The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 64: what you’re looking at

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TT a ‘ THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. panions courted. To abstract himself from their company at an early hour when what they called “the joviality of the evening” was only just bo- ginning—or to decline forming one of whatsoever party of pleasure might be in contemplation— would be to seal his own exclusion from those circles in future. What ‘was Octavian to do? He felt that he was entering upon a dangerous career, and that his naturally good principles were already receiving certain shocks, each suc- céssive one being accompanied with less remorse- ful feelings than the former; and he yearned to escape from these evil influences. But how was he todo so? His mind, having been chafed and disappointed, was too unsettled and restless to enable him to sit down quietly in the midat of books; and it was not to be expected that a young man just entering into life, would fly to some distant seclusion and turn hermit. On every occasion when invited to dine with the Duke of Marchmont or any other of his friends, Octa- vian would hesitate what answer to send: he trembled to go, yet knew not how to refuse; and so he went, vowing it should be for the last time. But these “last times” really never reached the end, nor fulfilleé their own meaning; and thus Lord Octavian Meredith—with the highest aspi- rations, and the best capacities for doing himself good-—was being gradually and imperceptibly sucked into that vortex of dissipation which London life affords, and in: which mdhy a fine spirit, noble intellect, and magnanimous heart is wrecked and engulfed. It bas been necessary to give the reader this long description of a young nobleman who is des- tined to play no inconsiderable part upon the stage of our story; and he it now was who was ushered into the Duke of Marchmont’s presence soon After My. Armytage had taken his departure. “The very one whom at the instant I most longed to see!” exclaimed the Duke, cordially ' grasping Octavian’s hand. “I was thinking of gomg for a good long ride: for to tell you the truth, I drank somewhat too much champagne last night———-By the bye, you were not one of us at Lord Oxenden’s P” “ No—I was at a party at Mr. Armytage’s,” re- plied Meredith. “Ah! Armytage has just been here,” said the Duke. “TI saw him driving away in his carriage,” ob- scrved Octavian, “and bowed to him. Bat I wish, my dear Duke, you could give me half-an-bour of serious conversation—and then I will cheerfully accompany you in a ride.” “Serious conversation, my dear ‘Meredith ?” ejaculated Marchment, with a laugh. “Are you really disposed to be serious? Come, shall we have luncheon? A glass of hock' and some soda- water will do us good.” “Not now, I pray you,” responded Meredith. “ Give me the half-hour—and then I am at your bidding.” . “ Be it the half-hour of serious discourse,” said the : and he stretched himself indolently upon the sofa. “Now, Octavian, proceed: I am all attention.” “You know, my dear Duke,” resumed the young nobleman, “how I am eituated with my father ——-” ’ §1 “ Now, I will cut you short-at once,” interrupted Marchmont. “You have temporary need of a sum of money? Tell me without another word . how much it is—and my cheque-book is at hand.” “No, my dear Duke—it is not that,” replied Meredith, his looks ing his gratitude for the offer. “Nevertheless, I did conie to solicit a favour at your hands——lIt is that you will use your interest to procure me a diplomatic post. I have an inclination to go abroad———”’ “ Ridiculous, Octavian!” exclaimed the Duke: “we cannot spare you from amongst our own set. But seriously ing, my dear friend, I have not the slightest interest with the present Ministry. You know that I belong to the good old school of Toryism: I always vote against the Government on principle: and if there were a shoe-black’s situation to be given away, I might vainly ask for even so paltry a post for a nominees of my own.” “TI feared that it would be so,” observed Octa- vian, his handsome countenance becoming deeply overshadowed, and sorrow clouding: his clear blue eyes. “But what means this sudden resolve on your part P” inquired Marchmont,—“ this anxiety to get abroad P” “You have treated me with so much kindness, I will be frank with you,” answered Octavian. “My means are limited—I am dependent on my father’s caprice—I havé no profession, no position —and I long to improve my circumstances in every respect.” “I understand,” said the Duke; “and it is natural enough. But, Ah! my dear fellow, a thought strikes me! You know I do not flatter: but a young nobleman of your personal appear ance, fine intellect, .fascinating manners You should marry!” “Ah, marry!” said Octavian, with an ill- repressed sigh. “I have no fortune; and what father will consent to bestow his daughter, if she be an heiress, upon one so impoverished a “You under-rate your own merits,” observed the Duke of Marchmont. “In matrimonial affairs there are such things as equivalents. Sup- for instance, a young lady brings you a decent fortune, and you confer upon her the rank and title which she possesses not-———” “I know that things are managed in this way,” observed Octavian slowly: “but to tell you the truth, it is a proceeding from which my pride recoils.” “‘ Pride!” echoed the Duke. eo . * The only sacri- fice of pride that I can see, would be in the fact . of you, a patrician, giving your hand toa ple | beian.” . ‘ “You of all men to talk in this way!” ex- claimed Meredith, in unfeigned astonishment. “ Ah! you fancy that I am the proudest of the proud ?” observed the Duke. “But I am looking to your intereste——” “And I candidly confess tht the sacrifice of pride to which I alluded, is not precisely what you are thinking of. I meant to say,” continued Lord Octavian, “that I should not like to be so much indebted to a wife for the enjoyment of a fortune. As for the distinctions between patri- cians and plebeians, you know very well that I am not sueh a Tory as yourself.” ny (COL (C DOO CS (COL