The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 95: what you’re looking at

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

NN eee wari oe ‘© It was between six and seven last evening, sir,” answered Kate; “ as we have already told you.” “ Yes,” immediately observed old Marshall, open- ing an account-book: “here's the entries of what she has had. Tea—Supper—Bed—and Breakfast.” “ Which last she didn’t touch though,” added Kate, “because she’s eo ill.” © Bo ill indeed,” observed old Marshall, “that I was called up in the middle of the night to go to the doctor and get her a draught.” “ What o'clock was that?’ demanded Mr. Mar- low, quickly. “« What o'clock ?’’ responded the landlord, appear- ing to reflect: “ why, I should think about three in the morning.” “Yes, it was just three,” immediately interjected Kate; “ because I had been sitting up with the poor lady y? “Oh! "then, decidedly it is not the Mrs. Chandos Y mean,” said Mr. Marlow, wonderfully perplexed and bewildered. “And yet that extraordinary like- ness which appears to exist——-But I say, is it pos- sible that I could obtain a glimpse of this Mrs. Chandos of yours without giving her any offence, supposing that it is really not the same P” “ I will go up and see whether she is dressed,” said Kate: then suddenly ap to hesitate, she exclaimed with a frightened look, “ But if it should be the highway-woman after all-—— “ Then the sooner we get rid of her the better,” replied old Marshall. “Come, this thing must be cleared up for our sakes.” “To be sure, to be sure!” exclaimed Mr. Marlow. ae all events she can’t eat you, Kato,” said her father. THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. ‘and the reflection of the image which she beheld on the polished surface of that glass was one whereof she might well be proud. Lady Bess now appeared as a most splendid woman. Her commanding height was relieved by the fine developments of her form, the closely fitting dress setting off the rich feminine contours to tho utmost advantage. It was true that so far as her features were con- cerned, they now appeared largely chiselled and there- fore somewhat coarse: but it was impossible to gaze upon those splendid dark eyes—the richness of those moist and luscious lipe—the teeth faultlessly even and without the faintest blemish—and the nose of perfect straightness, without being compelled to admit that if the sweetness of beauty were not there, yet that the countenance was one of a Bees bad been accustomed to wear her hair some- what short—that is to say, long for a man but short for a woman—shbe had now made the most of it by arranging it in bands; and in its extra- ordinary luxuriance it seemed that if let loose it would flow down in the richest redundancy upon her shoulders. Shining in its rich natural glos- siness, that magnificent raven hair was parted above the high and open forehead which seemed capable of enthroning the noblest thoughts. Brom her waist down to her feet the flowing skirt of her dress afforded indications of the sweep- ing length of those limbs which the drapery now concealed: but as she turned away from the mirror, a glimpse was allowed of the well-rounded ankles, and the admirably ahaped feet with their arching Altogether she was a superb creature, ““ Well, I will go,” cried the young woman, as if| and pity it was that she was what she was! mustering up all her She accordingly issued from the ber-parlour, and proceeding up-staira, went at onco to Lady Bess’s room. This heroine had risen about half-an-hour previously, much refreshed by a sound and uninter- rupted sleep. She had nearly finished her toilet, and was just putting on the gown which Kate had supplied her in addition to all other requisite arti- oles of fomale raiment, when the young woman her- self thus mado her appearance. “You neocdn’t tell me what it is that has brought you,” said Lady Beas, laughing; “for I see by your countenance that the crisis is at hand.” Miss Marshall forthwith explained everything that had just taken place below; but somewhat apprehensive as to the result, and entertaining a very sincere friendship for Lady Bess, she said to her, “ Now, my dear Elisabeth, if you really are at all uncertain about the possible ending of this ad- “Now, have you furnished me with a bonnet, shawl, gloves, parasol, and ali those kind of things?” she inquired, with a merry laugh flowing in the flute-like tones of her melodious votos. is here,” responded Kate, pointing to 2 cha in'vbe corner where the artic whice Lady Bees mentioned had been deposited. “TI have chosen the things from my own wardrobe that I thought would best suit your complexion, figure, and appearance. Do let me congratulate you upon your looks in that garb!” “ ‘You like me better, then, as Iam now than in the other dress P” said the amaszonian lady. “Yes: I think I do: and yet there is something so dashing and fine in your man’s apparel. But you must not put on the bonnet and shawl now! Remember that you are an invalid—on gruel and dry toast,” added Kate Marshall in & merry voice. “Seriously speaking, however, what are you going venture, do for heaven’s sake let me get you out of | to do?” the house unperceived.” “My dear girl,” exclaimed Lady Bess, taking Kate’s hand and clasping it warmly, do I look like ® person who entertains any alarm on the subject? Quite the contrary! I am rejoiced that what I ' wanted to occur has so speedily taken place. And ; now el me, how do your garments seem to fit mer” “ Perfectly well,” replied Kate, altogether cheered and encouraged by the tone of confidence in which Lady Bess had ‘spoken. The amazonian lady surveyed herself in a full- “ See Mr. Marlow, to be sure,” at once responded Lady Bess. “Now show me to your best furnished private apartment, Kate; and I will lie down upon the sof with as languishing an air of interesting m- disposition as I can possibly asaune. Then you can introduce Mr. Marlow.” ‘ But upon what pretence ?” inquired Kate : “ for he scarcely believes now, I think, that omr Mrs. Chandos is Ais Mrs. Chandos.” “Tell him that you have very candidly explained to me as much as you thought fit of all that has taken place down stairs; and that I at once, webk length mirror when Kate had fastened her dress; equal candour, informed you who I am—namely GORMGOOOKXS Nara ta a a Aa aaa tat cana a ct aaa laaaaaaaaaaiaeiamcaiaaaaal COMM