The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 313: what you’re looking at

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

802 mon; and almost immediately after this destina- tion was reached, Mr. Stanhope and Alexis Oliver made their appearance upon the scone. Captain Stanley advanced towards Mr. Stan- hope; and taking him aside, said, “Have you thought of what passed between us last even- ing ?” “YT bore in mind the representations you made me, Captain Stanley,” was the responee; “and I spoke to Oliver—but ho is determined to fight.” “They are after all two mere boys!” observed Stanley; “and it is really a pity that this affair should go to such a length.” | “Oliver is furious againet your principal,” said Mr. Stanhope; “and though he has not acquainted me with the circumstances, yet if I may judge by the general tenour of his conduct, the provocation he received must have been immense.” “Then it is impossible,” said Captain Stanley, “to avoid an exchange of shots P”’ “ Impossible !” rejoined Stanhope. “ But you will bear in mind,” resumed Stanley, “that if I have just now spoken—as well as last evening —-in pacific terms, it has been entirely without the knowledge of Mr. Ashton. [ would not for the world you should conceive that it was at his instigation ” “ Your word, Captain Stanley,” interrupted Stan- hope, “is sufficient on the point! I might have said that the only way of settling the matter ami- cably ie by means of the amplest apology on Mr. Ashton’s part ” “ And that apology,” said Captain Stanley, “he would nct make, even if I proffered my advice in such a sense— which however I should not do: for as I myself am acquainted with all the circum. stances—and indeed was more or less implicated in them—I do not conceive that Mr. Ashton bas acted improperly.” “We will’ now, with your permission,” said Stanhope, “proceed to measure the ground and load the pistols.” These portions of the ceremony were soon accom- plished; and Stanley, accosting Ashton, said to him, “ My dear young friend, have you any inatruc- tions to give, in addition to those with which I am already acquainted ?”’ “None,” replied our hero, in a voice that trembled not. “If I fall, Stanley, certain letters will be found upon me—as I have already informed you; and should that result compel you to take charge of them, you will execute your mission with all pussible caution and delicacy.” “Res: assured, my dear friend, that such shall be the caso !”—and Captain Sta:ley’s voice trem- bled with omotion, while with fervour he shook Christian by the hand. In the meanwhile Wileon Stanhope had con- ferred with Alexis Oliver; and these preliminaries being settled, the seconds gave -the weapons into the hands of the principale. Christian had at first thought of receiving his opponent’s fire and of dis- charging his own weapen in the air: bat maturer reflection had determined him to abandon this plan. He felt that it would be a complete prevention to the possible demand of Alexis Oliver for a second shot, and might therefore be deemed an act of cowardice rather than of magnanimity on his own part, But on the other hand, our young hero had resolved to fire wide of hie mark; for be would not CR THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. on any account incur the risk of taking a life nor even of maiming a fellow-creature, if such results could possibly be avoided. The two antagonists were placed according to the asual rules of what are called “ affairs of honoar:” the seconds stood aside—the surgeon was waiting at a still greater distance. Wilson Stan- hope was to give the signal by dropping a hend.- herchief; and all was now in readiness for that portion of the ceremony. The handkerchief fell— the pistols were dis- charged—Christian heard the whizs of hie ante- gonist’s bullet close by his ear—and he escaped unburt. <A ory burst from the lips of Alexis; the pistol fell from his hand — and the right arm which had sustained it dropped to his side. Being no- thing of a shot, Christian had not noticed that while endeavouring to fire wide of the living target, a slight turn of his own body bad brought his weapon within almost fatal aim of his antagonist; and thus, most uninotentionally—most innocently, had he wounded that opponent. The surgeon was quickly upon the spot; and it was speedily ascer- tained that Christian’s bullet had strack Oliver's right arm, near the elbow. Nothing could exceed our young hefo’s grief: but Stanley represented to him that he bad really no need thus to torment himeelf, for that it was Oliver himself who had provoked the duel. The surgeon positively declared that no fatal result was likely to ensae; and Alexis, touched by everything Christian said, prof.- fered him his hand, exclaiming, “Let us hence- forth be friends!” The parties were now about to leave the ground, when Christian, accosting Wilson Stanhope, said to him, “I¢ is of the highest importance that I should have a few words with you presently. Teil me where wé oan meet. Will you call apon me at my lodgings at noon? or shall I come to your house ?” Stanhope was surprised at this address; and he said, “ Why vot speak to me here, Mr. Ashton P” “When you learn what [ have to say,” replied our hero, “you will thank me for arranging that we should be alone together.” “ Be it, then, as you will!’ rejoined Stanhope. “J will call upon you at twelve punctually.” Christian mentioned his address; and we should add that before the parties finally quitted the ground, it was agreed, for the sakes of all, to keep the whole affair as quiet as possible. Notwithstanding vur hero had displayed so much firmness and courage, it would be ridiculous to as- sert that he was not infinitely rejoicei at his own esoape from death or injury: though, on the other hand, he was greatly afflicted, as we havo already said, on accotunt of the failure of bis attempt to spare his adversary. On returning to London, he took his leave of Stanley, whom he warmly thanked for his co-operation ; and he proceeded to his own lodgings. Mrs. Macaulay and the servants fancied that he must have gone out at that early hour on some business connected with the case of Lord Clandon ; and therefore not for an instant did they suspect that he had been risking his life in a duel. It was with a feoling of indescribable satisfaction that he destroyed the letters which he had written; and he now awaited the hour when Wilson Stan- hope was to call upon him. A. little after twelve o’clock the expected visitor EloOOOlKS (CO ey — %