The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

@ 2 Op (eee ee ee eet 2a OE eee eee = ea THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 118 you and your par sister had ‘been performing « gene- rous act of charity towards that poor crea- ture———” “Whose rapid pathway to the grave was smoothed by your bounties,” added Christian, who experienced an illimitable admiration for the cha- “And where are you living now?” inquired this gentleman, with his characteristic abruptness. ‘‘ How is your amiable sister? I have thought of you both sometimes ; and indeod have been going to) ask Mrs. Macaulay concerning you—but some- thing has always occurred to put it out of my head.” “T am grateful, sir,” answered Christian, “to lgarn that my sister and myself have enjoyed your epnsileration. Christina is living with Lady Octa- vian Meredith———”” “Ah, then you no longer dwell together—you and your sister?” exclaimed Mr. Redcliffe, now surveying the youth with an increasing interest. “No, sir; circumstances compelled us to sepa- rate. We have to earn our own living: but, thank heaven! my sister is comfortably provided for.” “ And you P” asked Redcliffe. “I am for the present private secretary to the Duke of Marchmont,” Christian. ejaculated Mr. Redcliffe: and then he hastily observed, “But why do you speak as if your sister only was comfortably situated, and you were not? Is it because you feel your present position to be a mere temporary one P’’ “Yes, air: But then Christian stopped short, sorry even that he had said so much. “Has the Duke of Marchmont cause to be dissatisGed with you? has he given you notice to leave him ?” “Oh, no, sir!” exclaimed Christian, speaking with a sort of ardour, in the consciousness that he was giving complete satisfaction to his ducal em- ployer, and that the tenure of his office depended entirely upon himeelf. “Perhaps you “are dissatisfied with your situa- tion P’ said Mr. Redcliffe inquiringly: and Chris- tiaf perceived that his dark eyes were fixed keenly upon him. “Frankly speaking, sir,” responded the youth, “I am not well pleased with the poet which 1 occupy: anc though fur a time | may keep 1¢...”" But here again he stopped suddenly short, as the idea flashed to him that possibly Mr. Redcliffe might be acquainted with the Duke—in which case it would be the height of imprudence for bim (Christian) to enter into any explanations with rogard tu tho pvint wheregn he had begun to touch. “You need nut be afraid to speak frankly and candidly to me," vbserved Redeliffe, who seemed at once to fathom the motive of the ysvuth's hesitation. “I have not the slightest acquaintance with the Duke of Marchmont; and even if it were vtherwise, I should not betray anything that you might in confidence revval tu me. I experience an interest in you; and if you think fit to regard me as a friend, you shall find me deserving of the title. MW I reméwber sight I have learnt that you and your sister are twins, and that you are understand that you are both dependent on your- selves for your support. In this case you may need the advice of a friend, even if at the moment "you req uire no more substantial succour : but both should | be cheerfully given by me.” Christian expressed his gratitude for these as- surances; and he experianced a profound pleasure at thus becoming the object of proffered friendship on the part of one whose character he already eo mach admired. not, young gentleman,” continued Mr. “that I am inspired by any impertinent surioeity in seeking your confidence——” “Oh, no, sir! Not for a moment,” exclaimed Christian, “could I entertain an idea so injurious towards you !” | “ Listen,” proceeded Redcliffe. “A youth of your age—thrown upon his own resources, end abroad as it were in the wide world—mus in. evitably on various occasions need suitable counsel and advice from older and more experienced heads. If I err not, you are at this present moment m some such position. Your sister is well provided for—and I rejoice to hear it: but you yourself appear to be less satisfactorily situated. In a word, you are not happy at the Duke of March- mont’s: or else so.nething has occurred——” “Something has indeed occurred,” said in a mournful voice: and after a few instants’ reflection, he added slowly and thoughtfully, “ Yes —lI do indeed require the counsel of some une who is enabled to give it. I feel that I am placed in a situation of considerable embarrassment — that I have a duty to perform towards an inno- cent lady whose destruction is resolved upon— but yet that in the performance of this duty I must play the bypocrite——” “All this, Christian Ashton, is most serious,” obeerved Mr. Redcliffe. ‘“ Let us walk to a more secluded place where we can converse together. I see that you will give me your confidence; and again I assure you that you shall never repent it.”” Mr. Redcliffe and the youth diverged away together from the neighbourhood of Park Lane where their encounter had taken place; and they rambled slowly across the wide open field of the Park. During this walk Christian explained to Mr. Redcliffe how he had happened to fall asleep in the library on the preceding night—how he had overheard the conversation between the Duke of Marchmont and the Hon. Mr. Stanhope—how, after serious deliberation with himeelf, be had resolved to dissemble his looks in the presence of his Grace, and retain his situation in the hope of frustratiny the diabolical scheme which had been initiated against the Duchess—but how when once this ubject should bave been achieved, he was de- termiurd to seek his livelthoud elsewhere. Mr. Redelitfe listened in profuund silence. He spuke not a@ single sylluble throughout Christian's narrative: he walked slowly by the youth's aide, with his eyes bent down ;—and when the tale was ended, upwards of a minute elapsed ere he breathrd a word of comment. “This is indeed most serious,” at length ob- served Mr. Redcliffe, speaking slowly and delibe- rately, and alsv in subdued mccents. “The views which you have entertained in connexion there- orphans: your own words just now gave me to! with, are all just and intelligent. You casino} a eo —_ =e OE o@m << 8 SO Oo=aw a o—e ee ee er a i: ee, §8=— a om aE eee, ee (6G aid @e (GO) iC CY DOO CS (COL