The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 241: what you’re looking at

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SO hg a a a Ee, sa a ST I A a I a TT PTT ET A TT TT TTT TTT, "ened ' the’ 234 beseech you. I am going on ai little visit to the Marquis of Eagledean for a couple of days——— only two days, I can assure you; and then you will see me here again. Meanwhile everything will continue to be done for your comfort; and on my return I hope to find you considerably im. proved. Farewell, then, for the present. Re- member, only two days—and I shall be there a It was thus that Angela spoke to the invalid woman, whose countonance at first expressed blank eonsternation at the intelligence,—as if she ht that those to whom her secret was to be were to be separated from her altogether. But as the young damsel went on ’s face clearod up: for she doubtless felt that it would be the height of ingratitude and selfishness to exhibit signs of displeasure at the brief interval of recrea- tion which Angela propased to take. The preparations were speedily made—the fullest instructions were given to the domestics in respect to the care to be taken of Madge—the note was despatched to Florina—and William Deveril, with his sister, accompanied the Marquis of Eagiedean to Edenbridge Park. There the brother and sister were most ially weloomed by all the inmates. Mr. Hawkshaw had taken his departure: but Mrs. Leyden and Henrietta were now staying at the mansion—and thus-there was a complete ° - It was on the second day after the arrival of William and Angela at Edenbridge, that the scene we are about to describe took place. Let the reader picture to himself a sumptuously-furnished room, with the casement open, and the sun shining brightly in: for although the autumn was touch- ing upon its close, and winter was nigh at hand, the weather was unusually superb. The grape- vine which climbed up the front of that where this apartment was situated, was not as yet denuded of all its leaves—nor had all its el fruit been plucked: and although the foliage which did remain, bore the sere autumnal tints, it never- theless proved agreeable to the eye of any ome seated im that room. And whom shall we find there? The beauteous Angela—and all alone, too: for Lady Eagledean, with whom she had beem con- versing, was summoned forth om some pretext by uis. We say esnase ft wes ans inasmuch as his lordship had @ zeason for desiring that Miss Devaril should thus be left alone for a few minutes, until a certaim person might receive a hint that she was thare by herself and that he might seek her if he chose. Always beautiful—always ravishing, Angela was on this occasion more exquisitely beautiful, if pos- sible, and more irresistibly ravishing than when we last described her. This time it was a white dress that she wore, but fastened up to the throat ; for in her raiment she observed a strict virginal propriety. Her hair was in ringlets; and its darkness contrasted with the nowy drapery cover- ing the shoulders and the neck on which those | serene voice ; THE MYSTERIES OF TITE COURT. his appearance. The youth, as the reader 1s aware, was of the same age as Angela: and we |, need not say that he was a nerfect model of masculine beauty at that time. Indeed it would be difficult to find a more interesting pair than this which that room now contained. The colour heightened somewhat upon Angela’s countenance as he made his appearance ;—while on Ais cheeks it went and came in rapid transitions; and his heart fluttered like that of the most timid damsel. The reason that Miss Deveril experienced lcss emotion than he, was because she was totally un- suspicious of what was about to take place: whereas Frank had come with the settled purpuse of avowing his love——-if he had the courage. He advanced timidly—and for a few momonts was unable to give utterance to a word. At he said murmuringly, “ Miss Deveril, you return to London to-morrow. Some weeks may elapse ero we see each other w into months—and months constitute an age.” “I do not think, Mr. Paton,” answered Angela, whose voice was likewise tremulous—and she bent down her eyes as she spoke,—" that months poor woman is enabled to leave our house, we are to pass some weeks with were to revisit us in a week, it would be an aye all the same till you did return.” Angela knew not what to say: she felt that she was blushing—her eyes were again bent down— ae Jor « fow moments there was ® pause, which ee a et ee fal of a delicious “ Mins Deveril,” vaidenty poke Francis, * will not be angry with me for what I am about to easy P It io with the eomsent of my parents that I thue address you. Miss Deveril—— —v—J, love you--—Fell me, may I hope f” Deeper the binsh upon the maiden’s cheeks—so thas it could not become ; and her heart bead ly. She could not give utterance to a word: bat she extended her hand 0 ie ee eee athe rapture, pressed it to bis ips Then, his knees at her eet, he exclagned, “O | you have made mee no hapey, T hate not bet give expression to my feelings. Bus I love you-—Oh! I more than love you—-I wogship, I adore you: and my life shall be devoted te the strength of my affec- tion. I will not if I am indiferent to you: were I so, thie hand whieh J hobk would not have been proffered me.” “No, Frank,” answered the damsel, in alow but “you are not indifferent to me. I glossy ringlets showered down. The white ap- | feel honoured and flattered———But those are cold parc] seemed to set off her exquisite shape to the fullest adventage,—making her eeem even taller terms ; and I will say that I also am happy.” did Francis Paton press to his lips the than sho was, and enhancing the sylphid grace of | fair hand which he held in his own; then he rose her figure. from his kneee—the lovers approached the case- She was expecting the return of the Marchioness | ment—and there for nearly an hour did they stand | Of EKagledean to the room, when the door opened | in sweet discourse, the pauses of which were filled | —and instead of her ladyship, Francis Paton made | up with the eloquence of their looks. They beard om, a Ee ew Ee, © 2 OG ae EE oe eee Er (eee 2s Eb OCR —Oete ~ee oe e ® Ghaeetg@, ee _ Ss MICOOOKS.ECO CY (GO)