The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 263: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER LXX. AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. Ts ehureh-cleeks were twelve as Lord Flerimel handed Mies Pauline Clarendon into his carriages which wag waiting at the door; and he ordered the coachman to drive to Devonshire House, Piccadilly. Away started the splendid equipage; and the young pobleman felt proud and happy in having so charming and amiable a companies. On her side, Pauline was ao profoundly touched by the frank and candid beha- viour of her lover during the conversation whieh had so recently passed between them, that her happiness would have been cemplete, had not the position of her sister become a0 serious a cause ef affliction. In due time the carriage stopped in frent of Devon- shire House; and the hall- . who answered the summons given by one of Fiorimel’s feotmen, eaid that her Grace was at home. The young nobleman assisted Pauline to alight ; and they were conducted up a magnificent staircase, into a amall but elegantly furnished reem, where the Duchess of Devonshire, attired in a graceful disha- biliée, was half reclining on 9 s0fs placed so that she might oateh the warmth of the cheerful fire which blased on the hearth. Flerimel was a great favourite with the Duchess; and ake reeeiyed him with all the cordial familiarity of a relative. Ina becoming manner and suitable terme he presented Mise Pauline Clarendon, with the delicate intimation that she was shortly te become Lady Fiorime!; and the Duchess, taking the young maiden's hand, addreseed her with 20 much affability and graceful courtesy that she was instantly relieved of any embarrasoment she had at first experienced on finding herself in the presence of that brilfant | of fashionable world. leader ef the “ It is very amiable of your Grace to receive us at this unseasonable hour,” said Florimel: “and an apology is necessary on my part———”" “Not at ali, Gabriel,” interrupted the Duchess. “You are always weleome—and doubly so this morn- ing, inasmach as you have brought so interesting a companion. Bet in che eame friendly and uncere- monious manner that I now receive you both, must I inferm yeu that I have enly a quarter of an hour te devote to you on this gecasion: for at one o’clock her Reyal Highness the Princess Sophia and the Countess of Desborough will be hera”’ “We will not intrade many minutes upon you, my charming and amiable cousin,” said Flerimel. “Ja fast, I have a little favour to ask you——" * If you mens that I must be present on 2 certain day,” exclaimed the Duchess, with a smile of en- chantuag archness, “and that I must keep myself particular disengaged fer a ceremony, rest assured that I shall great pleasure in eccepting the invitation. I hope you intend to make my volatile cousin quite steady, Miss Clarendon?” “T assuredly bope that the hint contained in the werds of your Grace will not be thrown away upon his Jordship,” answered Pauline, smiling: “and I may add that I have the fullest and most implicit confidence in him.” “You will make a very interesting pair—and I long to see you both standing at the altar,” said the Duchesa, “Indeed, you and I, Miss Clarendon, must become very good friends. In the course of the ensuing week I shall be receiving company: and I shall expect the pleasure of numbering your- self and sister amongst my guests.” “Then your Grace is aware that Misg Pauline has an elder sister!” observed “Mr. Eaton called upon me yesterday,” tho Duchese ; “and he was enthusiastic in describing and praising his two charming cousina. You there- fore perceive, Misa Clarendon, that I was pre- “ The kindness with which your Grace has re- ceived me, will never be forgotten,” observed Pau- lina “Bat I am fearful that our visit has already been prolonged ——.” And she glanced significantly towards Lord Florimel. “I will at ence explain the favour which I have te solicit at your hands, dear cousin,” said the young nebleman, addressing the Duchess. “It was not precisely te ask your Grace to honour our bridal-day with your presence: although we should not have omitted that invitation—and now we cousider your Grace pledged to accept #t. But my Pauline is very anxious to attend the Prince's ball to-morrow even- ing——" = And nothing would have afforded me greater which I am honoured with az invitatios. next eccasion, however, Miss Clarendon may hold me engaged to act the agreeable part of chaperon.” Pauline was about to exprees her thanks for this promise so affably and readily given, when the door a feotman announced her immediately shake #t of€ But she felt the Countess [ press with an unmistakable significarey the hend | which her ladyship had taken in her own; ard rating her eyes, Paulne threw uper her s- which, though raptd, the assurance that | « the secrel was safe with her” | “F am delighted that we have Gros met, Mraz | ” continued Eleanor, repeating the young lady’s name louder than before, so that Kt might reach the Princess and make her Reyal Highmess aware Who was present, i COMGboo (O) ZN Un © COMM