The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 285: what you’re looking at

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

= — O_O CO - - 274 THE MYSTERIES. “Nor were we wrong in our conjectures, Ooc- tavia,” proceeded the younger Miss Olarendaa, solemnly : for—as sure as Iam now addressing my words to you—that Mrs. Smith was the high-born, wealtby, and fashionable Comntess of Desborough—end Mrs. Mordaunt was her Royal Highness the Princess Sophia !” ‘Great heavens! is this possible?” exolaimed Octavia, almost forgetting her own afffotions in the absorbing interest of this tremendous revela- tion. “Tt is not only possible—it is the truth,” and Pauline. “I have been introduced to her Royal Highness—and there is no doubt of her identity with our Mrs. Mordaunt. Besides,” continued Pauline, “ when in conversation with the Prince of Wales relative to yourself, I was anxious to ascertain whether he was aoquainted with his sister's frailty—for at the moment I was breath- ing vague threats into his ear: and the few words which I let drop produced an effect upon him as if a vertigo had suddenly seized on his brain. Then—later in the evening—he asked me, in a tone full of deep meaning, whether Lord Florimel was acquainted with the Princess Sophia's adventure in the Edgeware Road——" ‘+ Yes—yes—I recollect it well!” exclaimed Octavia, a sudden reminiscence flashing in upon her brain: “ it was from my lips that the Prince of Wales learnt the dishonour of his own sister! He questioned me so closely—be forced me to reveal all that had oocurred at the villa in cop- nexion with the supposed Mre. Mordeant and Mrs. Smith—and now I remember thet there was something strange and unaecountable fm his manner at the time !” “Oh! was it not a species of retribution that he should thus have received the intelliggnas of his sister's shame from the lips of one whom ke himself had dishonoured ?” whispered Pauline, in a low and solemn tone. “But you now per- ceive, my beloved sister, how it is possible that this haughty Prince can be made to fall on his knees before you and consent to any sacrifice which you may dictate as the price of seercey respecting the Princess ?” “My God! I dare not employ menaces, Pau- line !” exclaimed Octavia, wringing her hands hysterically. “I have loved him too well—still love him too tenderly———And yet,” she oried, snddenly interrupting herself, “why sheuld I spare him, since he hesitates not to break my heart ?—why should I release him from his vows, if it be indeed within my power to enfome their falfilment ?” “It isa matter of such vital importance, Oc- tavia,” said Pauline, “that you must deliberate on it with far more composure and tranquillity than you can now bring to bear upon the ques- tion. Let us cease to speak thereon for the pre- sent—and, in the name of everything sacred ! study to exercise a control over your feelings.” ‘*T may say that the bitterness of death is past,” observed poor Octavia, with diffenlty subduing a profound sob. “The worst is now known—the most terrible paroxysm of grief is over—and I must endeavour ” And scarcely had she time to wipe away the traces of her tears and smooth her charming au- burn hair, when the door opened, and the Hoa. Arthur Eaton made his appearance. CHAPTER LXXVIIL. THE PROPOSAL. “My sweet cousins,” exclaimed the young gen- tleman, observing that they both started and even exhibited signs of confusion and embarrass- ment, “if I interrupt you in any very serious discouree, J will at once retire. But really,” he added, smffing, “ I am at a loss to conceive what you can have to render yon both so demure——" ‘* Nay—oome in, Arthur,” said Pauline. “You surely are not upon such ceremonial terms with us ag to remain standing on the threshold until we invite you to enter.” “Qn the contrary, my dear cousin,” returned Mr. Eaton, “I consider myself on so intimate and friendly a footing in this house, that I aé once and unbesitatiagly avow my desire to have a few minutes’ conversation with your sister in private.” “With me!” ejaculated the elder Miss Claren- don, in amazement. “ Assuredly,” answered the young gentleman, with a smile: “since Pauline has no other aster, I must of course mean you.” “ And what can you possibly have to say to me in private, Arthur 7” exclaimed Octavia, her colour coming and going in rapid alternations, as a thousand conflicting thoughts and fears swept through her mind. ‘‘ Nothing very formidable,” was the response. ‘‘Now, my dear Pauline, I am certain you will gratify my request by leaving mo (tée-a-tde with your sister.” “Ob! certainly—since you are really serious — which I did not think you were at first,” exclaimed Pauline: and, darting a look full of kind encou- ragement upon her sister, she hurried from the room. “In the name of heaven! what means all! this mystery, Arthur ?” demanded Octavia, the moment the door closed bebind Pauline. ‘You are agitated—trembling from head to foot —apparently overwhelmed with some secret grief, Octavia !” exclaimed the young gentleman, heed- less of her question—for he was suddenly struck by her excited manner, her changing cheeks, her rapid utterance. and her wildlooks. “Tell me— has anything occurred to vex or annoy you ?—for you surely can make a confidant of one who feels so deep an interest in your welfare as I.” “No—no—I am not agitated now,” said Oc- tavia, exerting ell her power and all her strength to regain her self-posseegion. “I was only startled by the suddenness with which you demanded a private interview—I was fearful thet something happened—to my father perhaps——Baut I am composed and tranquil now, Arthur,” she added, smiling faintly. “T am afraid that you are only assuming a tranquillity which you do not in reality experience, Octavia,” said the young gentleman, in a tone of deep and touching kindness. “ However, I will not seek to penetrate into your feelings: perhaps the communication which I am about to make will induce you of your own socord to treat me with full confidence. Come, let us sit down, Octavia, and have five minutes’ serious conversation together.” Thus speaking, he conducted her to the sofa : then taking a chair near her, he gazed upon her attentively for a few moments. “To what is all this to lead ?” demanded Oo- eee GORMGOOOKS CO