The Mysteries of the Court of London Vol. 7 — page 209: what you’re looking at

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

which was to be spread in the banqueting-room. He therefore beckoned the fovutman forth upon the landing; and he said, * Whnt has occurred to annoy her ladyship ?” For au instant the man looked confused, and seemed as if ho would rathor not have been ques- tioned: but, as at a eecond glance towards his master’s counte\ance, he caughé the gaze of the merchant’s cold \blue eyes fixed steadfastly and searchingly upon him, he stammered out, “ It is nothing particular, sir only a person who has called ou some little business——-” *Callod on business at such an hour and on such an occasion!” said the merchant. “ Who is this pargon |” “The same, sir,” was the fuotman’s response, “who called the other day, when you queationed me ee “Ah! the person who gave the name of Shad- bolt ?” said Sir Frederick: and though his coun- tenance continued coldly impaasive, yet wae his that formor visit of Shadbolt’s, and which indeed had led him to quostion the footman as to who the individual was. “And on what plea did this per- aon solicit an interview at such an hour?” he asved. . mastor; and thinking he had better tell whatsoever he knew, he said, “I informed this Mr. Shadbolt that there was alarge party at the house, and that her ladyship was particularly engaged: but he in- sisted upon secing her ladyship air, he said it was something about a debt for which ho had to claim payment.” Now did all the proud blood of the City mer- chant rush to his checks: his lips quivered—his eyes glstened—he even made a pesture of rao; and for that one instant he betrayed more emotion in the presence of his domestic than he had cver before ddéné. But in another instant it had passed; and in a voice that was perfectly cold and firm, ho said, “Do you know {to whom this debt is due, or what is its amount ?” “No, sir,’’ replied the footman. ‘“ Mr. Shad- bolt said nothing upon these points; gnd it ap- peared to mo that when he did Jet drop some- thing about a debt which he had to claim, it slipped out inadvertently —because, sir, to tell the truth, tho man is the worse for liquor.” countenance: he too felt humiliated, as his wife come known to the menials of the household: but Again tho domestic looked confused: again did ; avvid all unpleasantness. he meet the culd steady searching gaze of bis | Madame Angelique is determined to have it: and and in short, | Anastatia Latham. THR MYSTERIES OF THR COURT. EE SEP Se aes we. somewhat copiously of wine—and haply uf apirite likewise, after his dinner; and though very far from being completely intoxicated, he was never- theless considerably elevated. He rose from his seat as Lady Anastatia, in her elegant ball-room apparel, made her appearance: but he had the air of one who was doggedly resolute in carrying out the point he had in view. “What means this intrusion at euch an hour and on such an occasion P” asked Anastatia, with mingled indignation and trepidation. “ Why, your Iadyship did not keep your word,” responded Shadbolt; “and therefore I thought there was no necessity to stand on niceties in this littlo matter.” “JT will communicate with Madame Angelique to-morrow,” replied Anastatia, with glowing cheeks. © T could not do so before.” * But your ladyship may forgot when to-morrow comes, as you have done for the last few days—and therefore,” ‘added Shadbult resolutely, “wo had mind inwardly troubled: for he had not torgotten | better settle the business off-hand.” tho confusion shown by his wife immediately after ‘ “The demand is a mistake,” she responded, “and I can easily satisfy Madame Angelique that it 18 go.” “‘And Madame Angelique says over and over agnin that 1t is #0 mistake whatsvever. Come, my lady—you had better pay the money at once, and wo bo plain with you, her resolution is represented in your ladyship’s humble servant, honest Ike Shadbolt.” It was now for the first time that a suspicion of intended extortion flashed to the mind of Lady The blood ran cold to hor heart—the next instant it coursed like molten lead in its crimson channels. She knew not how to treat the matter—whether to repol the demand with indignation, or to submit to it and promise the money for the morrow. At that instant the door opened: and the footman entering, said, “ If you please, my lady, Sir Frederick wishes to speak to you a moment in his study.” . Anastatia was for an instant amitten as if by dismay at this announcement; and she was on the point of asking the domestic some question, when he said, “ And perhaps, my lady, Mr. Shadbolt had better remain until your ladyship comes back to him.” Without a word Anastatia issued from the room: but when in the hall she put to the footman the question to which she had a few instants back Again did the blood rush to the merchant's | been on the point of giving utterance. “ What does Sir Frederick want me for?” she had ere now done, that such a thing should be- | asked, as if with an air of indifference. “Sur Frederick questioned me, my lady,” re- again quickly recovering himself, he said, “This | sponded the footmans: “and ¢o tell your ladyship must be some mistake: it is impossible her lady: | the trutb, I was compelled to inform him that Mr. ship can owe any money. However, you will do | Shadbolt had called for payment of some little and Sir Frederick placod a couph of guineas in the servant's hand. wish to speak to her for a moment in my private have thus spoken to her ladyship.” We must now return to Anastatia herself. She be ee a bad repaired to tho breakfast-parlour, where Mr. Bhadbolt awaited her presence. He had partaken ; duty.” ee | well to keep your own counsel upon the point :”— | debt-———” “Ah!—then Mr. Shadbolt himself must have spoken to you P” said Anastatia: and it was with The man bowed, and was about to retire, when : the utmos. difficulty she could maintain an air of his master said, “ Go and. tell your mistress that I | composure. “He only told me that much, my ledy,” was room; and let this Shadbolt wait until after I | the lacquey’s response. “TI could not help answer- ing Sir Frederick-——” “Certainly not!” interjected Anastatia, with an air of dignified self-possession. “It was yout ECOMRniclacae SS (CO)