The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 286: what you’re looking at

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

= a ge a on - a Oe THE MYSTERIES OF were seated, in order to communicate to them the contents of the missive. They were well pleased at the prospsct of the lovers being enabled to eman- te themecives from the tyrannous power of Sir John Marston, whose overbearing conduct had ren- dered the Marshalls more seslous than at first in their determination to succour their guests to the utmost of their power. Kate had now a delicate task to accomplish. She had to put the Marquis of Villebelle in pos- eession of the talismanic words that were to cloar his path of Sir John Marston's obstructivenees: but at the same time she could give no explanations as how she had become possessed of such importanti information ; for to no one, beyond her own family and those who were necessarily in the secret, did she ever reveal the mystery of the carrier-pigeons. She knew that she must expect to be questioned by loves to do a kind action, ascended to the apart- ment where the guests were seated. The moment ahe entered the room, the Marquis, Constance, and Mary-Anne all three saw by her countenance that she had something of importance to communicate, and that it was of no disagreeable character. **I hope you will pardon me,” she said, addressing herself to the Marquis, “for the liberty I am taking in interfering in your own private affairs: but as you will presently perceive, it is with the very best intentions. In short, I think that I could effee- tually help you in setting Bir John Marston at de- Gance—.”’ “Oh, if this be possible!” exclaimed Constance, with an effusion of gratitude. “Yes,” said the young woman, “I am convinced that you need entertain no farther fear of moles- tation on his pert, if my advice be followed. To tell you the trath,” she added, with an arch end roguish smile which displayed two rows of splendid teeth, “I did happen to overhear something of what passed just now: but I declare upon my honour it was only through kind feelings that I listened.” “We will forgive you all that,” said the Marquis good-naturedly, “ provided that you can really us the immenee service alluded to.” “I can—I will,” answered Kate. “I had some such purpose in view when I gave a similar assur- “ And what are we to do? what advice ie it that you have to give us?” asked Constance. “Speak, my dear friend—for such indeed you are proving to us.” , “Avery few words will explain my meaning,” vesponded Kate Marshall. “It is in fact by a sort of talismanic mystery you aré to act. Let the words ‘Lady Everton’ be simply breathed in Sir John Marston’s ear, and he will molest you no more.” “Is this possible P” exclaimed the Marquis and Constance both in the same breath: and then the former immediately added interrogatively, “ Bat what virtue can exist in the mere mention of that name P”’ “You must ask me no questions,” replied Kate. “Do as I tell you.” “Then are we to understand that you yourself are acquainted with certain mysteries in eomnesion with the baronet 7?” — wwe -@ «ts @ @ we ee eee i ET a —— a EE as fe iim wpe qe, ae ee ee THE COURT. 275 “You are to understand nothing more than what T have chosen to tell you. And now,” added Kate, with another arch smile, “ your happiness is in your own hands: for I am enabled to assure this lady that she who might perhaps assert s prior claim to his lordship’s affection, waives that claim altogether to the utmost of her power—releases him from all moral obligations towards herself—and gives a solemn pledge never to appear fn a legal sense against him.” As the reader may well suppose, the Marquis, ‘Constance, and Mary-Anne gased in speechices ase tonishment upon Kate Marshall as she made theese announcements. PY “Is it possible them) at length cried Villebelle, “that you are ted with her of whom you are speaking f” “‘ I know her well—intimately,” responded Kate, “'We were at school together at Southampton—we have frequently met of late years--——But no matter! I am not going to enter into any particulars. Suffice it to say that [ have put you in possession of a talisman which will reduce your enemy to quiescence. And now, the sooner your lordship puts the value of the talisman to the test, the better. Your minds will then be all tran- quillised.” “ But how are we possibly to express our grati- tude t you?” asked Constance, flinging her arme round Kate's neck and embracing her warmly. * Excellent-hearted young woman that you are,” said the Marquis, “we shall never forget you !” “Who knows but that your lordship may some day or another be able to do me a service?’ re- sponded Kate, speaking thus rather for the purpose of escaping from farther effusions of gratitude, than because she really attached any special meaning to her words. fo She was about to hasten from the room when the Marquis called her back to inquire where Sir John Marston resided. She mentioned a particular address on the Marine Parade; and the Marquis declared his intention of proceeding thither at once. Kate left the room; and Villebeile, having embraced the now overjoyed Oonstance, issued forth from the hotel. In the street he saw a person, looking like a footman in plain clothte, joitering about ; and it im- mediately struck him tbat thie was a spy whom Sir John Marston had planted there to watch the move- ments of himecif and Conatence. The suspicion way along the street, the individual in question fol- lowed him. Villebelle however did not show that he notieed the cireumetance: for if Kate’s talismanic words should prove effective, there would be a speedy end to this espionnage. The Marquis had to inquire hie way te the Marine Parade, being almost a stranger in Dover. He how- ever specdily reached the handsome row of houses fronting the sea, and knocked at the door of the one to which he had been directed. In response to his inquiry, he was told that Sir John Marsten was at home; and he wa immediately conducted into a handsomely farnished apartment, where the baronet wae seated at a table with an open writing- desk before him and examming a number of “ Abt I presume you are come to signify your GON GoOO