The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 153: what you’re looking at

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140 your charming sister. Next Tnesday night at nine o’clook you wfil take a cab and repair to s perticolar address, which is written on this card,” —al the same time presenting one. “ You will merely knook at the door and send im your own name. A large box will be given to you, of which vou must take particular care. It comtains things which I design as presents; and the truth is I wish to surprise those for whom the gifts are destined :—hence this little degree of mystery which I am observing on the point You will leave London by the first coach ca Wednesday morning ; and yon will bring the box amongst your own luggage. Put upon it a card with yeur own name; and when you arrive at Oaklands, let it be taken up, together with your other boses, to the chamber which will be allotted to you there. Do you understand 2” “ Perfectly, my lord.” Christian. “ And you will see the necessity of keeping the matter prefoundly sccret,” rejoined the Duke: “because, as I tell you, I mean to divert myself a little with the distribution of the presents which the box contains. I know that I can rely on your discretion snd fidelity. Mr. Calvort will provide you with the requisite funds for your travelling expenses ; and you must be sure to arrive at Osk- lands in the course of next Wednesday.” Christian bowed, sud quitted the library. Sel- lying forth, be proceeded at once to Mortimer Street, Oavendish Square, and communicated to Mr. Redoliffe everything that had just taken place between himself and the Duke. The address of the house at which he was to call, was Madame Angelique’s; and Obristian having purposely passed it by in his walk ep to Mrs. Macaulay's, was enabled to report that it was a milliner's establishment. Neither Redcliffe nor bimeelf for a moment believed that Marchmont's explanation of certain intended gifts, was otherwise than a pretext for some ulterior design: but what this design might be, young Ashton could not for the life of him conjectare—while Mr. Redcliffe volun- teered no surmise. “ You must perform exactly, my young friend,” he anid, “the mission that is entrusted to you: but wpom obtsining possession of the box, come direct hither to me before you take it to Merch- mont House. I may then tell you how we will act. Besides, it is necessary that I should see you agsin ere your departure for Oaklands.” Christian promised to fulfil Mr. Redoliffe's in- structions; and took his leave of this gentleman. Hestepped into Mrs. Macaulay's parlour to shake hands with the widow,—who bade him. be sure and not forget to bring his sister to take a friendly oup of tea with her on the firstconvenient evening. He was about to depart, when Mra. Macaulay beckoned him beek, and in a tone of mysterious confidence, she said, “ By the bye, I remember I have got a little party on Saturday evening ; and it’s on rather e memorable occasion. The fact is, J and Mrs. Sifkin have not been on speaking terms with each other for the last ten years. Not that it was any faailt of mine, you know ; because I am qtite incapable of giving offence even toa worm— muoh less a human being that walks upright on two legs.: It was all owing to jealousy on Mrs Sifkin’s part. However phe bas made overtures Mre. Dumpling—a lady in the same street. She lete lodgings too, does Mrs. Dump- THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. -_—@ae—_ - ling; and between yos and me, wretched apart- ments they are! You wouldn't believe is, my dear Mr. Ashton,” added Mrs. Macaulay, in « voice of awful mystery: “ never would believe itl—-but it is as true as I am a living women |” “ What's true ?” asked Christiana. “ Bugs, my young friend—bags, I cam assure you !” replied Mra. Mecaulay. “ Nothing sheuld induce me to say such a thing of a neighbonr, if it wasn't the case. If they were only—buat § “ Dreadful indeed!” muttered Christian, with a sensation as if something disagreeable were creep- ing over him under his clothea, “ However,” pproveeded Mtn. Macauley, “ tar- ring the current wine of her’s and captain’s biscuits, with may- be a stale tart or two, for supper when she hes a little party. Still she ts a good womma; and she went right across yesterday morntisg to — ‘Mrs. Bifkin, aid tel her ber mind about her con- duct towards me. I dare ay that Mra. did come ont rather strong, because I know that her ways; and Mrs. Dumpling pro Mrs. Sifkin would send me over an apology through her, I would give a party te clinch the reconciliation and celebrate the event. So I meas to do the thing nicely, and give e pretty spreed on Seturdey evening ; and if you end your dear sister will favour me with your company, I ghall be de- lighted.” “ Tt cannot sey how my sister may be engaged,” answered Christian; “and I do not for a moment think thet she will be enabled to secept your kisd invitation. But ae for myself, I aay ges with mush “ And you will be welcome,” said Mrs. Macae- lay. “ Bat pray do bring your dear sister, if she to see how the rival lodging-house keepere would get on together. It wee shout two in the afternoon of the fallow- ing day, that Mr. Redcliffe—envaloped ip his closk as usual, and with his hat more or less sloucked over his countenance—walked slowly down that fashionable etreetin which the adjoiuing estebliah- ments of Madame Angelique and M. Bertin were situated. Heving well surveyed the milliner's premisese—or rather their exterior, —Hedoliffe con- tinued his way; and if the thoughts which were passing in his mind, were reduced to.worda, they would bsve taken some such shapa ag the follow- gi— ~ The establishment seems respestable enough : (COLL (C DOO (GO)