The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 65: what you’re looking at

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63 THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. So not another word upon that subject. But, by the bye, did you go and havea look at Saxondale Castle yesterday? Ah! I dare say you were in n0 huniour for anything of the kind——” “ Nevertheless,” responded Frank, successfully concealing the agitation which this allusion to Juliana’s home conjured up, “I did approach near enough to that fine old edifice to see as much as I cared for. Bat I have no great taste that way: I feel no particular interest in seeing antique build- inge. I would much rather go and take a long ride or walk through the midst of the charming scetery which I behold from this window.” “As for walking, my dear Mr. Paton,” replied Hawkshaw, with a smile, “you must have had enough of it yesterday: so if you please, we will take a good ride together. According to your pro- ficiency in horsemanship, can I accommodate you. If you like a somewhat spirited atecd, be it so: but if you prefer a quiet gentle animal, but a fast trotter withal, such a one shall be at your service.” “TI must confess,” said Frank, “that I should prefer the latter: for I cannot pretend to have any equestrian skill at all.” The Squire and his guest now rose from the breakfast-table, and proceeded to the stables. Mr. Hawkshaw possessed a large stud, comprising some of the finest horses in the county. He had a pack of hounds and harriers; and an hour was spent in the inspection of the equine and canine departments of his spacious establishment. All the while he conversed with such frankness of heart and in such cheerfal spirits, that young Paton felt himself con- siderably elevated from the and gloom into which he had previously been plunged. It was impossible not to catch some portion of the Squire's exhilaration: besides, Frank was little more than eighteen years of age, and that was nota fime of life when disappointment in love renders the vic- tim so utterly disconsolate as to think seriously of quitting the world and turning hermit. Mr. Hawkshaw and his youthful guest, mounting the horses that were gotten in readiness for them, rode forth across the country. There was a variety of beautiful scenery on the Squire’s estate, with the contemplation of which Frank was much charmed : for his was a mind that could appreciate the loveli- ness of nature, and receive, as it were, poetic in- spirations therefrom. Nor less was he in reality curious and interested with regard to fine specimens of architecture: he had therefore done himself an injustice when at the breakfast-table he affected an indifference with regard to Saxondale Oastle. But this, ae the reader has no doubt understood, he did for the purpose of preventing Mr. Hawkshaw from starting a proposal to take him in that direction. After a long ride, a farm-house was reached, where the Squire purposed to halt and take lunch. He was well known there, although it was not upon his own estate; and most welcome were he and Frank made by the occupants of the homestead. Having refreshed themselves, they remounted their horses and returned to the Hall by another route, so that Frank had farther opportunities of behold- ing the charming scenery of that part of the country. It was about four o'clock when they reached the mansion; and the interval until dinner time was occupied by an inspection of the interior of the | ™_ Ce LS ae SSD house itself. There was a fine library, consisting chiefly of old works accumulated by Mr. Hawk- shaw’s father, who was much more of a book-worm than his son and successor. There was likewise a fine of pictures; and there were a few good busts and statues. Thus, in the inspection of these objects of interest, the time passed away quickly enough till six o’clock, when dinner was served up. After the repast Frank and the Squire adjourned to their respective chambers, to dress for the grand ball that was to take place at the Denisons’ that evening. It was with a beating heart that Frank performed this toilet; and now he did suffer his page Edward to assist him: for he was resolved to lose none of - the advantages that dress might bestow. Not that he entertained the slightest idea of endeavouring to assert so complete an empire over the heart of Juliana, as to pave the way for a reconciliation, to be crowned by i No: he vowed within himself that everything should indeed be at an end between herself and him. But if the plain truth must be spoken, it was with a feeling of boyish vanity, natural and intelligible enough, that Frank on the present occasion made the best of all the resources and advantages of the toilet which were at his disposal. When it was achieved, he could nat be otherwise than well satisfied with his own appear. ance: for he looked eminently handsome. The well- cut garments set off his slender and symmetrical figure to the fullest advantage: the evening costume became his somewhat feminine style of beauty most admirably. The flutter of his heart’s feelings sent up the colour to his cheeks, which wore usually of a classic paleness; and when he descended to the room where Mr. Hawkshaw was waiting for him, the worthy Squire felt quite proud of the interesting youth whom he was about to introduce to the circle of his acquaintances; for he foresaw that Frank’s presence there would cause a complete sensation. The old-fashioned chariot,—-which had be to the Squire’s grandfather, and which the Squire himself so very seldom used, save and except when going to evening parties,—was in readiness soon after eight o'clock. The place of destination was about seven miles distant; and it was reached at nine: for in the country such entertainments as these commence at an earlier hour than in London. Mr. Denison’s mansion was of an immense sise, and contained suites of apartments spacious and lofty enough to remind one of the baronial halls of former times. The family iteelf has already been spoken of ae one of the oldest and richest in all Lincolnshire. The father and mother were kind- hearted hospitable persons: the old was sure to form a friendship for any one who would praise his wines—the lady was as certain to take a liking to any one who appeared to relish the sub- stantial fare served up at her board. They had several sons and daughters, most of them married and settled in different parte of the same county : these were all present at the ball of which we are speaking. Most of the guests had arrived when Mr. Hawkshaw’s carriage drove up to the front of the mansion. There were perhaps three hundred. persons altogether assembled; and, ase the Squire had hinted to his youthful companion, these con- sisted of the elite of the entire neighbourhood foe several miles round. COMMUC DOO CS (COL