The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

Ce eee eee THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. CEE Ae It was with a heart beating more violently than while i his toilet or during the drive thither, that Francis Paton, arm-in-arm with Mr. Hawkshaw, followed the powdered lacquey up the spacious and well-lighted staircase, to the first of the suite of rooms which were thrown open for the reception of the company. It was here—in what was called the Ante-Room—that Mr. and Mrs. Denison had stationed themselves to receive their guests. Immediately upon crossing that threshold, Frank swept his quick glances around: but amungst the ladies and gentlemen who were lounging there previous to passing into the next apartment, which was called the Saloon, he discerned not Juliana Farefeld. The footman announced Mr. Hawkshaw in a load voice; Mr. and Mrs. Denison at once came forward to receive him. Cordial shakings of the hand took place; and the Squire hastened to observe, “Permit mo to introduce a young and very particular friend of mine—Mr. Paton. He is on 8 visit to me at the Hall; and I have taken the liberty of bringing him hither, knowing that he would be welcome.” “We are delighted to seo Mr. Paton,” said Mrs. Denison, at once, and with more cordiality than would have been shown in the less genial circles of London fashionable life, extending her hand to greet the youth. “ Any friend of my friend Hawkshaw,” said old Mr. Denison, ‘‘is sure to receive a kind welcome here:”—and he in his turn shook Frank by the hand. Some other guests were announced at the moment ; and the Squire, accompanied by Frank, strolled into the Saloon, where the bulk of the company were assembled, and where tea and coffee were served up. This was an immense apartment; and it was not with the first quickly sweeping glance that Frank was enabled to discern whether Juliana was there or not. All around—on chairs, ottomans, or eofas—elegantly apperelled ladies and well-dressed gentlemen were seated. Here end there small groups were standing to converys: and in other parts ladies were sitting, while gathered around them, was a knot of young gentlemen standing in that gracefally lounging attitude which is so often seen. The immense t was flooded with the light poured forth by three superb lustres, and whioh was reflected in the magnificent mirrors, as well as by the diamonds and the costly ornaments worn by the guests. Amongst the female portion thereof, there was no insignificant display of beauty ; and bright eyes, ae well as mirrors and gems, shone brighter in the powerful effulgence streaming from the lustres Mr. Hawkshaw, with Frank on his arm, strolled through the Saloon, nodding familiarly to those with whom he was most intimate—bowing more formally to those with whom he was less acquainted —and also looking around to see if a certain lady- guest had yet arrived. Need we say that the object of his eyes’ research was Juliana Farefield P—and thus was it that, without having the most distant saspicion OF the fact, he and his young friend were both alike on the look-out for one and the same being. She was not however there; and having reached the extremity of the room, the Squire and Frank sat down, while a footman hastened to serve hem with coffee. As Mr. Hawkshaw had foreseen, Frank’s appear- ance at once created much ourisity and interest. All eyes had followed him as he walked h the apartment, leaning on the Squire’s arm: the ex- quisite beauty of his countenance—his symmetrical and figure—the aristocratic polish which appeared to invest him as naturally ae if he had notice of every one present, and made him the “obeerved of all observers.” Who has ho—this in- teresting young stranger ? Such appeared to be the general question, whispered in some parts of the room—asked by means of a rapid exchange of glances in others. The Squire and Frank did not remain long alone where they had seated themselves: some of tho principal male guests approached to shake hands with their friend Hawkshaw—and they were of course introduced to Mr. Paton. A little knot was soon collected there; and the youth became engaged in discourse with his new acquaint- ances. Presently Mr. Denison approached; and seizing an opportunity when Frank was talking to some others, the old gentleman whispered to Hawk- shaw, “You have brought us quite an acquisition this evening. I can assure you that a great num- ber of ladies have already been asking Mrs. Deni- son who the interesting young stranger is.” “He is connected with one of the highest and noblest families of the British Aristocracy,” re- sponded the Squire aside to Mr. Denison. “He is well off, too,” he added with a smile; “and if it be any satisfaction to the fair sex, you may safely whisper that on the day of his marriage his father will give him a fortune of a couple of thousand a- year.” “Indeed !”? said Mr."Denison. “He certainly is a most interesting and fascinatang youth. Does he purpose to make a long stay in Lincolnshire P” “I am afraid not,” responded Hawkshaw. “TI mean to keep him as long as I possibly can: but I know that he is very anxious to get back to London.” ‘“‘That’s a pity,” rejoined the old gentleman. ‘‘ However, we mast make the most of him while he ie in the county. By the bye,” he added jocularly, at the same time poking the Squire in the ribs, “are you serious in your intentions in a certain quarter P ——you know where I mean. Come now, Hawk- shaw, don’t make a mystery of it. All the county is talking of your constant visits to the Castle. But it is also rumoured that Lady Saxondale herself is likely to change her condition—and that Lord Harold Staunton is to be the happy man. [I don’t know how true it may be: but you at least ought to be in the secret.” “Well, I suppose,” responded the Squire, laugh- ing, though amidst some little degree of confusion, “there is no use making a mystery of it. All that you have surmised is correct. But don’t go and tell every body that I am engaged to Miss Farefield. I only proposed yesterday; and you are the first per- son outside the walls of Saxondale Castle that I havo mentioned it to. I would much rather keep if as quiet as possible till the event comes off: for when these things get known, one is stared at, and s0 ban- tered—and I really can’t bear jesting on such a point.” “ Well, well,” answered Mr. Denison, laughing in his turn, “1 will keep your secret, Hawkshaw. But =p a DY CT I I I TS I TI pal Ee SS pA SoS SES EE ss Sr Da Sc — c c a e AIS II S SD (COL (C DOO CS (COL