The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 243: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. , ished at the implied threat. “ What rancour can you possibly enterjain against me on. account of this most untoward discovery ?” “Because, mother,” replied the daughter, the your secret soul— beneath that air of ingenuous wonderment which you have just put on-—~you exult in the sense of despair and shame which I now ex- perience. But beware, mother—bdeware, I ~———~i¢ may some day be my turn to exult and to ¢riumph !” With these words Juliana Farefield quitted the room; and Lady Sexondale muttered to herself, “Ah! you may threaten, proud spirit! but in the meantime I have triumphed: for I have succeeded in creating an eternal barrier between you and your plebeian lover! Jittle do I understand your haughty character if I may not comfort myself with the conviction that you will sot seek after him With this exuitation inspiring her thoughts, Lady Saxondale returned into the drawing-room to trans- act her business with Mr. Marlow. CHAPTER XLXIX. IB DIPLOMATIET MYSTIVIED. Tue reader is now perfectly aware that Frank Paton’s sister was none other than Lady Bess; and | should therefore we need endeavour to sustain no farther secrecy on that head. After parting from her brother in the manner already described, che heai- -tated for a few moments whether she should pro- eeed on some tisinsss which she had in hand at the time she met him—or whether she should carry into effect a project which had just been sug- gested by certain things she had heard from Frank’s lipe. She decided on the latter course, and repaired | accordingly to Lord Petersfield’s residence in Port- man Square. To her satisfaction she learnt that his lordship was at home; and on being asked by the footman who opened the door what name he should ennounce, she replied that being « total stranger to his lordship it was needless to mention any name atall. The footman hesitated for a mo- ment, well aware that his cautious and ici master would not be over well pleased to receive a person refusing to give a name: but looking a se- Lady Bess was conducted up-stairs to the apart- ment where his lordship was at the time ; and he rose from the chair m which he was seated at the table. He looked grave and serious—more solemn indeed than usual : for he had not failed to observe the ontission in respect to the announcement of the ays ame. He however bowed with a sort of reserved politeness, and indicated a chair. “YI beheve,” said Lady Bese, as she took the seat, Bold ne ne honour of addressing Lord Poters- ld P” “[-——I do not know——-that is, I cannot exactly say,” reaporied th wary diplomatist, fearful of com- = «eae promising himself by an unguarded answer. “Te tell you the truth, I am not accustomed to have such exceeding home-questions put to me all ins moment—and by a lady who, pardon my enying #0, bas not as yet announced her own name.” _ “ At all events, I take it fer granted,” Lady Bess Lord presence of one who has conducted the diplomatic affairs of this country with so much success at the principal European Courts on several occasions:”—and as she spoke, che bestowed her sweetest smile upon the old peer, as if intent upon making an impression on hie heart. “‘ Really, ma’am,” said Lord Petersfield, who had hitherto remained standing, but now slowly doe- posited himself back again in his arm-chair, “I know not how to recsive these compliments whether indeed I or it receiving them, answering them, to what réeut our discourse may lead. Pardon me, ma’am—but you have forgotten to mention your name+——" “Your loniship meet seffer yourself to be fist tered,” Lady Bess hastened to observe, affecting not to have noticed his last remark: “because any one who has rendered his country such great services, merits the gratitude o every individual.” “I think, ma’am,” said his lordship, now looking so grave that it was utterly impossible to look graver, that a lady who understands the merits of a cautious diplomacy as you certainly appear to do, commence by stating at the very outect the name and business——” “I know,” interrupted Lady Bess, “that I ought to apologise for thus intruding myself upon your lordship; but so convinced was I of your lordship’s urbanity, courtesy, and I might almost say chival- rous gallantry, that I felt a greater degree of confi- denes in calling on your lordship than under other circumstances I should have done.” to answer them——and if “Sut, ma'am,” interrupted the nobleman, getting bewildered—and it began to occur to him that his own ideas must be rather foggy at the moment, es he could not for the life of him discern amidst the cloud of hie visitress’s words what she could possi- bly be aiming at: “but, ma’am—ma’an——I—— ee od “You do well to interrupt me, my lord,” said Lady Bess, hastening to speak again ; * because I feel that my own intellect is so shallow in com- perison with your lordship’s, that I have pomibiy wandered from the subject——” * Wandered from it, ma’am?f* exclaimed Peters- field, a little impatiently; “I do not know that you have yet been near it. Pardon me if I observe, ma’am——” “Some years ago I was in Paris,” interrupted Lady Beas, starting off again at another tangent,— “and I can assure you, my dear Lord Petersfield, that your name was quite revered in all the highest circles of Parisian society. Whenever a comparison was to be mado with a great diplomatist, it was in- variably the name of Lord Petersfield, which was quoted for the illustration. Therefore, my lord, such being the fact—and I being here to tell it to “ Really ma'am, I must again beg your perdon,* CORNICE Oe SS CO