The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

ne ae re >, aa OO ee ———= i 232 complaints either fn writing or in speaking—and to attempt the exercise of no authority over you. Will that suffice ?” “You have fully comprehended my meaning,” . was the prompt reply. “ During the usual period of what is Vulgarly—and, I suppose, facetiously— called the honeymoon, I shall become the partner of your chamber: afterwards, I regain my liberty and act as my own master. And now you must permit me to observe that I am grateful for the readiness with which you have entered into my views and as- sented to my wishes. Nay, more—you must even permit me to apologise for my conduct of the past night :—and I can assure you that when the hour for retiring to rest shall again come round, { will not seek your chamber in a condition as repulsive to yourself as it is humiliating to me.” Thus speaking, the Prince of Wales rose from his seat—made a graceful bow—and retired into his dressing-room. “ And it is for this that [ have become Princess of Wales?” murmured Caroline to herself, the in- stant that she was left alone. “Oh! that [had never consented to leave my native land—never allowed myself to be persuaded by my parents to accept the hand of a foreign Prince! But let me not repine: no—no,” she said in a hoarse whisper, as she pressed her fingers to her throbbing brows; “let me not re- pine! Resignation—meekness —docility—and en- durance will best become me now. Never, never was woman placed in a position so difficult. The least error—and I shall be lost! Oh! he already wishes to rid himself of me—and we have not yet been married aday! Would that I had some kind friend to counsel me—some disinterested monitor to guide me now !”" And as the unfortunate Princess covered her coun- tenance with her fair hands, the tears trickléd between her taper fingers. Presently she heard the key turning in the outer door of the chamber: and, hastily wiping her eyes, she assumed as much composure as she could pos- sibly summon to her aid) The next moment Lady Jersey entered the room; and with an air of profound respect, she approached the couch. A glance con- vinced her that only one person had lain in that nuptial bed; and she was still there. For an in- stant—a single instant—did a smile of triumph waver upon the lips of the Countess: but it was gone the very next moment—and Caroline observed it not. “ Good morning, dear Lady Jersey,” said the Prin- cess, replying with unaffected frankness to the cere- monial salutation with which tho Countess greeted her. “Did you not revisit the chamber for a mo- ment last night—or rather, at an early hour this morning? — I mean, when his Royal High- ness——.”* “ According to the prescribed custom, may it please your Royal Highness,” observed Lady Jersey, “I accompanied the illustrious bridegroom to the threshold——” “And did you not regard me in a very peculiar manner?” demanded Caroline. “Now, unless I was dreaming at the moment, it struck me that there was avery angry expression upon your countenance; end this was wrong on your part,—inasmuch as,! had already assured you that I am in no way jealous of your friendship with the Prince—and I had even made the same representation to him relative to « £4 = ee OO ee ee « (oie eee oe > Ti THE MYSTERIES. “Oh! your Royal Highness must not ima- gine for a moment,” exclaimed Lady Jersey, her countenance becoming scarlet, “that I should dare to assume in your presence any other mien than that of the profoundest respect. When I ‘accompanied his Royal Highness as far as the threanold of this chamber, I saw that you recognised me, and I saluted your Royal Highness with an inclination of the head —perhaps accompanied with a smile of the most respectful devotedness.” | “Ah! then the light must have deceived me,” said Caroline. “ Assuredly, your Royal Highness,” observed the artful patrician lady. “I hope that when you know me better, you will learn to regard me as one of your sincerest and firmest friends.” “Ts it possible that you will become my fnend, Jeraey ?” exclaimed the Princess, as much delighted az astonished at the assurance. “Tt would be the height of my ambition and the crowning of my happiness,” was the immediate re- sponse. “ But so long as your Royal Highness puts faith in the vile calumnies which are whispered con- cerning myself, and which have evidently reached your ears——” “Calumnies!” ejaculated the Princess, in aston- ishment. “I have heard no calumnies relative toe you.” “Then to what did your Royal Highness allude when you spoke so significantly of a presumed friend- ship between the Prince and myself?” inquired the Countess, now unfeignedly surprised in her turn. “Qh! do you call those calumnies ” exclaimed the Princess. “I thought that you English ladies were too proud and happy at being the Prince's mis- tresses, to Jook upon the reports thereof as calum- nies 2?” The Countess once more blushed up to the eyes— and averted her head: but when she had somewhat recovered from her confusion, she threw a rapid, searching glance upon Caroline to read in her looks what was passing in her soul. “Your Royal Highness has altogether mistaken me and been misled by those ramoars which I more vehemently than ever denounce as calumnies,” said Lady Jersey, convinced by Caroline's manner that she was altogether serious in her remarks and entertained not even the remotest idea of sarcastic allusion. ‘Would you have me believe that you are not the Prince's mistress?” she demanded, surveying Lady Jersey with mingled astonishment and incre- dulity. “Should I dare offer your Royal Highness the humble tribute of my most devoted friendship, if there were any impropriety of such a nature in my conduct?” said Lady Jersey, affecting the virtuous indignation of a woman outraged by a foul calumay. “No, your Royal Highness—I have been belied ; and I implore you to believe that such is indeed the truth.” “T dare not doubt you, my dear Jersey,” said Caroline: “you have no inducement to deceive me. I was prepared to like you even while imagining you to be the Prince’s mistress: how much more shall I love you, now that I have been assured of the con- trary? Give me your hand: henceforth we will be true and faithful friends to each other.” “ Dear Princess—as amiable as you are beautiful!” | yourself” mumiured the false woman, pressing Caroline’s hand | =a Gea ate © om + st So NN A GOH GOO SS