The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 350: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE OOURT. down her cheeks. She hastily brashed them away ; and with a smile of the moet amiable ingenuous- nees, she proffered her hand, saying, “ Let us con- tinue friends. You are the friend of my brother —you must be my friend likewise; and I shall nover fail to entertain a grateful sense of the ser- vices which you have rendered me.” “Yes,” said Captain Stanley, “we will be friends :”—and with an expression of manly frenk- nets upon his countenance, blending likewise with joy, he secepted and warmly pressetl the hand which was tendered him. A conjocture—raised wp in his mind by the talismanic touch of hope's creative wand—diffused that joy over hie features. He fancied that he had suddenly read the mystery of Christina’s con- duct. She felt that she did not as yet love him sufficiently to accept his suit; but she already re- garded him as a friend; and when she came to know him better, this feeling of friendship might expand into a more tender sznizment. Such was the construction which Robert Stanley put upon her behaviour; and it was ustural enough. His pride ceased to be wounded—his sense of mortifi- cation was set at rest—his astonishment vanished ; and he was enabled at chee to begin conversing on general topics with the easy well-bred familiarity of friendship. On the other hand, Christina thought that her companion was only pursuing éhe course which was proper, manly, and delicate after the refusal he had just experienced; and though she felt deeply for him, yet she was weli pleased at the idea that he -had made tp bis mind to endure his disappointment philosophically and eourageously. They returned to the mansion—whero the other guests were already assembled, with the young Duke, in the breakfast-parlour ; and the adventure with Barbara Smedley was related to them. Chris- tian warmly thanked Stanley for the service he had rendered his sister; and the impression left upon the minds of thoee to whom the incident had just been related, was to the effect that accident had taken Stenley in his morning ramble to the spot where his presence was so much needed at the instant. But the reader has doubtless compre- hended that the young officer had seen Christina proceed in that particular direction; and he had purposely directed hie steps in the same path that he might avail himself of the opportunity to plead his suit. In the middle of breakfast the letters were brought in by a footman and Isid upon the table. There was one for Captain Stanley. He recog. nised his father’s handwriting, and immediately epened it.- Joy overspread hie countenance: for that epistle conveyed a piece of intelligence which ssemed to furnish him with astronger claim to the hand of Christina than that which, according to his own idea, he could have previously asserted. Sir William Stanley had been raised to the Peerage : he was now Lord Vandeleur ; and his son was the Hon. Captain Stanley. On communicating this intelligence, the young officer received the congratulations of all present ; and after breakfast he sought an opportunity of speaking alone with the young Duke of March- mont. They retired together to the library; and the Hon. Captain Stanley then said, “ I have taken the earliest opportunity to make you acquainted that something has occurred this morning, and which must not be kept secret from your ears.” Christian looked astonished; and this surprise on his part was indeed moet unfeigned. “To ase your sister,” continued Stanley, “ was to admire her: to know her was to learn to love her. May I hope, my dear friend, that you will not consider me teo boldly preeumptaous in aspir- ing to the hand of Lady Christina Vivian ?” “Then you have spoken to my sister on the wudject f” asked Christian quickly. “TI have,” replied Stanley. “ And her answer P” said the young Duke, with suspense visibly depicted on his countenance. ~ “Lady Christina has refused me,” rejoined the Hon. Captain Stanley; “but not in such terns that forbid me from entertaining a hope. Me- thinks that I can read Lady Ohristina’s sentiments aright. She will not wed where she does not feel her heart to be thoroughly engaged; and as yet che experiences for me no sentiment fonder than friendship. Have I, my dear friend, your permis- sion to seek to render myself acceptable to your sister? Asa man of honour, I considered it expe- dient to consult you upon the subject with the least possible delay” . Christian reflected deeply and seriously for some moments; and as he thus appeared to hesitate what answer he should give, Stanley’s astonish- ment began to revive, as well as his sense of mor- tification. After all, was i¢ possible that the character of the twins was different from the estimation he had formed of itf?—were they in- deed so proud of their newly acquired rank that Lady Christina would only accept the suit of some personage bearing a lofty titleP Such was the suspicion which began stealing into Robert Stan- ley’s mind ; and his feelings were growing more and more hurt, when Christian suddenly ‘‘ Before we say another word upon the subject,” he exclaimed, “suffer me to have a few minutes’ discourse with my sistor.” Stanley bowed with a slight degree of coldness, and was about to retire, when the young Duke, seizing him by the hand, exclaimed with aa sir of much concern, and even of distress, “ You must not for an instant supposo that I am hesitating what answer to give you eo far as the subject per- sonally regards yourself. Believe me, my dear Stanley, nothing would afford me greater pleasure —Ob, yes! a seal joy,” oried the young Duke enthusiastically,—“ nothing, I repeat, would more delight me than that the ties of friendship which already unite us should be strengthened by such an alliance. But——” “Not another word of explanation, my dear Marchmont!” ejaculated Stanley, infinitely relieved by Christian’s frankness. “There may be family secrete———And besides, it is natural—it is proper that you should be desirous to consult your sister.” Having thus spoken, Stanley hurried from the room. Christian immediately afterwards sought his sister in her boudoir, to which she had retired. Hoe found Christina seated in s pensive mood: in- deed her thoughts were so profoundly absorbed in their topic, that she did not hear the door apen. I¢ was not until her brother was close by hor side, that she was aware of his presence. Then, instan- —— | GOnNGIOOKSHeOn