operating through the medium of family circum- etances and her parents’ will, had provided for her. . There was no issue from this ,union; and Sir Vrederick Latham was never heard to express a regret that he had no heir to his title and pro- perty. But because he said nothing, it was no reason that be felt nothing on the subject : he was @ man who would never betray any cause of vexation—his pride would not permit him. He suffered himself not to be elated by joy, nor to be depressed by any circumstance calculated to vex or afflict. It was hie study ewr to maintain that sort of cold equanimity whiga was habitual to him, and which indeed ered #0 many pur- poses, alike in his busi pirsuits and in his intercourse with friends and acquaintances. Thus, even if he bad longed with the deepest, deepest yearning for an heir, the world would not have known it. We must say a few niore words in a descriptive senee before we resume the thread of that episode which we believe will not prove the least interest- ng in our narrative. The reader will doubtless be . anxious to know upon what terms Sir Frederick Ebene eee r - and his wife lived together. As there was as- surediy no love on either side, there was no senti- mental display of affection between them. Sir Frederick was as kinfl as his habits and manner would allow him to be: while Anastatia strove to perform to her utmost all the duties of a wife. There was nothing fond nor caressing, much less playful or uxorious, in Sir Frederick Latham’s conduct towards his wife: Ut on¢tbe other hand, the kind courtesy with wifich he treated her, was never capriciously nor causelessly interrupted. He made her his companion, and in some respects his friend—but not wholly so: for he never spoke to her on business-matters— never gave her the slightest insight into the extent of his wealth— merely proved to her by his deeds that he was wealthy, and considered that sufficient. In respect to the mansion and the grounds, he certainly con- sulted her taste at times on a few minor matters— but always jn a way that seemed to indicate that bis own opinion was already settled on the subject. Nevertheless, if Anastatia happened to express a desire that anything particular should be done, her husband said nothing to her at the time; but the mandate immediately went forth from his lips to those whom it concerned—and the thing was done. Towards Sir Frederick, Anastatia was mild and gentle—becauee this was fier nature: she was sub- missive without being servile—duteous without losing sight of her own proper dignity as a wite. As to the society they kept and the acquaintances they oberished, there could be no possible dispute between them,—inasmuch as none but men of known honour and probity were ever introduced by Sir Frederick, while Lady Anastatia courted only the pure and spotless of her own sex as her companions. We may now resume the thread of our narra- tive. It was about three o’clock in the afternoon of that day of which we have been writing in the previous chapter; and Lady Anastatia Lathan was seated by herdelf in a splendidly furnished apart- ment at Tudor Hotse. Some visitresses hid just taken their departure: and Anastatia was resuming some elegant fancy-work which she had temporarily laid aside. Presently the door opened; and a footman entered to present a note upon a mas- sive silver salver. Please your ladyship,” said the footman, “ the person who delivered this, says that be will wait for your ladyship’s answer.” Anastatia opened the exquisitely folded, per- fumed, pink-tinted billet which was thus handed to her 3 and she found the contents to run as fol- ow :— “Maiame Angelique, having retired from businau, solicits the earliest convenient settlement of Lady Anastatia Latham’s account. The sum is 563/, as per bill delivered. Madame Angelique begs to add that she has placed her out:tanding accounts in the hands of who wili save her ladyship the trouble of sending to Medame Angeliqae’s villa at Brixton Hill, by personally waiting on Ledy Anastetia Latham on the eariiest con- venient day which her ladyship may appoint.” ‘é There must be some mistake here,” said Lady Anastatia, from whose cheeks the colour had flitted away for a moment, and to which the next instant it had come back with a deeper dyes yet her voico ao Mee = PS ed anes seule 46.2 = OG 4 i =a Mr. Isaac Shadbolt, who is the bearer of this letter, and : COMIC OOO© SS (CO)