The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 243: what you’re looking at

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

[28 MYSTERIES OF THE COURT? mand I have over my temper. There is not an- other man in England that could have so restrained in emergencies. I remember onee when I was first in the commission of the peace——it was down in the country that the thing happexed——- I was called upon to stop a priso-fight that was taking place. I proeseded to the spot, and ssw two great hulking fellows—each at least ax feet could fell an oxz—fighting Well, Makepenes, I did “And never did I display is more completely than just new. Of course, you will not mention te a soul that such a thing ever en- tered into my head? Ab! end Adolphus and Isabella have got on so well together that they are regular lovers—eh? Capital! capital !”’—ead the old Earl, chuckling at the idea, rubbed his hands gleefully: for though his suspicion was fully re- moved, yet some how or another he was anxious that Lord Osmond should wed with all possible despatoh and bear his bride away to an- other home, “I tell you what, Makspoato-~it is guite evident that my som and niece are immensely attached to esch other; go we mus? marry then off as coon as possible. But young people are so diffident—they take months and months before they dare speak of settling the wedding-day. I know it was the case with me when f fell in love with my present Countess. I wab exceedingly difident———end then too, you know, I had that long atteck of the gout which chained me to my room for three months. But about this young “TJ have no doubt of i6, my lord,” said the valet: “everything your lordship does, ie impressed with a high intelligence.” “ Well, I think that you are about right there, ” gaid the old Hari, complacently. “And now I will tell you what FE propose to do. That Christian Ashton is a vory nice lad—and #0 genteel too in his manners--indeed quite the gen- “He could scarcely be otherwise,” observed Makepeace, “after being a month in your lord- ship’s employment.” “Yoa-—gentility reflects iteclf. But about my I propose to throw him im Ieabelia’s way: I will invite him to dinner—I will leave Adolphus to hand down the Countess from the drawin room, so that young Ashton must give his arm Miss Vincent—and then he will sit next to her at table. Perhaps I will drop him a hint that he is to pay her attention——he is so docile and oblig- ing, he does everything I tell him. For instance yesterday he wanted to spell shrubdery with two b’s: but I bade him put only one, and he obeyed me immediately—with sueh a pleasant smile too ! -——s0 that I am sure he will do what I tell him in the present case. His attentions will be flattering to Isabella; for all young girls are coquettishly in- clined—just as young men like me are apt to be rakish. However, as I was saying, Isabella will be pleased~Adolphus will be jealous—and he will be utged on to ask his cousin to name the day. Now, what do you think of my scheme, Make- peace Pp” “T think your lordship possesses the wisdom ot Solomen,” anewored the valet. * Well, I believe that you do not exactly stand alone in that opinion. But now I will just run and ask the Countess how she is to-day: for I am prouder and fonder of her than ever, after having so shamefully suspected her.” Away the old Earl to Ethel’s apartments; and the moment he made his ap , she sav that Lord Osmond’s device, practised through the medium of Makepeace, had completely succeeded ; and uhe was infinitely relieved by result which she had searcely dared hope would have been at- tained. Alas, we are bound to declare that Ethel was guilty! Those fine resolves which some months beck she had adopted—and at first too with & prospect of teally having strength of mind sufficient to carry them out—had gradually melted away beneath the influence of Lord Osmond’s very | tender looks, of his impassioned language, and of his great personal beauty, since the young noble- man had contrived to obtain admission once more into the paternal mansion. Yos—Ethel had fallen: but we choose not to dwell at unnecessary length upon guilt which under all circumstances was 60 deep—so deadly ! The silly old Earl lost no time in putting his precious scheme into execution. Christian came at the usual time that day; and having written to his noble employer's dictation for three or four hours—anhd an astounding admixture of mendacity, self-conceit, and nonsense it was that he had éhus to write—he was about to depart, when the Earl caught him by the arm, and addressed him as follows :— “ You are & very youth—and I am very much attached to you: but you must not put two b’s in shrubbery for the future. You are to dine with me to-day. Make yourself look as spruce es possible—and come at six o'clock. There will only be ourselves, the Countess, Lord Osmond, and my niece: make yourself quite at home, and don't hesitate to pay such little attentions to Miss Vin- cent as @ young gentleman is bound to show to- wards a young lady. Why, God bleas me, how crimson you turn !—you blush just like a woman! Pooh! no diffidence! Mind you hand Isabelle down to dinner—sit next to her—and talk without restraint. And now go; for I mean to sit down for an hour or twa and invent-———I mean make notes of some more adventures for our accupation to-morrow.” . Christian went away astounded—es well indeed he might be, What conld it possibly all mean? Had the old lord suspected his passion for the beautiful Isabella? did he suspect likewise that his niece had not regarded the youth with indifference f —did he purpose to favour their loves? or was he adopting same means to inflict a crushing punish- ment, and overwhelm our presumptuous hero with the most humiliating exposure? But no: Chris tian could not fancy that this latter conjecture was the solution of the mystery. He had scen quite enough of the Earl’s character to be aware that he was incapable of any proceeding that had nc EE ee COMMIC DOO Col