The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 261: what you’re looking at

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was ataggered by the fact that Eleanor’s deportment towards her husband was not that of a woman con- scious of her secret shame: nor was the Earl's be- haviour towards her that of a man who had any reason to complain of his wife. On the contrary, he was most tender; affectionate, and devoted with regard to his beautifal Countess ; whereas her conduct was somewhat capricious and versatile—at one time re- ciprocating his love, and at another being charac- terised by a colduess which she evident'y tried to subdue, but could not. When he reflected upen these circumstances, he could not in any way reconcile them with the supposition he had formed to account for the fact of the Karl. and Countess sleeping in separate apartments; and yet in. no other manner was. he able to find a reason for this singular mode of life which they led. It was strange—most strange, thet a man in the pme of his years and a - lovely woman of ardent. temperament Roysterious as it was unnatural. .But we have obseceved that that he himeelf was not displeasing to the Countess had received and was still receiving atthe hands of 4 wards the. Barl of Desborouzh,—forgetiy philanthropy, had undertaken to provide- for him in upon the eeduction of. Eleanor ! With these few observations, we-regume the thread of our narrative. The heart of the Countess of Desborough was @eise, Se ee ee —-7_ beating reply: and a rich carnation glow appeared . beneath the transparent olive of her cheeks, as she | entered the drawing-room. where, as she had. heped and antjcipated, she found Ramsey alone. And he failed not'to obwers that heightening colour and the trepidation of her manner as. she ad- vaneed scrose the spacious apartment—bher rick dress sweeping-the thick carpet on which. her elastic, steps left a visible impression. “Your jadyship took advantage of a.day un- usually fine at this season of the year,” observed Rameey, as he made a low and graceful bow on ac- costing the Countess. | “My beloved friend the Princess Sophia sent yes- , tetday to command me to wait upon her at a some- . what early hour in the forenoon ta-day,’- nespanded. Eleanor; “and we paid a yisit to. the. Duchess of Devonshire. But how happens it, Mr. Wakefield,: rious sunshine ta breathe the freah air? A Jittle ex- ercise would have benefitted. you, after your severe indtsposition.”” “T feel no inclination to cross the th Id of your sadyship’s. hospitable, pansion,” m $n 1 ABO PCY stv. “qntil I leave it altogether,” be added, arith abel etifled sigh. * THE “WYVTERIES. glowing passions should practise a self-denial as. peroerwed 1-epeaking as if vexed with. himself. and, uamindfal of the generous.bospttality whigh he: Tot hie-duty te-| blake ; fature,— the treacherous guest had alseedy.reselvéd. | hospitable mansion,; But- that you have not also availed yourself of this glo- be exclaimed,..his. tone which I so providentially found,” observed Ramsev, throwing a certain degree of mournful tenderness inte his voice: “ bat, undes circumstances, the sooner [ And, stopping short, he affected to be seized with a confusion as complete as that which Eleanor had ere now experienced in such reality. “Has anything -occurred to displease you, Mr, Wakefield 7” she inquired. “It is the wish of the Earl and of myself that you should receive all pos sible attention; and if you have sustained any annoyance ~any slight—any negleet——_” “My God! I have.beem ‘trested tea weill—too kindly,” interrupted. Ramsay, with enthusiasm ; “and my heart -aboands in feelings of-the mest fervent. gratitude tewards your soble husbead ang yourself.” “ Then wherefore hint sa mysteriously that circum- stances will compel you te-depart soon, MR Wake- field?” asked the Countess, ina voicethes trembled semewhat, and with a strange fluttering oaf-¢he heart. “Did I indeed make-dach an observation? Thea k was wrong —very. weang,” exclaimed Rameey, “ Bat in ordes that your ledychip may netinterpret my inconsiderate to the prejudice of the domestica of this esta- Are. perhaps eennested with your position in this. country ?”..enid Eleanor. .“J-am acquainted with your histery —the Kari bes.mede- known to me in all. its detaila—and ican audeugiand, Mr. Wakefield, how-painfal it most be foes cup nurtured in ease and cosafort, and looking upon, ‘himself as the heir to a large fortune, to awake froni that dream, and find | adversity .inatead of. greaperity staring him in the face. Such has indeed been your lot: but you naust not look upon the future with apprehension and dis- generous feelings. Bus net until you are completely restored. tp health, will he begin to talk to you seri~ ously. ypom the course of life which may best suit your incligations, gnd on which he wilLassist you to enter. In the interval it is his desire that you should make this house your home;. snd it would grieve him were he to heas. you speak of any circumstances prompting you to depart abruptly.” “ Again do I assure your ladyship,” said Rameey, ip a soft and low.vojce, “shat if 1 copsnited.my owe inclinations only, I, should, notdaeam ef quitting this. orrheagem me,” “ sudsen] y, eenmningy. impas- signed and: ts apanner eunited,--f cop haggeness is comprammed-ryeyen, if, tba: nely already: enecked { begond wedempiion—v-1Oh |. .zwenkd - ti» God that I had naveriactdpet im:thia, moteapelisrthat L had werer ora y i on nderinehahmdasntants heen “ Bot you arp in. zo hurry to Jeaye,na, Ms, Waker wee field!” exclaimed . the. Countests, with. jnzoluatary "wasmth ;, and jnstantapeously ,pargeixing ARal she t nad spoken in such a:tong, she. became searlet swith: | “gonfpsion and embarrassment. “ 1 aeany’ abe aa- . cordingly, hastened to add, f that. until, you ape, petr.. fectly repovered, it is, quite nungaegeary for, you " seek another abode.” “Did Lponsult my.own fegliggaaons, I should nat} indeed be precipitate in leaving this friendly home a. “Yipes ap .gristed ta spessve that you eh aecmmerey. oe aaik Slocore es seen. palgitating smote, wepialy Ahan. evenrend a Gingelans emeation gemingover her. aa, if s0mec nagetic: afl wencaasso- ciated pereelf and. hen .ewn: feolings with: the. pss- Gaplaged. :“d.epeak CORNICE OO MeO