The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 296: what you’re looking at

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

= = => aa © ete Os eon @& ee SS ss St it a i THE MYSTERIES OY THE COURT, 285 words to Kate Marshall which I showed you, not ; the eye. A suitable toilet moreover constituted an merely in the hope of being able to serve the Mar- quis of Villebelle, but likewise as a test of this be- lief which we entertain.” “¥ understand,” ssid Frank. “If Lady Everton be realty our mother, the bare mention of her name to Sir John Marston's ear, must atrike terror to his soul. Is not this your meaning P” “Yt is eo,” replied Klizabcth. “But here is the postman. Sit you still, Frank—you are tuo weak fur any exertion. I will run to the door.” Lady Bess accordingly hastened to receive a packet which the postman delivered ; and reterning to her brother, she opened it. It was a letter from | talit Kate Marshall, containing an enclosure from the Marquis of Villebelle. What Kate had written ran thus :- "* Adaural's Head, Dover. * Dearest E Irabeth, **¥ did not think it worth while to despatch one of our usual mensengers that your taliemanio words fully succeeded in producing the desired effect—because I knew that according to the invariable subsisting between us, you would regard silence as a proof of success. The Marquis departed this morning with the beautiful young ledy who is to become his wife. Last night, before he retired to his room, he gave me the enclosed fetter, with strict in- i that i was to be forwarded to you at ones. F accordingly send it. “We are all well, and sincerely hope thet you are prospereus and thriving. I received s letter from a cer- tain person the other day: or shall I in plain terms say, from Ned Russell? He wse with his ship at Barcelons, but will be home in a few weeks: and then, my dear Elizabeth, as there will be a wedding at the Admirei’s Head, it will be irapossible to dispense with your services as one of the bridemaide. This kindness will be claimed at your hands by your former school-companion and “« Ever affectionate friend, “OATHERINE MARSHALL.” Lady Bees was in no particular hurry ta the Marquis of Villebelle’s letter, as she naturally con. cluded that it merely contained an assurance of grati- tude for the service she hnd rendered him. There- fore, ere she broke the seal of that letter, she explained to her brother that the Ned Rusecll al- luded to was the individual to whom Kate was en- gaged to be married—that he was a very fine, hand- wine, dashing fellow, about thirty years of age—and in every respect woll suited for a good - looking, spnghtly, gay, and frank-hearted young woman as was. Lady Dese then proceeded to open the other letter: but as she read its contents, eo singular an expression of mingled surprise, incredulity, and sulemn awo, appeared upon her countenance, that Frank coald not help leaning over her shoulder and scanning the letter also. With its contents however we need not at present engage the reader's atten- tion: suffice it to say that they afforded food for a long and serious conversation between the brother and sister. Tais discourse was presently interrupted by the eppearante of Adolphus, who now entered the :; room. A considerable change had taken place in hia; and it wae all for the better. Not only had his intellects made great progress towards the re- cuvery of their proper equilibrium, but his physical pect had improved. He was still thin—but the painful appearanee of emaciation no lonzor shocked . we we advantageous auxiliary to this improvement in his looks; and it wae not difficult to see that when thoroughly restored to health, he would be g hand- some man. His eyes had already lost their vacant bewilderment of regard, and had regained a natural expression. They were dark, and fringed with thick and beautiful lashes. His hair was likewise dark, and curled naturally: his teeth were fine—and the outline of his features, if not completely regular, waa at least attractive. He was tall—exceedingly slender, but of good proportions; and now that he was properly apparelled, bis air was that of gen- ility—almost elegance. It was with the affectionate manner which a brother would show towards a sister, that Adolphus bade Elisabeth Chandos “good morning ;” and also with a friendly cordiality that he addressed Frank. At the same time, as the reader has perosived, he had not the remotest suspicion that they virtually and literally believed him to be their half-brother: it was in the sincerest gratitude and esteem that he testified such an affectionate demeanour towards Lady Bees; and this feeling wae naturally reflected towards her brother. Lady Bees told him that she expected to see Theodore Barclay in the cuurse of the day with some certain intelligence as to the abode of Lady Everton. Adolphus was rejoiced at these tidings { and Lady Bess asked him whother he felt himself sufficiently recovered to undertake eo long a journey as that into Wales, supposing Theodore’s belief should prove correct, that Lady Everton was actually residing in somo strict se- clasion there? Adulphus assured her that be not only felt sufficiently restored to health for such a journey, but that the object for which it was to be would inspire him with a spirit enabling him to bear up against all fatigue. While Lady Bees, Frank, and Adolphus were conversing together, they perceived from the win- dow a young lady, neatly and tastefully attired, and leading a charming little boy by the hand, approach the cottage. “It is Henrietta Leyden!” cried Elizabeth Chan- dos; and a sudden glow of delight appeared upon the countenance of Adolphus. There was a knock at the door; and in a few moments Rosa introduced Henrietta and little Charley. At the first glance Miss Leyden recog- nized in Lady Bess her deliverer whu had worn male apparel at the time she effected her rescue: but she did not as quickly perceive that Adolphus was that same miserable-looking object whom ehe had seen at Beeoh-Tree Lodge, and who wae emancipated from captivity at the eame time as herself. “I thought you had forgotten us,” said Lady Bess, ing Henrictta’s hand and bidding her wolconue. “ Do you not recognize our friend here ?”” “‘'Yes—now I do,” responded Henrietta: and it was with a look as much as to imply her mingled pearance. _ “ Miss ” said Adolphus, taking her hand, end gasing with a half respectful, half timid ad- miration upon her swoctly beautiful countenance,— ‘““we were captives in the same place, and I hope that we shall be friends now that we are restored to liberty. “Ah! mine is a strange wild history; and you ought to know it. You cannot think how I - ow Et EEE APS OO Ebds awe + _ —_ > a GON GoOO