The Mysteries of the Court of London, Vol. 5 — page 316: what you’re looking at

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

| | ¢ | | THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. ee Ea LET eet . e e CHAPTER LXilZ THE POST-O3F CH. WE must now direct tho reader’s attention to the *jaterior of the Post-Office &t Gainsborough. It was the hour of noon; aud two clerks were attegding to the business of the establishment—ong paying the money-orders—the other sorting tho letters as they were dropped through the elif in the window, and also answering such inquiried'as might be made At the little trap-dapr of the ysual fashion adopted af country post-offices. “1 should think that Smith was cure to * Bee come back last night,” observed qne of the clerks to dhe other. “Yes: his holiday was up," foponded the latter. “T wonder he hasn’t shown himself already this morning. He has hada fortnight of - ” “ Whero did he go to?” : e o said thet hg should. “To London, I fancy. My turn comes nest; and I have made up my mind to visit London.” At this momené four or fivo Jetters were thrust one alter the other through the sli¢; and one of them 33 young: that is oO o say, not above six or seven-and- twenty; and he has got oa diplomat ic situation. But that’s all he bas to depend upon.” “T'll be bound hor ladyship is precious wild,” Sxclaimed one of the clerks. “But when did you come back?” (Last night. I travelled down with such a young follow; and as woe were alone together a wholp way, we had quite an ayrecable conver- sation, A. more intelligent, amiable, but at the same time fino-spirited young gentleman, I don’t think I ever met with. Perhaps you remember = geese . -yeading about a duel that took place the other day between a certain Lord Harold Stauntun and a Mr..Deveril?? ® “To be sure: and the report was that Jeveril wag killed—but it afterwards appeared that ho was only dangerously wounded.” “Well,” responded Smith, “this same Mr. Deveril i¢ was with whom I travelled from London yes- terday.. Ho atill lockg pale and enfeebled, but is fast. reccvering of tho severe injury he received.” And what brings him down to Gaigsborough ?” “TI du not kuow; he did not volunteer any expla- pation, aud therefore of course I did not question falling farther than the rest, éll.into an inkstand | him.” which was standing upon the counter. “Tt happens that Lord Harold Staunton himself “Look here!” cried the clerk who attended vie i9 at Saxonidale Castle at this very time,” observed the sorting of the letters. “ Thig comes, you ere, pf | one of the clerks: “cr at all ovonts a letter, director that rare ally carpenter delaying to putup the letter- | to him there, was sent along tu tha easile this box avain:’—and as he spoke he dried the spiled morning.” letter, upon @ piece of blotting-paper. “ What a “This is strange” exclaimed Smilh: “for Mr. nuisance 1618! He promised tw put if up again last | Deveril appeiws anxious to see that fine old east: ni:ht:' but this is the way he alwaye FOrveS US| omd its environg; and [ promised that T would tak- wienever he has to do a job here.” him over there to-day. Ipdced I expoct him every * It's too bad,” ” observed the other clerk. “ But moment : for it wrs noon that we appointed 10) here’s Svsith!” he suddenly exclaimed, ldoking meot. He is a total etranger at Gaiusborouyh, and throwerh the aperture whicre he paid he money. therefore availed himeelf of ny proposal to escur’t orders. him.” Almost. anmedintet aforw ‘ards 8 yout man of! © “Thon you do-not mean to attend to business t.'- about (wo-und-tw enty entered the office and greeted day, J suppose P”” observed one of his cullvaruus, his two colleazties: for he was one of the clerks ia | laughing. the establishment. ; wNo Mind you, my leave of absence is uot up, “So here Lam again,” he sai}, in tope of regret { until to-night.” , that his holiday wa over. At this momené some ano inquired at theepen * Well, Smith, how have you enjoyed yourself P” | trap-duor of the money-order clerk for Mg. Sunita, inquired both bis companions in a breath. “ Uncommonly,” was the reply. “I only wisk my whe imnediately recognizing the voice, exclaimed, “Abt is at you, Mr, Dever ue? Walk round, and holiday had bean for a month instead of a fortnight. | we will take yur depariare in a few minutes.” But bv the bye, | understand Lady Saxondale ‘has eure bach to the Castle?” Deve rif accordinsly entered the office, and wis intrudue wd by Mr. Sma@th te the other clerks. While “Shas teen there for some days past,” responded | they were conversing some one knocker! at tiie trap- one of his comrades. “Is it true, though, that | dour of the window; and the particoufar cleri® whose Miss Constance has eloped with a French | Mar- | duty it was to answer questions. wpaned the sail quis? | “Quite true,” replied Smith. It has enused such a sensation in London! - They gay she cut off } just‘at the mument the carriage was at the door, and little door and gave whafsucver infurmatiou was re- quirgd. At that same instant a jady, hurriedly ned the post-oflice, dropped a lettcr throush the le; and by secident it slarea the {alo of a pre- that she hired some old gipsy-woman to come up 4$ | vious one by falling upon the iukstand. the time and draw off her ladyship’s atteution. “Well, that ie odd!” cxclaimed the clerk who That's the rumour. But of course I dun’t kpow how | had just answered tho questions of the inquirer ute true it is.” “Ts ita good match for Miss Censtanco ¢” “Or rather the Marchioness of Villebelle, gs you | into the ink! must now cal) hor,” roplied Smith. -* Woii, as for it's being a good match, I don’t exactly know. I shod thipk she might save done bejter—such » eweet beautiful cruature ay sho is. The Marquis, the window. threw this detter in?—and, by Jove, if has fallen “ Who do you think it was that just Now isn’t it tdo bad of that | nter——" 4 Who was it?” inquired Smith. “Lady Saxondale herself.” Deveril started at this namo: but the circum 1 understand, is a very handsumeo men—quite ‘stance ‘wag not perceived ly tho other youug mop. @ Pas aw. . Oo a ee > S—=——ereevein<g. 2OemEibaa geome oe"! A Came te OE: whe" Gees q, ~ arn - aly ee Deane \yiie , ee aS ee eae ws es a Y ( OY in OOO) SS (CO)