The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

4 paratively tranquillized, he exerted all posible in- terest on my bebalf. But matters of this kind drag themecives slowly along in my native coun- try; and it was only a few weoks back that one morning my generous and weil-meaning relative brought mo the ennogncement thet I had received on mel and that I wes allowed to take posession of the large fortune whereof I have spoken. I myself would have asked no favour of those in power: but | li I was not insane enough to reject the boons which procured for me. Besides, during my long imprisonment at Cadis, I had learnt sufficient of the true character of Don Carlos—I had settled, when I set out on my journey to England. I travelled alone, without ceremony, without attend- ante: my purpose wae to proceed as rapid] encumbrances y 8 pos- sible, avoiding of all kinds. A post- chaise bore me to the Pyrenees. Oh! with what | feelings of hope and fear did I enter 0 eighh ban gone to some far we imtant cme without leaving a trace to guide me in the search : or even if you were in your own native land, it might still be impossible to discover you. I reached Dover; and accident led me to take up my tem- porary quarters at an hotel where you were known. The moment my name was ticulars concerning you. Yes: I Jearnt that you were alive and well—that you were in reality un- that pession which was consuming me—and that roe ane en), Tent experienced « chenge in your circumstances fortunate description. Mids Marshall spake of you in tho Kinda ond mo friendly terms: she spoke of you indeed with the ‘tender interest of a sister: and I firmly believe, Slizabeth—-—yea, I am convinced of it—she looked wot unfavourably upon me when I confessed to her the object of my visi to Ragland that T onme as 8 suitor for your hand! That deemed me thus worthy of espousing her dearest friend—for such showed. She gave me certain information how to discover your residence on my arrival in Loodon— or at least she told me as much as she herself knew at the time upon the subject. I have been to the house which you have recently left—e picturesque little dwelling not fer from hence. There I found a female who had been your servant ; and ashe directed me hither. Now, Elizabeth, you know all, My narrative is ended—and my fate is in your hands. You have a word to speak—a word which will either fill me with happiness, or condemn me to despair. I pray you that it may not be spoken imconside- rately or rashbly. I come to lay my title and my fortune at your fest. I can give you rank and riches: but what is ten thousand times more valuable —I can give you a heart which never loved before is never love another! Now, Elisabeth, solemnly doe I conjure you to reflect that the life of a fellow. ereatare is in your hands *” “My lord,” answered the lady, in a low, soft voice,—and in @ voice that was tremulous too,—“ if I were to tell you that I am ineensible to ell these proofs of so much love on your part, I should be something lees or mmore than woman. I[ pretend to be neither: and certainly I am not with- out a feeling of gratitude for this attachment which you have maintained tuwards me. But would you have me wed where my heart is not won? Count feeling of love——or at least not now / “What is your decision, Elisabeth ?”’ he asked. “'You have not pronounced it. Assuredly you have ion, “you regard me as a bandit—and yeu shrink at the ides of join- ing your hand to mine?” “ No, no!” exclaimed Miss Paton, a convalsing ahe felt visibly and keenly at the moment that upon this ground they were at least on an equal footing. “'You wrong me-———or rather, you do not understand me——no, you cannot! There—take my hand ia friendship! It is a proof that I do not shrink from you—that I have no right to do so; but it is not given in love—because I will neither deceive myseif nor you by simulating a sentiment which I do not truly and faithfully experience.” There was something wild and full of impetuous emotions in her voice and manner—something aspect—as par- | she thus proffered her hand to the Spanish noble- man. He pressed it to his lips :—again and again he covered it with kisses; and it was not withdrawn, because Elizabeth had fallen into a mood of d abstraction, and knew not rightly that this fair hand of her’s was so completely abandoted to him. But suddenly feeling the fervid warmth of those kisses, she withdrew it with an abruptaess that both startled and burt Count Christoval. ‘Yes: his feelings were hurt—his heart was wounded—and he gazed upon her m mingled surprise and reproachfulness. He gazed thus in surprise, because those vehement (COL (C DOO CS (COL