The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 137: what you’re looking at

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ee ell a ee eee | | ee Gigs “oy ae 124 THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. him forcibiy into the chair whence she had just been released. The sharp click of the hidden mechanism was heard—the manacles closed upon his wrists—the velvet-covered bands grasped his shoulders—and, with a dreadful imprecation, the Marquis of Leve- &0n. found himself caught in his own trap. Then the whole demeanour and bearing of Ve- netia Trelawney changed in a moment: the as- sumed meekness and humility were succeeded by the flush of mingled triumph and indignation— and, drawing her splendid form up to its full height, she looked down upon the enraged and almost frenzied nobleman with a blighting scorn and a crashing contempt. “ Wretch !” she exclaimed, in the swelling tones of her divine voice; “did you dare carry your presumption, your vanity, and your conceit to such an outrageous extent as to believe that I should accept the overtures of so loathsome and repulsive a being as yourself? Miserable imbe- cile—vile voluptuary, you are now worthily pun- whed! It would only be a righteous and well- merited portion of my vengeance, were I to sum- mon all the menials of your household to contem- ‘plate the utter ignomy of their master. But I will spare you this supreme disgrace—this crowning shame: and I will leave you to emancipate your- self from your captivity as best you may! One word more, however, before we part,—and that is to tell you that I did indeed come hither of my own accord—but not to accept your overtures or receive your nauseous love. I came to gratify @ sentiment of curiosity—to see how you would carry on your campaign—and also to overwhelm you with reproaches and upbraidings for daring to practise your treacherous schemes against me. And now, my lord, you may rest assured that you have naught to expect save loathing, contempt, and scorn at the hands of Venetia Trelawney |” Pale—trembling all over—shrinking beneath the withering looks of the incensed lady—and as powerless in the embrace of the treacherous chair as she herself had so recently been,—the Marquis of Leveson gasped for utterance—but could speak no word. His throat was as dry and his tongue as parched as if he had been swallowing ashes: and his feelings were scarcely enviable even by a man about to be hung. These feelings, too, were the more poignant, inasmuch as amidst them was entertwined a sense of the opportunity he had lost,— that opportunity which had ere now placed Venetia so completely in his power, and of which he might have availed himself to gratify his passion and consummate a triumph ! With another and last scornful look upon the abject nobleman, she turned away and left the apartment. Hastening back to the Crimson Drawing Room, she put on her bonnet and cloak—drew the veil over her countenance—and approached the door. But it suddenly struck her that it was locked ere now when she had previously tried it—and so it still was. Nothing daunted, however, she remem- bered the door by which the Marquis had entered the refreshment-room: and she at once retraced her way thither. | “Muss Trelawney,” said the nobleman, ina piteous tone—for in the interval he had recovered the use of his speech,—“I implore you to release me!” - <—- — —_——— a ee © eee ne She made no reply—but searched for the means of opening the secret door. “You will not succeed,” he observed, in the same voice of bumble entreaty: “but if you will release me, I swear-———” ‘No, my lord,” exclaimed Venetia, firmly: “I will sooner return to the drawing-room—fling open the window—and summon assistance from the street. Now, will you expose yourself to this dis- grace ?—will you compel me to explain to stran- gers the infamy of the treatment I have experienced in this house 2” The Marquis deliberated for a few moments; and then he said—“I will tell you how to open that secret door on one condition ?” * Name it,” she replied. “That when you descend into the hall, you will tell the porter to send my valet Brockman to me immediately ?” answered the wretched nobleman. “I consent to do this,” rejoined Venetia. *T rely upon your word,” he said. “Now press hard upon that rose on the paper nearest to tho handle of the bell-pull.” Venetia did as she was directed—anc the door instantaneously flew open. Without bestowing another word or look upon the Marquis, she pur- sued her way—traversed a small dressing room— thence passed into a bed-chamber—and ultimately emerged upon the landing. With hasty steps she descended the stairs—reached the hall—-delivered the nobleman’s message to a page whom she en- countered there—and the next moment was safe in the open street. . The clocks were at this instant proclaiming the hour of ten: and she hesitated what course to pursue. But speedily making up her mind, she entered a hackney-coach in Piccadilly, ordering it to drive to Carlton House and set her down at the private door. In a few minutes she reached the princely palace—and remaining in the vehicle until a ser- vant answered the lond knock given by the coach- man, she inquired of the lacquey if his royal master were at home. The reply was in the affir. mative; and descending from the coach, which she ordered to wait for her, Venetia was at once es-~ corted up a private staircase into a splendidly far- nished apartment, where the domestia oegged her to be seated. Then, without inquiring her name, —for the Jacquey had no doubt that the veiled and cloaked lady came by appointment,—he left the room to inform the Prince of the arrival. CHAPTER XXXVL THE INTERVIEW. VeEneET1A was not kept waiting many minutes be- fore his Royal Highness made his appearance. He was attired in evening costume: his face was slightly flushed with drinking ;—but the expres- sion of his countenance was one of mingled joy and surprise as he hastily accosted Misa Trelaw- ney. “ My dear Venetia,” he exclaimed, extending his hand, which she did not however take, “this is an unexpected pleasure after your note, which, ;} can assure you, caused me the greatest pain.” “ My note, sir!” she echoed: then instantly com- ae Dat o> = EP atic me oS one EEE e_ee ee ElOO© aS a -e aee, EE CS TES en A A CY TTS EH 5 GANS Ra Oc a, = ‘© @: Gen ee ee eee er el . == am -—, We wow -o “SG - O—-Gheeewe a ee eee. -— i va aap a= = ip gare Ss