The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 39: what you’re looking at

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THY MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. was not his. And now, my lord, that I have told you the secret, what course do you consider it pru- dent to suggest ?” “These revelations, my dear Mrs. Bailey,” re- sponded Hugh, “have come upon me with such startling suddenness, that I am unable in a mo- ment tv proffer an opinion. I will tell you in a few days what I think ought to be done. Per- haps I may epeak privately to my brother—worm out of him the history of his love—and then ad- vise him to absent himeelf from a place where his presence is dangerous.” friendly footing, he behaves with ill- concealed aver- sion. The Duchess, all amiability herself, will not admit that it is ‘so: she cannot see through it. But I can blind myself no longer, Hugh. I have endeavoured in my own mind to make every possi- ble allowance for Bertram—and all in vain. It is the blackest ingratitude on his part ; and I am de- termined not to put up with it.” “ But, my dear uncle,” said Lord Clandon, with a conciliatory tone and manher, “pray do not judge hastily—pray do not visit your displeasure upon my brother. You have been pleased to sig- “In any case, my lord, do not compromise me,” | nify that my conduct is worthy of your approval : said Mrs. Bailey. “The Hon. Mr. Bertram Vivian is civil and polite enough to me—for of, course he cannot suspect that I had anything to do in leading Eliza to jils him—and I do not want | to be brought into collision with anybody.” “Rest assured, my dear Mrs. Bailey,” rejoined Lord Clandon, “that I will manage the matter with as much tact and delicacy as if if were Be yourself who had the conduct of it.” | “I rely upon your Jordship,” ga the foolish woman, who did not reficct that she had iia avowing to the very ‘individual most intorested the Duke’s remaining unmarried, the schemes stratagems to which she had been a m to bring detih that ajfiance between ‘ig Brees 9m g escorted Mrg. Hailey back }p 4 (Jandon sauntered forth a , te reflect ‘upon all shag he Presen he beheld his uncle yproachi shady “ae gccompanicd by a large $ bull-maastiff answoring to the 1 name of Phuto. in, into the | just beard. song $ Grace was walking alt nd the ar of ene in deep e-occupatiaa, of the e¢ene was pewilder- which was constan before = ing him more aig Ore i be saw no issue thence by any feas wala uncle,” op. “What |} and one are Where arp ai Eom” —™ mares are getti dep the ike. Tn fac T don’t ¥ jondce they should have abridged their visit” Then stopping short, he suddenly stooped down to caress his dog in order to hide his vexation. “What mean you, my dear uncle?” inquired Clandon, as if with an air of perfect surprise. “IT mean, Hugh,” responded the Duke, sud- denly turning his looks fixedly upon his nephew's countenance, “that there is something going on | rageous. which I cannot comprehend. I must spoak out : I am glad that accident has thus thrown you and me together at this moment. There is something in my heart that I burn to unbosom to a confidant. You love me, Hugh—you have testified the noblest | and moet disinterested attachment———I wish to God I could say the same of your brother!” “What, my lord!” ejaculated Clandon: “has Eertram been wanting in love and respect towards your Grace—the head of the family—our benefac- tor—our uncle——_” “ Hugh,” interrupted the Duke of Marchmont, “it 1s impossible you could have remained blind to all that is going on. Bertram treats the Duchcss with downright insult. At first his conduct was merely a cold reserve, on which the best interpre- tations might be put. But now he has been near! ten days here; and instead of getting on a more | a Marchmont. “ But s te map| 8 asa favour therefore for myself, I entreat your Grace to be lenient towards poor Bertram.” “This intercession on your brother’s behalf, | Hugh, does you infinite gredit,” rejoined the Duke uch canduct is intolerable ! t is not merely insultin waar the Duchess— insult- to myseli—but insufting likewise to all tho guests. A damp has began thrown upon the spirits f g circle which I gathered about me for pur- of gaicty.” “Would you, my dear uncle, permit me to offer in | g suggestion ?” asked Lord Clandon, in 9 mild and gubmissive manner. “To be sure, Hugh!" responded the lake. €Speak! I am giad that your own magnanmnous | gonduct enables me to treat you as a confidant. Jn word, do you not think thaf your pies - ghafed at this marriage of mine—and {hq} he yenting his spite upon the Duchess P” | “No, uncle!” ejaculated Lord the emphasis of conviction: “J am Matis it is not so. Rertram is too bliciieade §oo imous to entertain apy euch mean and paltry fcclings J, who know my bgother’s Gisc- position well, can read the que to the whole mystery.” *« Can Can you?” exclaimed the Puke, fall of delight suspense. “Phen, what ig it? “But take care, my dear nephew,” he added more gravely, “ how you suffer your love for your brother fo blind your eyes td the real truth.” “Listen, uncle—and ; for yourself,” re- sponded Lord Clandon. ““ My brogher is a young man naturally difident—naturall afraid also of having his actions wrongly judged. He was ever like this. His very sensitiveness throws him into extremes: the delicacy of his sentiments sometimes renders his conduct seemingly out- He doubtless trembles lest the slightest attention paid to his amiable young relative, should be wrongly construed_——. “Well, but those are “i very conjectures with which I myself,” interrupted the Duke, with an air of disappointment, “have sought to account for his conduct: but I fear that they are not the cor- rect ones.” “ Bear with me, uncle,” said Hugh deferentially ; “and grant me your patience. My brother is two years younger than myself; and though he has scen more of the world in the shape of travel, he knows less of it in useful experience. Regard his position !—a young man of a little more than three-and-twenty, suddenly presented to a lady- relative, even younger than himself. He feels that it is not for him, but for her, to define the y | degree of friendly intimacy and becoming cordiality on which they are to stand towards each other. 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