The Mysteries of the Court of London Vol. 7 — page 49: what you’re looking at

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66 and not knowing how you might be situated in a @nancial point of view-——” © “A shousaad thanks, Mer. Ashtor,” responded Amy,—“ but I have sufficient for all my ‘purposes. Though declining thie generous offer, I am not the leas sensible of your well-meant kindnesd®end I shall be for ever grateful.” ‘Obristian took his departure; and returning to the station, he proceeded by the next train to Lon- don, On his arrival in the British metropolis, he ern straight to Mrs. Macaulay's house in rtimer Street, Cavendish Square; and Mrs. Manaulay in person opened the front door to re- ceive him, “Well, my dear Mr. Ashton, it is quite an age eince I saw you!” exclaimed the lodging-house- keeper, with her blandest smiles and most amiable looks. “Where have you been for the last two monthsf But, dear me! how you are improving —and whet a fine handsome, young man you are gtowing{ A lady of my age may pay you such a compliment, youknow. But pray walk in. Your toom is all ready for your reception. I have got tid of that odious old couple who used to lock up their tea-caddy and decant their wine for them- setves. Would you believe it, Mr. Ashton P—they went away without eo much as giving the maid a shilling for herself; and they took off with them the leg and wing of a fowl which they had for the previous dey’s dinner |” “My room is ready for me, you say ?” exclaimed Christian in astonishment. © Yea—to be sure !” Mrs. Macaulay. “Did not Mr. Redcliffe tell you in his letter——” “He merely told me that immediately on my arrival in London I was to come to him, and that I peed not take up my abode previously at any tavern or lodging-house.” “Bo be sure not!” ej Mrs. Macaulay. “And where was yoor shrewdness, my dear Mr. Ashton, when you failed to comprehend that Mr. Redeliffe meal you to take up your abode here ? All is settled arranged; and it wason your account I got rid of those odious Johnsons, with thelr meanness and stinginess | » Ab Jos have brought all uggege with you "sright | But, dear mie! don's think of paying the cabman ili he has carried it up-stairs for you-——~—And mind, my man,” she added, addressing herself to individual in question, “that you don’t knock paper off the walls with the corner of that ¢t box. Now do walk in, Mr. Ashton.” “But where is Mr. Redcliffe?” inquired our “ He will be in presently to dinner-at six o'clock as usual. I¢ is only haif-past five—and you have plenty of time for a little chat with me. By the bye, I aud that odious Mrs. Sifkin are as the the of our recon- { She went rt. Ohowley in the wn as ever, although I gave | you in token ance of his friend,—at whose hands he received a most cordial welcome. Mrs. Macaulay was very anxious to have the paying of the cabman, with whom she would no doubt have got up a pleasant little dispute as to the amount of his fares but Christian cut the fnatter short by clipping into the man’s hand a gratuity so liberal that it made him touch bis bat to the donor, and then beatow a look of insolent triumph on Mrs. Macaulay. Christian accompanied Mr. Redcliffe to this gentleman's sitting-room,—where dinner was speedily served up. Mr, Redcliffe conversed on general topics during the 3 and as he was evidently postponing his explanation of the rea- sons which had induced him to send for Christian to London, our hero did not’ think it to put any question on the point. One or two little Gir. cumstances however struck him. From the very first moment ef their acquaintance Mr. Redcliffe’s manner had been invariably friendly: but now it ,was most kind and even affectionate. He more. over contemplated Obristian frequently and fixedly; and after those earnest surveys he would sink into & profound reverie, All this our young hero could not possibly fail to notices and he therefore awaited the coming explanations with all the more eager curiosity. The repast was cleareg. away—the dessert and were placed upen fhe table—and Mr. Red. cliffe then questioned Obristian as to all that he had been recently doing. There was something in that gentleman’s manner which invited the fullest confidence; and our hero accordingly revealed to Mr, Redcliffe his. love for Isabella Vincent. He related everyting which had occurred at Rams- gate; and having brought down the narrative to the point at which it is already known to the reader, he concluded in the following manner :— “'Yeaterday morning’s post brought Miss Vin. cent a letter, containing the startling announce- ment that her cousin the Earl of Lascelles, and her aunt the Countess, had ceased to exist: #0 that all in a moment Isabella found herself the heiress of fine estates and immense wealth. When she had recovered from the shock which the intel- ligence of that fatal accident or double suicide— whichever it was—naturally caused her to experi- ence, the amiable and faithfal girl gave me to understand that if the sudden possession of wealth wore a source of satisfaction, it,,was because it would in due time enable her to prove the sincerity of that love whiob she entertains for me.:’ “ My dear boy,” exclaimed Mr. Redcliffe, with a of excitement which was very unuaual on his part, “I am rejoiced to learn that you have found one who is so eminently deserving of your own devoted love, and who experiences so true a senti- ment in return. Bat continue. What else have to tell me ?” “The beautiful SS (CO) A LOAO©