The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 305: what you’re looking at

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294 THE MYSTERIES OF THE OOURT. be now: that is to say, if the Marquis were really ‘na condition to take a second——But no matter. Lady Saxondale, I was observing, has her troubles: her son is a source of annoyance to her; and the eadden death of a faithful old servant, which hap- pened the other day, has likewise contributed to her sorrow. Now, I will appeal to you, Mr. Gun- thorpe, whether you will increase her ladyship’s vexations by assailing ber character through the medium of a law-court P” “Much as I regret the misfortunes of others, I cannot consent that their offences should be glossed over. Mr. Deveril’s character must be vindicated. “It is precisely what you are feeling also.” “And you therefore think,” eaid her ladyship, “that we had better come to an understanding P” “ My views in this respect,” was Juliana’s rejoin- der, “are identical with own.” “You mean to stipulate,” said Lady Saxondale, “for perfect liberty to act as you choose, and to be free from maternal contzol ?”’ “ Then, whatever I may know of you, shall be the same as if not known at all.” “ And your secret shall not escape my lips. There ringer aged hei. phan enntrterthe 9 the subject, or to communicate with her and the delay shall be granted. But if at the end of that inteeval nothing satisfactory is done, then I shall be no prying into each other's affairs—no ac- cusations, and therefore no recriminations." ‘That ig exactly what I should propos,” re- spomied the mother. “But if you would allow me am determined that my attorney shall at once take to offer you my advice, Juliana, you would marry at tne nopessary steps on Mr. Deveril’s behalf. AndI the very first opportunity. Indeed, the sooner the warn you that we ere not without evidence———-" ( better—-for fear that your amour with Franas But here Mr. Gunthorpe stopped short. ' Paton should be followed by certain consequences.” “ We had better talk it over, Marlow,” suggested. “‘Such ie my intention,” returned Juliana ; “and Mr. Malton: “and therefore let us request Mr. for particular reasons of my own, I shall endeavour Gunthborpe to suffer the matter to remain in abey- to find either a very old, doting, but wealthy hus- ance for one week.” | band—or ele some ‘country squire, who has more “With all my heart,” responded the old gentle- | money than brains, and will think too mush of his man; and making his bow, he forthwith took his horses and his hounds to devote any pastioular at- departure. tention to the of his wife.” . “ You will soareely find it diSculs to pick up euch Lancolnshire. qa CHAPTER LXi. HUSBAND-HUNTIENG “Thank you for the hint, mother. I remember . him well: he has known me sincel wase girl. And TuBy we now again to Saxondale Castle m Lincoin- : by the bye, he is very intimate with the Denisons, ehire. where we are going to-night. You have told me Ledy Saxondale and Juliana were seated at break- ‘what you would advise me to de,” eontinued fast a few days after their arrival; and if there were Juliana, after a pause, “and I om my part should not a positive friendliness, there was at all events | ‘counsel you to get that woman——what is her a less chilling reserve than there lately had been | name?———Madge Somers, as they call her——out between them. As for love or affection, those bonds _ of the covuntry as scon as you can.” were completely broken, never to be united; andas| “It is already done,” responded Lady Saxondale. for filial respect on the part of the young lady to. | “ The other morning, when she came to Park Lane, wards her mother, that was likewise a sentiment I gave her five hundred guiness, on condition that which could sever have existence m. To suit she would at once depart for America—with the their own indeed to disarm each promiece that on her arrival in New York, if she other of the malignant spite which, if given vent to,‘ wrote to let me kmow she was there, I would de- would work reciprocal mischief—they had agreed spatch her a like sam.” upon a sort of peace. The overtaree had noe pro pro. | “ Youshave acted prudently,” observed Juliana. eeeded from one more than from the other: but they | “1 only hope that she has sailed. Doubtices she has had both felt thas they could not possibly live longer , plenty of money with her: for that was not the upon such termse—a silence when alone to- | first sum you had given her P” gether, and the simulation of « friendly discourse in | “No: I had previously given her money. Do you the presence of the domestics. They had both alike know what that womian’s mania wasP Shetold me. calculated the folly and danger of a It was gambling.” rancorous enmity against each other; and they; ‘Gambling! « woman?” ojaculeted Juliana, in know too much of one another's secrets not to feel ise. that it was better to come to an understanding in| “Yes. From what she said, there iv some low respect to the futare. Thus was it that on this par- | place in London frequented only by female game- ticular morning, shortly after they met at the, stere—and she was one. She always lost, and yet breakfast-table, they looked at each dther; and the | coald not abandon the hebit. To gratify her pro- glances they exehanged, showed them that each had | pensity she lived in that bovel where you found her, come to the same resolution, and that so far as re- | and was always clothed in a sordid and wretched eoncilement was possible it ought to take place. garb. Bat enough concerning the wretch. You “I know what is passing in your mind,” ssid and I have come to a certain understanding, and Lady Saxondale. let us adhere to it.” * And you are entertaining precisely the same} “I¢ is my intention,” responded Juliana. “And thoughts, mother,” was the answer. | now, sinee we appear to be growing a little more * You feel that we cannot go on thus ?” | communicative than we have lately been, would you GON GoOO SS CO