The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 256: what you’re looking at

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TIE MYSTERIES. 245 rime), really uncertain to what opinion he should fix his belief. “ But there are strange likenesses in the world,” he said, in a musing tone; “and that recent trial of which Sir Richard Stamford appeared as a prosecutor or a witness———” * FT have thought of the same incident,” observed Pauline; “and sometimes I have fancied that Oc. tavia’s lover may be the Prince—at others that he is this very Sir Richard Stamford —and then again that he isthe Mr. Harley whom he represents himself-— - But you, Gabriel,” she exclaimed, suddenly inter- rupting herself, and speaking with animation, “ will clear up this mystery ?” “Give me your commands, my beloved—and I will execute them,” said Fiorimel, who, in the en- thusiasm of the adoration which he now experienced towards the charming Pauline, was preprred to go through fire and water to serve her. “I must tell you, Gabriel,” she resumed, fixing apon him a look of the tenderest gratitude, “that Octavia is herself oppressed with serious misgivings on the point which we are discussing. She strives to conceal them, poor girl—she buoys herself up with hope to the extent of her powers; and she does not dare trust her tongue to reveal ail her doubts, and fears, and suspicions to me. But, alas! I can read the nature of her thoughts—and I know that there are times when she is unhappy—very unhappy. For her sake, Gabriel, must we at once devise the means to clear up the mystery which surrounds Mr. Har- ley “ Frankly—candid]y—unreservedly do I now tell you, my beloved,” interrupted the young nobleman, “that I do not believe this Mr. Harley is the person he represents himself to be. You place such im- plicit reliance upon me, that I should be unworthy of your love and your confidence if I did not mani- fest the same ingenuousness towards you. So noble is your nat.r , that you compel me to view duplicity and deceit with abhorrence; and I declare most so- lemnly that I will] henceforth yield to that benign in- fluence which your own character sheds upon me.” “Gabriel, I adore you!” exclaimed Pauline, throwing herself once more into bis arms and em. bracing him affectionately. “However wild your past life may have been—however deeply you have plunged into pleasure and dissipation—your conduct of this morning is an atonement for it all! Yes—lI adore you, Gabriel: for now you are worthy of that immense love which I devote and dedicate to you— and to you alone!” “And may my right hand wiher, Pauline, when { deceive you!” cried the impassioned Gabriel, as he covered her blushing countenance with kisses. “ We understand each other better now than ever,” whispered the amiable girl; “and if the sincerest aSection which woman’s heart can pour forth be ca- pable of ensuring man's felicity, then that affection is yours and that happiness is within your reach.” “Oh! what sacred power—what holy influence does a virtuous woman possess over the heart of the sterner sex!” exclaimed Florimel, with the most un- feigned enthusiasm. “ Henceforth ; abjure all those pursuits which once gave me pleasure, bu: »w which I now look with incflable disgust ; and for the fucure my Paniine’s bright example shall be my guiding star. Yes—lovely, angelic being—I am thine— wholly and solely thine; and there shall not exist a secret between us.” “Were it not on account of my poor sister, I should be the happiest woman on the face of the earth,” said the beautiful girl, as she resumed her place by her lover’s side. “ But, alas!” she added, in a different tone and with overclouding counte- nance,—“ you ere now gave utterance to words which have almost confirmed my previous suspicion that Octavia is ruined — lost— betrayed irremediably! Te:l me, Gabriel—tell me—do you know aught of this Mr. Harley ?” “Listen to me, my angel—and prepare to hear evil intelligence,” said the young nobleman, taking one of her fair hands and pressing it between both hisown. “I know this much—that Mr. Harley isa man of rank, and that so far from entertaining honourable intentions towards your sister, he is to be married to another.” “ He is a man of rank,” murmured Pauline, in a faint tone: “and that rank——” “ Has never been revealed to me,” was the prompt reply. “f shall no longer give way to grief,” said the young lady, ber coyntenance suddenly assuming a determined expression, although still retaining all the feminine sweetness that was natural to it. “ Youand I, Gabriel, must now work in Octavia's interest, but unknown to her:”—then, after a moment's reflection, she rose—fetched a newspaper from an adjoining room —and, returning to her seat, observed, as she pointed to a paragraph in one of the columns of the priut, “ This journal of yesterday announces that bis Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will give a grand entertainment to-morrow evening.” “To which I have received an invitation, through the interest of her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire, who is my cousin,” said Florimel. “1 have never yet had the honour of being presented to the heir- apparent; and it was therefore my intention to avail myself of the opportunity of visiting Carlton House to-morrow evening.” “And I shall accompany you, Gabriel,” Pauline, in a decided tone. “Would that I had the power to make you my companion!” exclaimed the young nobleman, “I should indeed be proud of you, my angel: and when you are Lady Florimel, the doors of Carlton House will be open to you. But the etiquette of those princely saloons is 80 rigid—so strict—so exclusive——” “I will obtain an invitation,” said Pautine. “Do you not think that Lord Marchmont can accomplish this much for me? If so, my cousin, the Hon. Arthur Eaton wil] prevail upon his father to ihterest himself in my behalf.” “1 fear that you wil! be disappointed in that quar- ter, dearest," answered Florimel. “Lord Marchmont is a Tory—and the Tories, you must know, have not the slightest influence at Carlton House. But—a thought strikes me! Come with me to Devonshire House—I have the entrée even at this early hour— and [ will introduce you to the Duchess as my in- tended bride. Her Grace will perhaps undertake to you to-morrow evening.” “A thousand thanks, dear Gabriel ! minutes I shall be ready to accompany you. And thus speaking, the beantifs| girl tripped lightly from the room. returned In five —_— | COMIC OOOKS. Com