The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 133: what you’re looking at

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126 THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. ater ee ES The Countess was much affected on hearing that | room, was at once strutk by the Eari’s altered her husband was unwell: but it soon struck her that this indigposition on his part wae merely & in order to avoid the necessity of visiting her own sick-room; and the tears trickled down ber cheeks at the thought. After a few minutes’ pause she once more expressed a wish to write to her hus- band: but Mrs. Broughton positively refused to give her the writing-desk—obeerving that she had incurred a severe rebuke from Dr. Ferney for having done so on the previous occasion. It was about mid-day when this discourse took place between the Countess of Castlemaine and Mrs. Broughton. Her ladyship inquired the hour; and on being informed, she said, after a few minutes’ reflection, “I can endure this state of mind no longer! Earnestly and strenuously would I have avoided the intervention of a third party: bat it has now become necessary. If I am not permitted to write, I must speak——I6 is killing me to endure | delieate and all this! But of whom should I make a confidant if not of you? whose assistance should I invoke if not your'e, my good and faithfal Broughton P” *T beseech your ladyship to compose yourself,” said the kind-hearted dependant. ways of oxeiting the feelings than by endeavouring to writea letter; andif you experience another re- lapec, it may prove fatal.” “I will compose myself for a few hours, Brough- ton,” responded the Countess. “But promise me that if thie evening—let us say betwota nine and ten o’clock—you find me sufficiently tranquillized, sufficiently strong also to endure whatsoever little fatigue may be attendant on unbosoming my soul to you,—you will listen—you will permit me to speak—and you will promise to befriend me?” “ Heaven knows, dear lady,” responded the woman, with carnest sincerity, “if I could really befriend you, I should be only too happy. But, ales! ——” “You fear,” eaid the Countess, perceiving that Mrs. Broughton suddenly stopped short, “that mine is @ case the reach of friendly aid, and that I have been guilty of errors which naught can efface? You shall see!”—and must singular was the expression which settled upon the pale countenance of Lady Castlemaine—that same expression which had before so much bewildered the worthy Mrs. Broughton, and had set her reflecting whether it were possible, in the face of all circumstances, that the Countess could be innocent ? “ Compose yourself, dear lady,” she said: “ and this evening, if you will, you shell command my services.” ‘You promise mef—and your promise has already tended to cheer my spirits. My mind is indeed more tranquil now. I feel as if I could enjoy a few hours of peaceful slum “Oh, do!” cried Mrs. Broughton ; “and you will awake refreshed.” The Countess of Oastlemaine said not another word—but settled herself to sleep ; and in a little while she was wrapped in slumber. Soon after- wards one of the younger damsels entered the sick- chamber with an intimation that the Earl bad left his own apartment, and hed descended to the drawing-room, where he desired Mrs. Broughton’s smmediate presence. She accordingly proceeded to cbey the summons; and on entering the drawing- appearance. Hoe did indeed seem as if he had been very ill: his countenance was haggard and care- worn—his eyes, so dark in hue and eo bright in lustre, now appeared to burn with the superadded giow of fever. Mrs. Broughton had not ecen him for three whole days; and it was therefore no won- dor that his altered aspect should strike her so ys: “Dr. Ferney, who was here just now,” began the Earl, so soon as she stood in his presence, “ tells me that her ladyship has regained her consciousness. Is it eo?” “It is, my lord, I am happy to say,” replied Mrs. , BO “And you have been conversing together, doubt?” continued the nobleman. “I have not for- gotten that on the last occesion when I epoke to you privately, you manifested @ distaste-—a very repeating yourself. But 1 hope that you intend tw be a little lees scrupulous now———Stop! don’t interrupt me— I will tell you wherefore I make the remark. I had not ecen Dr. Ferney for several days until this morning. He spoke of her ladyship’s relapse and ite cause: be mentioned about her desire to pen a letter to ma, and that it was while at- tempting to do so her strength failed her. Was this the case P” “It was so, my lord,” replied Mrs. Broughton, who certainly saw no harm in making this state- ment. “But at the same time I mast request———" “I know what you would request,” interrupted the Earl: “that the interrogatory should cease here ?—bat it cannot! You must tell me what your mistress purposed to write to me: for I am certain that you know.” “ My lord, as I am a living women and have a soul to be saved,” replied Mrs. Broughton, “I am unable to answer that question. Her ladyship did not tell me what she purposed to write.” “Bat will you pretend,” he continued, almost sternly, “ that you are not in her confidence? Mrs. Broughton, an accident made you acquainted with “No, my lord—I anoeld nore to do #0,” she ex- claimed, indignanti likewise sorry indeed to let her understand that you thought so ill of me as to expect that I would Tepeat conversations and give way to gossip or tittle-tattle. No, my lord—I would not do so!” and she was turning to quit the room. “* Bat one word, Mrs. Broughton—one word, I beseech you!” exclaimed the Karl, now totally unable to control or conceal the excitement which had ecised upon him. “I am about to ask you something to which you may give me an answer. The servante——do they speak together f-——you know what I mean—do not forse me to put inte words the odious, horrible thoughts which are up- permost in my mind.” “I believe, my lord,” was Mrs. Broughton’s guarded responses, “that there is not s household in all London where the domestics generally are se o_O eee quar (COL (C DOO CS (COL