The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 379: what you’re looking at

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a gy re nn . Dtrands’ 378 THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. cause he feared the knowledge of his actual posi- tion must inevitably reach her if she correaponded with Constance. But she dared not prolong the discourse with her husband by demanding freeh explanations: be was acquainted with a portion of her past life’s shame, and could thus silence her with a word. But she felt that henceforth all con- fidence was at an end between them. On her side there would be mistrust of all her rear race if at all mysterious: and on Ais Coen i be aa vost ecalted opision of his wifes virtue. A few days after the departure of the Marquis and Marchioness of Villebelle,—who, it should be observed, were on & temporary trip to Paria, his lordship still retaining the Spanish Embassy,—tho t de Toledo drove Juliana out in the phaeton. made, as usual, a considerable circuit of the delightful scenery of the neighbourhood ; and as they were returning through the village, they per- ceived some travellers just alighting from a post- chaise which had at«the moment stopped at the inn. These travellers were an elderly gentleman and lady; and Juliana, g them at-the first glance, ejaculated, “Those vile Durands !”” “The Durands?’” echoed the Count de Toledo: and at the same moment the eyes of the old gen- tleman and his wife were turned upon himself and Juliana. Quick as lightning did the Count toss the reins to Juliana, bidding her drive on; and springing from thdirehicle, he hastened up to the Durands, from whose lips burst forth ejaculations which to Juliana’s ears sounded as indicative of a moet un- welcome ition. The Count aaid something in a low hurried tone to the Durands; and they at once accompenied him into the hotel. Juliana was much amased at witnessing all these proceedings, —as were likewise the stable-men and postilions, who were changing the horses. She drove slowly ‘on, utterly bewildered as to what it could all mean,—her husband’s precipitate movements—the ejaculations—and that sudden entrance of the three into the village hostelry! But as Juliana’s thoughts grew more collected, she con- cluded that her husband was very probably intent upon inducing the Durands, either by threats or persuasion, to abstain from propagating reports in that neighbourhood, which would prove ruinous to her own reputation. ! She drove slowly on towards the ; andin about ten minutes the Count de Toledo rejoined her there. She was about to question him as to what had taken place, and whether the Durands had been completely silenced,—when he hurried past her, with a few words to the effect that he would tell her everything presently—and rushed up-stairs to the bedchamber. Ins few moments he descended again ; and sped away from the cottage. What could this mean? Had he paid a visit to the strong-box ? was some deep inroad now being made upon their fundsP had the Durands de- manded a bribe as the price of their secrecy, not- withstanding that they had just become enriched by the death of their relation at Barcelona? Yet in no other way could Juliana account for her husband’s hasty and excited proceedings ; and she thought to hereelf that if their pecuniary resources were thus to be so continuously encroached upon by extortionate demands, they would soon be reduced to the most necessitous straits. Anxiously did she await the Count’s return. In about half-an-hour he came back : but there was g visible trouble upon his features. She scarcely dared to question him— for she felt assured that in whatsoever answers he might have to give, reference to her past shame must be inevitably made. Juliana,” he said, “You are probably surpri after three or four agitated to and fro in the parlour, “at what has just occurred. But no— —you can scarcely be surprised: you must have comprehended full well————-” “Those vile Durands fnsisted on a bribe?” said the Countess hurriedly. “Yea: and for your sake I was compelled to submit to their extortionate demands. Our funds are now reduced to a few thousand francs.” “ Heavens!” ejaculated Juliana; “have those detestable people plundered you to such a fearfal extent ?” have,” rejoined the Count; “and I almost regret that I submitted to their demands. I have no faith in them—I tremble lest, nutwith- standing the bribe, they should be base enough to betray what they know! Juliana,” he added suddenly, “ we must leave this neighbourhood !” “Yes, yes,” she exclaimed: “that has been my wish for some days past—indeed ever since my sister and brother-in-law were here. Let us go farther into the interior of France—let us realize, by the sale of the horses and carriages, as much money as we can get together-——” “But Juliana, if we remain in France, how are we to live?” inquired the Count. “ Neither your- self nor I are accustomed to habits of frugality: we cannot all in a moment settle ourselves down to economies which would amount to absolute pri- vations.” “I can obtain certain supplies from my mother,” exclaimed Juliana. “ Not enough to enable us to live comfortably,” rejoined the Count; “and I am not one who can devote himself to any employment for the purpose of increasing our resources. No!—things have come to a crisis—the die is cast—my resolation is “To do what P’ demanded Juliana, as in sudden affright she anticipated the reply to her question. “To return into Spain,” he said, hie features becoming all ina moment sternly and fiercely re- wo dare death P” ejaculated Juliana. “No— it must not be! The Marquis of Villebelle con- jured me to use my influence to prevent you from adopting so mad a course.” “But it is necessary, Julians: it is our caly al- ternative! There I can always command he added, with a sort of exaltation; “but here, on this side of the Pyrenees, we may have to en- counter poverty. Nay, more—we shall never be safe against extortions and exactions. Settle where we will, the Durands may find us out: and what thon becomes of your reputation? Juliana, I am decided : go into Spain! Trust to me, to devise means for ensuring my own safety. You possess a strong mind—a fine spirit : you are equal to the emergency of danger “ But is it possible that you purpose to gu boldly to your estate ?’’ inquired the Countess: “ will you take possession of your mansion ?” —— == = -_ - C) CO IMULUG DOO CS (COL