The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 206: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. to every one else Christina’s aspect and bearing were devoid of aught to create any particular at- tention—yet Lord Octavian felt as if his heart were riven with a pang: for to him this calm firm- noss appeared a proof of indifference. He said not a word for several minutes after he had invited her to dance with him: but stil] he had sufficient pre- sence of mind to avoid betraying by his looks the feelings which were agitating in his breast, “ Little did I expect the pleasure of encounter- ing you here,” he presently said: and again his ' voice was low and tremulous. “I have mingled but little in society lately——~-I came hither to- night to distract my mind ss it were from the thoughts which are ever agitating it——~” “ May I inquire,” asked Christina, “if your lordship has lately heard —~” “From ZocP Yes:’—and he heaved a pro- found sigh. “I see that your brother is here,” he immediately added, evidently for the purpose of changing the topic. The circumstances of the dance suddenly inter- rupted the discourse; and when the figure was ended, Lord Octavian was evidently too much em- barrassed to know how to resame the conversation. Christina therefore began to speak on indifferent topics: bat her position was growing more and more embarrassing and painful; for by a kind of intuitive knowledge she comprehended what Mere- dith himself felt. “ Ie it possible, Christina,” he presently said, in a low deep voice, “that I have become an object of utter indifference towards you? You are scarcely courteous towards me—your manner is absolutely chilliog—~” ‘“‘T am incapable of behaving with a wilful de- ficiency of courtesy,” replied Christina : but there was something in the quick look which she flung upon the young nobleman, which seemed to imply that if she did not absolutely resent, yet she at least deprecated his calling her by her Christian name. * But why thus cold towards me?” he asked : “e why thus freezing? Surely I have not offended ou 9 *“‘ No, my lord—you have not offended ma,” she answered. “ But may I beg that you will cease these reproaches ?” Again did the circumstances of the dance inter- rupt the discourse; and when it was renewed, Christina talked in a manner which as plainly as possible forbade any recurrence to that which she evidently regarded as forbidden ground. “ May I expect the pleasure of dancing again with you this evening P” he inquired in a tone of earnest appeal, as he conducted her back to her seat. “TI beg your lordship to excuse me,” replied Christina: and the response was given with a firm- ness which again sent a pang through Meredith’s eart * But this is most unkind!” he said, almost passionately, though in a very low voice. “ At least we are friends? ‘You do not answer me !"— and then, after a moment's pause, he added, “ Obris- tina, you will drive me to despair !” “One word, my lord!” rejoined the young maiden firmly. “TI cannot be guilty of so much ridiculous affectation as to pretend to be ignorati of these allusions: but I beseech your lordship to ° 195 understand that I shall regard your oonduct in the light of a persecution if you persist in it.” Having thua spoken, Christina rose from the seat to which she had been conducted, and pro- ceeded to join Lady Anastatia, who was now ocon- versing with Christian and two or three others on the opposite side of the apartment. In ona sense it cost Christina a severe pang to behave in this manner towards Lord Octavian: but in another sense she was rejoiced—yes, absolately rejoiced—~ because she felt that she had done her daty, and there was a glo wing approval within the region of her own conscience. As for Lord Octavian himeelf, nothing could exceed the distress of mind that he experienced, —although he had sufficient fortitude to avoid the outward betrayal thereof. Issuing from the saloon, he went forth upon the landing, to ob- tain if possible a less heated atmosphere; for his brows were fevered and were throbbing violently. He passed on into the refreshment-room, where he obtained some cooling beverage; and thence he entered a conservatory, where he found himself ecmpletely alone. Here he gave way to bis reflec. tions. : Lady Anasstatia Latham was conversing with some of her guests, as already etated, when a fout- man drawing near to the group, hovered a few moments about it, in such a manner as to indicate that he wished to speak to his mistress. She moved away from ber friends; and he said to her, “ Please your ladyship, there is that person—Mr. Shadbolt —who has called again and requests a few minutes’ interview.” “Did you not tell him that I was particularly engaged P” asked Anastatia, the colour for an in- stant rushing to ber cheeks. “TI did, my lady,” replied the domestic: “ but, to tell your ladyship the trath, be insiste—-—" “ Enough !” iaterrupted Anastatia: and then, with regained eelf-possession, she added, “ Yes, the business is of importance. I will speak to him. Where is he P” “ T ehowed him into the breakfast parlour, my lady,” answered the footman: “ for, to tell your ladyship the trath,” added the man, with an air of concern, “ he is the worse for liqaor—and [ soarcely dared venture to bring his message to your lady- ship.” Anastatia moved hastily away: she felt humi- liated in the presence of her servant. There was something degrading in the idea thet she should be asked for by a person who came in a state of intoxication, and that she should not dare bid the domestic turn him away from the house. She was considerably agitated—though outwardly this ox- citement was scarcely visible to the crowd of guests amongst whom she passed on her way towards the door of the ball-room. She issued forth—deecended the stairs—and proceeded to the breakfast-parlour. Now, it happened that Sir Frederick Latham was standing at a little distance from the spot where that rapid conversation had taken place between Anastatia and the domestic. He had seen the servant hover about the group in order to gain apecch with Anastatia ; and he had marked that glow which had crimesoned her countesance. He naturally concluded that something wrong had occurred in the household arrangements, and that something might suddenly have been discovered to be defective with reference to the splendid supper LOOOLK (CO