The Mysteries of the Court of London Vol. 7 — page 314: what you’re looking at

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

2HR MYSTERIES OF YH COURT. —-as she lounged upon that sofa. Although i¢ was now nearly four o’elock in the afternoon, yet she was still clad in « deshabillés 3. and this being open at the bosdm, revealéd the exuberant oontours of her bust. Her light hair showered in myriads of ringlets upon her bare neck and shoulders, which were of daasling white- ness. Her large blue eyes seemed to swim in « soft sensuous langucr aod if an artist or a seulp- tor had required “a model for the personification of Voiuptuousness on the canvass or in the form of statuary marble, the beautiful but frail Marion wight have admirably served that object. She herself bad no love for Wilson Stanhope: but, as he was bandsome, and as he possessed (at least for the present) the means of keeping her in luxury, he was as well to her as any other paramour. Besides, in thus remaining with him, she had, as the reader has seen, an ulterior aim to serve—and this was on behalf of her sister. It was shortly after four o’clock, when a young page iv an elegant livery entered thd’ apartment where Wilson Stanhope and his mistross werg seated, to announce that in the parlour below. Stanhope at onfe descended the stairs to join him; for they were well ac- quainted, and frequently dined and drank copiously together. ° “TI want your asgistance, Stanhope,” Alexis immediately began, “in one of those delicate affairs 7 ‘You mean a duel, Oliver P” exclaimed Stan- hope. ‘“ With whom have you been quarrelling ? and what is the cause? Surely you have not found a rival in Mrs. Oxenden’s affections-———" “Do not ask me for a single syllable of explana- tion relative to the cause!” ejaculated Alexis. “Suffice it to say that I have been villanously treated by a certain Christian Ashton——” ‘Christian Ashton P” exclaimed Stanhope. “I know that young man well. I once fought a duel on acc@unt of his sister—she is a very beautiful girl——and as for that Christian himself——” But Stanhope stopped short; he did not choose to betray to Oliver how Obristian had fathomed and frustrated the nefarious conspiracy in which he had played so prominent a part against the peace, reputation, and happiness of the Duchess of Marchmont: nor did he feel inclined tv mention how the young gentleman had dealt summary chastisemont upon him on the occasion when be > @o grossly insulted Isabella Vincent in Hyde Park. ‘“ Ah, you know this Ashton, then P” said Oliver. “ But from the tone in which you speak, you can have no very friendly feeling———” ‘Towards young Ashton? Not I indeed!” ejaculated Stanhope. “And therefore it will give me all the more pleasure to see you wing him in a a ce ELT CNT, AE TENET OS a a ET Tee aa TC PS I Eo a Oo TTS duel. You are a good shot, if I recollect; and | posed from what I know of Ashton’s pursuits, I should scarcely think he ever fired a pistol in his life.” The two gentlemen conferred together upon the arrangements for the pending duel; and Stanhope then set off to call upon Oaptain Stanley. In the meanwhile Obristian himeelf had been to Stanley, and had informed him of the challenge he had received ceding night were to lead to such a results but he saw no possible means of avoiding the hostile en- @ 301 counter. He accordingly undertook to second his young friend upon the ocovasion; and he was pleased to behold the calm courageous demeanour with which our hero contem the prospect. Christian paid his usual visits to Shrubbery Villa as well as to the mansion of Isabella Vincent. He had resolved to say nothing of the approach- ing duel; bat when he took leave of his sister at the one dwelling and of his beloved Isabella at the other, he falt the chords of his heart tighten pain- saffered nor Mr. Oliver was waiting | said He retired to rest at bis usual hoar; dnd he slept soundly—for that young man had not a taint, rouch less a erime, upon his conscience, The little worldly affairs he had to settle—and which were summed up in the letters he had penned—were put in order: he was a youth of courage—and he feared not death, otherwise than on account of the affliction into which it would plunge those who were so devotedly att@ohed to him. A. note, received from Captain Stanley before he retired for the night, had conveyed to Obris- tian’s knowledge the arrangements made by that officer with the Hon. Wilson Stanhope for the hostile encounter. Christian accordingly rose at half-past five in the morniug; and while perform- ing his toilet, be moved about the room with the utmost dare? so as to avdid disturbing the landlady and her servants. Having seoured his letters about his person, he softly descended the stairs, aud at ‘tix o’olock issued from the house, unper- ceived by either of its inmates. Obtaining a cab at the corner of the street, he repaired at once to Captain Stanley's lodgings. This offloer was ready dreseed to receive him; and breakfast was upon the table. Obristian partook of some slight re- freshments his demeanour continued calm, com- , and firm; and Stanley therein the evidences of « conrage suitable for any emer- gency, but whicl? on the other hand was utterly _ apart from recklessness or brayado. Oaptain Stanley's phactan was speedily in readi- ness to convey himself and his young friend to their destination. A case of pistols was placed by the Osptain’s valet in the vehicle; and they stopped on their rond to take up the surgeon who with this gentleman on the preceding evening. The equipage drove to Wimbledon Come ECOMRniclacae SS (CO)