The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 91: what you’re looking at

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on secret from that kind and generous-hearted parent, exhe at once told the Marquis all that had just taken place. Though he had destroyed the letter, he nevertheless remembered the precise tenour of ite contents: end these he repeated,—omitting however, with a natural delicacy, all mention of those pas- sages which alluded to his sister. “My dear Frank,” said the in the kind- eat tone, “ you have done wisely to avoid the snare to the paternity of the child w eee Rates ce on ope; end if not Francie--wby, thes i¢ Hawkshaw! implicit faith in ber, that she might dessive him her position was desperste: she must Hee mind wap thus mede up; sad though her resolve was in one of its alternatives eo treacherous and so criminal, she nevertheless swervent which this syren has set to entrap you. I rejoice eee acne Tostloes end uneasy oa to the revalt of the also in the easdour with which you have just com- municated the incident: depend upon it, my son, such frankness wijl find ite reward.” “Since we are again speaking upon this subject, my dear father,” observed the youth, “I am re- winded that I have not as yet written to Mr. Hawkshaw according to my promise. Surely wily gained pearspentier eater earn ster you to preserve an incognito, as he himedf would be the last in the world to frustrate any purposes you may have in view. Besides, Mr. Denison knows that you are in England; and wherefore not Mr. Hawkshaw, who behaved so kindly towards me 9 “ My dear Frank,” responded the Marquis, “have @ little patience,—and in a few days there will no louger be any necessity for me to keep the iacaguito towards any one.” CHAPTER CIV. SEE MECBEGER S RETURY.—THE WEDDIEG-DAY. Tum fortnight which was to elapse ere the double marriage of Lady Saxondale and Juliana took place, was drawing to a close—the day for the nuptials was near et hand—and all the srrangements were anade for the sulemnigation of the ceremovies. It was settled that the weddings should take place by epocial license at Saxondale Castle, and at the hoar of noon — so that immediately after the nuptials, Lady Saxondale and her husband would take their for London on the one hand, while on the other Mr. Hawkshaw would bear away his bride | and to the Hall. The ceremony was to be conducted with as mueh privacy as could be observed in euch matters,—only those whose assistance was abeo- lutely necessary, being invited. Such were the arrangements; snd, aa above stated, the day was now close et hand. It was evening: and Julians was seated alone in the drawiag-room~—ber mother being in the library, ing the return of her messenger; for on the response be brought beck, depended the course she had to sTrasely did she hope thet Francis Paton wéuld send a reply favourable to her wishes: for she more than dreaded—she had the almost abeo- late certainty—that her amour with him, which had eommenced two months back, would not be without its consequences. In short, she felt assured that she was in a way to become a mother. But if Frank were to refuse, should she still marry Mr. Hawkshaw? Yes: she saw no alternative. He was 90 fond=—-ge confiding—be evidently put such i letter she had sent to Loadon,—a result upon which ao much depended—~a result, in short, which must ee owas Oe many te ene rere In the midst of this unsettled mood of ber’s, on the particular evening of which we are writing, a domestic entered the apartment to announce that “ You have seen him ? you have been enccessful ?” she at length saif, ving that he did not at once speak of his own accord. nS considerable. trouble, Miss, I found Mr. “ And you gave him the letter? and he read it? ——and——~he has not sent ryrpnrae “ Only a verbal one,” emissary. responded the “Ah! a verbal one?” echoed Juliana, perceiving at once that all hope was dead in that quarter: and making a merit of necessity, she concealed ber vex- ation—her too-—heneath a look of suddenly assumed haughty scorn. “Apd what was thie ver- bal answer ?” “Mr. Paton said, Mies,” rejoined Woodman, by | “that he would abide by the result of the test, and that you would understand his meaning.” “Yes-~I understand it-——Oh, to be sure! J understand it !”—and then Juliana bié her lips with vexzation ; and it was only with a powerful effort she could keep back the tears of mingled spite and rage, man, for the fidelity with which you have accom- plished this mission. Here is the reward I promised you ;”—and drawing forth her puree, she produced bank-notes and gold, from which she selected the sum of twenty pounds; but her hands trembled. and her fingers could scarcely hold the notes ox coant out the pieces. CO IMULUG C) DOO CS (COL