The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 179: what you’re looking at

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you | her abode beneath my reefto-night. She is not mere cently lost both her parents—under what circum- stances she did not inform me; and she was s0 com- pletely overwhelmed with grief when speaking of them, that I dared not ask her. Since that period, however, she has been meditating seriously upon the course of life which she ought to adopt in order to earn a livelihood. The poor creature a few hundred pounds: but she does not wish to exist in idleness upon a sum of money which must sooner or later be exhausted. Being skilfal with her needle, she thought of turning that talent to advantage; and, having procured a list of the principal millinery establishments in London, she resolved to apply to them for work. As accident ordained, mine was the very first house whoreat she called ; and [ made im- mediate arrangements with her. This evening she takes up her abode beneath my roof.” “Ah! my dear Mrs. Brace, I begin to understand —nay, more—I do comprehend the object for which you have sent for me,” exclaimed Florimel, {n a re- peoachfal tone: “but I dare not-—-no—I dare not——— I am proof against temptation.” ** At all events, my good friend, I lost no time in making you acquainted with the circumstance,” said Mra. Brace. “The moment the young lady took her departure, I despatched a note to your lord- ship's mansion.” ‘“* Our past connexion, and the nature of it, render me grateful to you for this preference,”’ observed the nobleman: “ but again I say, I dare not! No—I have at length obtained a formal introduction to my Pauline—I have passed in her society, at the house of a mutual friend, one of the most delicious even- ings of my life—I saw her adorning the ball- room, radient in her youthfal beauty and matchless in elegance and grace—and I coald not prove un- faithful to her. Believe me, my dear friend, I really love and adore Pauline Clarendon—and I should hate myself, were I to forget the vows which I have pledged to her, and the oaths which I have secretly taken within the depths of my own heart.” ‘\1¢ is not for me to tempt you to break those vows,” said Mrs. Brace; and by another movement, skilfally executed and having all the air of negli- gence, she afforded a glimpse of her bosom. “At the same time,” she continued, “‘I must inform you, my dear friend, that never have you seen a more charm- ing creature than the young lady who is to take up than eixteen—the very age which you most admire; and her form is a perfect model of symmetry and grace. Her eyes are a fine dark blue, melting and tender ;——her hair is a deep brown, lustrous with a rich gloss; --and no lily can compare with the whitences of her skin. You know that lam a good judge of beauty In my own sex, Ficrimel—and I can assure you that this angelic girl of whom I am speaking, is far superior to any whom you have ever beheld in this house.” “Do not say any more upon the subject.” ex- whose passions were inflamed not only by the picture which Mrs. Brace had drawn of the fair unknown, but likewise by the contemplation of her own charms; for he found it impossible to withdraw his gaze from that breast of snow. * Now listen to me, Fiorimel,” said Mrs. Brace, turning her countenance upom him, and emuwing ber most witching looks: ‘“‘you love Pauline—you have sworn to be faithfalto her. But was not the vow somewhat rashly made?—and will it not be difficult to keep? Months must elapse before you can marry her: for the sake of decency in reference to the usages of the world, you cannet propose te her —or rather admit that you have proposed to her— under six or eight weeks. Then her father will have to be consulted. Of course he will consent to the match; but i¢ would be unseemly to a degree and indelicately precipitate to fix a very early day for the bridal. As I have observed, therefore, some months will intervene ere you lead your beloved Pauline to the altar; and, during that period, must you remain an anchotite? I cannet believe that you will ;—and I do not consider that Pauline herself haa a right to make such an exaction. When once you are her husband, she may then have a right to demand an accoant of your proceedings: but in the interval you are still your own master, free and indepew- dent.” “I comprehend all the speciousneas of your reasoning—and yet I can scarcely resist it,” mur- mured Fiorimel, ina subdued tone. “Oh! my dear friend,” he exclaimed, suddenly starting from the chair which he had occupied close to the bed; “do not tempt me—I implore you not to undermine the good resolutions that I have formed. My Pauline has a right to my constancy—4Aas a claim upon my fidelity! The peculiar ciroumstances under which our acquaintance was formed ——” “ Will prevent her from giving you the credit which your constancy and fidelity would assuredly deserve,” added Mrs. Brace. “] dare not remain to hear you argue thus, my dear friend,” cried Migtimel: then, seizing her hand, and pressing it warmly, he said, “1 cannot find it in my heart to reproach you—although you really deserve vituperation from my lips. Bat I have a sincere friendship for you—I would do any- thing I could to serve you—and you know it. Show me, therefore, some gratitade in return—and tempt me not.” ‘ay dear Florimel,” said Mrs. Brace, pressing his hand with violence, as if it were an involun- tary act—or rather one prompted by the fervour ef gratefal feelings,—‘I am aware of your kind and generous sentiments in my behalf—and I thank you sincerely—Oh! most sincerely! For I have always been fond of you from the first moment that ECOMnuiclooolkks co