The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 263: what you’re looking at

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ZC Marshall that she was free—for which annownce- ment she proffered the sincerest thanks and exhi- bited the liveliest joy. Christoval assured her that her post-chaise was still waiting in the road,— adding, “ We must stay a few minutes to partake of refreshments with these people; or they will consider me churlish and unfriendly—and for the sake of old associations I am unwilling to earn their displeasure. Besides, you perceive, Miss Marshall, how advantageous it may be under cer- tain circumstances to wield an influence over these wild Catalonian bands. Tarry you therefore until I take my departure; and I will escort you back to your vehicle.” Kate could not of course refuse; and Ramon de Collantes, now accosting her, expressed a hope that she would not bear him any ill will on account of his conduct towards her. She was in too good a humour at having regained her freedom, to give an | unfavourable response; and she proffered him her hand as « proof that all was forgiven. The entire party then satdown to the banquet; and at the expiration of half-an-hour, Don Diego Christoval ying him. “ And now, might I ask,” he said, as he con- ducted her the “how it is that I find you a traveller in my native land? Perhaps I may be of some service to you: for I presume it must be more on business than on pleasure that you are journsying thus alone P” “Ab! my lord,” responded Kate, a sudden gieam of hope lighting up her handsome features, which had become clouded as Christoval questioned her relative to her object in visting Spain,—“ I am certain you could assist me! Your rank—your influence—your connexions, might be used for the best and kindest of purposes, and to save my hap- piness from becoming s total wreck !’’ “‘ Rest assured, Mise Marshall,” responded Chris- toval, “that if I can thus forward your sims, I shall be truly delighted. But pray explain the lar circarastances to which you thus allude.” “I must inform your lordship,” answered Kate, bending down. her eyes, while a blush mantled upon her countenancd,—-“ that I am engaged to be married to as gallant a sailor as ever dared the perils of the ocean. And a handsome man, too,-—a generous end kind-hearted one,—is Edward Rus- sell, He is the owner of a small trading-vessel, and commands it as its captain. By several voyages up the Moediterrancan he has acquired some little property; and when he set out upon this present voyage, it was understood it was to be ventures. It appears that poor Ned, anxious by a bold stroke to realize a considerable ere with a quantity of those English goods for which there is always a considerable contraband trade on the coast of Catalonia. It was in the middle of the night that he endeavoured to land his about ten miles north of Barcelona: but it cargo would Spanish officers were kilied—but my lover was overpowered by numbers and taken pri- coder; while his men managed to reach the boat, THE MYSTERIES OF THR COURT. push it off, and effect their escape to the The vessel iteelf got away after being chased by some Spanish cruisers; and poor Ned Russell conducted a prisoner to Barcelona. in a hice would be the death of se——And, oh! such a death—it is madness to think of it {’’ “And you have journeyed all the way from England to see your lover?” eaid Don Diego, gazing with admiration upon the heroic young “The moment he was plunged into the gaol at Barcelona,” ] Kate, “he wrote me a letter, I ahould do so——Yes, I should have come, were the distance even ten thousand times as great! he knows it, and expects me—I am sure he does !”’ “ Magnanimous young woman!” exclaimed the Count; “you shall have whatsoever little assist- ance I may be enabled to render you. But this, I fear,” he added gloomily, “will scarcely avail under the peculiar circumstances of the present case: for as you tell me, there has been a conflict —blood was shed—lives were lost——” “ But Ned Russell’s broad-sword slew not one of those unfortunate men!” Miss Marshall hastened to observe. “ His weapon was drawn only in self- defence: he parried blows, but dealt none. His men took those lives that were lost-——” “This may be a consolation for his and for you, Miss Marshall,” observed the Count; “but in the eye of the law it will scareely be deemed a pal- liative of the offence, inasmuch as Captain Russell was the leader of those men who took theese lives. However, the best that I can do shall be done.” “And my eternal gratitude is your lordship’s due,” answered Kate, with fervid enthusiasm. “Surely, Miss Marshall,” observed Don Di “you had some other hope of being enabled to in- terest yourself on behalf of your intended husband ? If so, leave no stone unturned——” slight “IT had indced some quarter,” responded Kate. Villebelle, the French Chargé d'affaires, at th Court of Madrid, is under some obligation to me on account of a certain matter wherein I was en- abled a few months back to render him a little assistance———~”’ “The Marquis of Villebelle?” ejaculated Dos Diego, to whose ear the name was well known, in- asmuch as Elizabeth Paton had told him all her “Yes, my lord—it is he,” rejoined Kate, “on whom I did somewhat reckon for succour in this dreadful dilemma. I know wherefore the name has thus startled youu——”’ “ By all means,” said the Count, “fail not te - Wherefore should you proceed first of all to Barcelona? wherefore not repair straight to Madrid ?” (COL (C DOO CS (COL