The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 372: what you’re looking at

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

"*HE MVATERI «at exceedingly beautiful—at least the world says soz and on that score you will not be ashamed of your wife.” “But this implacable vengeance which you cherish against Arthur Eaton,” said Mr. Clarendon,— “whence did it arise ?—how has he provoked your hatred ?” “Would you know the truth?” she exclaimed, with a laugh which sounded wild and savage from behind that thick black vei. “Oh! it is a strange secret for a woman to reveal to the man whom she invites to marry her! Nevertheless, I am not dis- posed to stand upon any false delicacy in these ne- gotiations which are now progressing between us. In a word, then, Mr. Clarendon,” she added, her voice becoming suddenly hoarse and thick, “ Arthur Eaton seduced me—and I have sworn to wreak a deadly vengeance upon him !” “ Methouyht that he loved—at least at one time —a certain Miss Fernanda Aylmer ” said Claren- don: “surely—surely, you cannot be the niece of the Earl of Desborough ?” “ There is no ueed for farther disguise nor mys- tery,” exclaimed the lady. “ Yes—I am Fernanda Aylmer |” And she threw back the dark veil—thus reveal- ng to the eyes of Mr. Clarendon that beauteous pountenance which seemed as unfit to express the working of all the darkegt passions of the human soul as the blushing rose to bear the slime of the snail upon its bloom. The snowy skin and the ecariet lip—the luxuriant brown hgir and the deep violet eyes—the proadly- cising throat and the well developed but not exube. cant bust—the exquisitely chiselled nose and the pearly teeth—the high forehead softly veined, and the classically rounded chia,— these were the charms which constitated the whole glory of dazzling beauty that burst upon the sight of Mr. Cla- rendon. He had heard of Miss Aylmer on many occa- sions: bat he had never seen her face until now. And when it was thus revealed to him, his first feel- ing was one of joy and pleasure at the idea of pos- sessing such a bride; his second was an emotion of miagled borror and dread at the thought of taking to his bosom a snake with so lovely askin, But again, and allin a moment, did his sentiments un- dergo a transitioa—and heeding only the glittering prize of a coronet which by Aer agency appeared to be within his reach, the infatuated votary of ambition smiled with ineffable satisfaction as he took her hand, saying, “ Fernanda, you are ador- able—and I already love you !” “ Then, as we have come to so perfect an under- standing on all points,” exclaimed Miss Aylmer, “let there be no delay in affording each other the proper guarantees of our mataal sincerity. The dis- tance is not great from bence to Doctors’ Commons —& license oan be procured there in a few minutes —and at the private residence of some clergyman in the neighbourhood may our hands be joined in matrimonial bonds. Come, Mr. Clarendon—do you Sesitate ?” “Not agall,” was the reply. .“ But I was think- mg that the abruptness of this step would surprise the world—my daughters too——” “We care nothing for the world,” intcrrupted fernanda, petulantly : “ and as for your daughters— ate they look coldly upon their father, or super- Sos ciliously upon the mother-in-law whom hé may ix troduce to them f” “ Assuredly not,” answered Mr. Clarendon. “But there is still another objection which I am compelled to urge against the precipitation of this step——"’ * Speak — speak !” ejaculated Fernanda, im patiently. “ You are probably aware that my income depends wholly and solely upon the generosity of Lord Marchmont,” continued Mr. Clarendon; “ and should he take offence at this marriage—or should his son Arthur oonceive that such an alliance is at least fraught with suspicion, if not actual menace towards himself——” . “In that case you will lose your income—is it not a0?” exclaimed Fernanda: then, without waitiog for a reply, she observed, “ But you may make yourself y easy upon that head. I am aot without friends or resources.” ° “Yes—I am well aware that your uncle the Ear of Desborough is rich,” said Mr. Clarendon: “ but I was fearful that, should Ae likewise disapprove of this match, your own means would be dried up as well as my own.” “T care not the value of a grain of sand for cither Lord or Lady Desborough,” returned Miss Aylmer; “and, thank heaven! I am not dependent upon their bounty. In Lord Montgomery I possess a generous relative and kind friend—and for many months past he has supplied my puree without even inquiring the purposes for which I have needed considerable sums of gold. Look!” she exclaimed, drawing forth several Bank-notes from the bosom of her dress and displaying them before the eyes of Mr. Clarendon: “here are two thousand pounds—and this amount will last us a considerable time, When it is gone, my cousin Lord Montgomery will not fail to act as my banker.” “But how know you that even ke may approve of this marriage?” demanded Mr. Clarendon. “JT know that he will not disapprove of anything that I may do in order to forward my own interests or aims,” answered Miss Aylmer, in a decided tona “ Are all your objections now set at rest f—or have you any farther scruples to get rid of f” “None,” responded Mr. Clarendon, yielding to the force of circumstances—or rather to the temptations thrown in his way—with the desperate firmness of a man who surrenders up his sou] to Satan. Miss Aylmer replaced the veil over her counte- nance and quitted the house, Mr. Ciarendon’ under taking to meet her in a few minu‘es in Portland Place. His toilette was then hurriedly performed ; and, without breathing a word of his intentions te his daughter Pauline, he hastened to join his in- tended bride at the spot where she was waiting for him. A hackney-coach was immediately sum- moned; and the driver received orders to repaz direct to Doctors’ Commons. CHAPTER CIV. PAULINE. Wea have already stated that Pauline was tog mucd abeorved in ber own mournful reflections to notice the excited manner of her father on this memorable morning. We have also observed that when Fer- nanda Aylmer knocked at the door, the young maiden hurried to the window aad was disappuiat _ ECOMICHOOOKS.COm