The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 265: what you’re looking at

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250 TIE MYSTERIES. was staggered by the fact that Eleanor’s deportment towards her husband was not that of a woman con- scious of her secret shame: nor was the Earl’s be- haviour towards her that of a man who had any reason to complain of his wife. On the contrary, he was most tender, afiectionate, and devoted with regard to his beautiful Countess; whereas her conduct was somewhat capricious and versatile—at one time re- ciprocating his love, and at another being charac- terised by a coldness which she evidentiy tried to subdue, but could not. When he reflected uponthese circumstances, he could not in any way reconcile them with the supposition he had formed to account for the fact of the Kar] and Countess sleeping in separate apartments; and yet in no other manner was he ableto find a reason for this singular mode of life which they led. It was strange—most strange, that a man in the prime of his years and a lovely woman of ardent temperament and glowing passions should practise a selfdenial as mysterious as it was unnatural. But we have observed that Ramsey had perceived that he himself was not displeasing to the Countess ; and, unmindful of the generous hospitality which he had received and was still receiving at the hands of the Earl of Desborouzh,—forgetful of his duty to- wards the nobleman who had promised to become his friend and patron, and who, with the most admirable philanthropy, had undertaken to provide for him in future,—the treacherous guest had already resolved upon the seduction of Eleanor! With these few observations, we resume the thread of our narrative. The heart of the Countess of Desborough was beating rapidly, and a rich carnation glow appeared beneath the transparent olive of her cheeks, as she entered the drawing-room where, as she had hoped and anticipated, she found Ramsey alone. And he failed not to observe that heightening colour and the trepidation of her manner as she ad- vanced across the spacious apartment—her rich dress sweeping the thick carpet on which her elastic steps scarcely left a visible impression. “Your ladyship took advantage of a day mun- usually fine at this season of the year,’ observed Ramsey, as he made a low and graceful bow on ac- costing the Countess. “‘ My beloved friend the Princess Sophia sent yes- terday to command me to wait upon her at a some- what early hour in the forenoon to-day,” responded Eleanor; “ and we paid a yisit to the Duchess of Devonshire. But how happens it, Mr. Wakefield, that you have not also availed yourself of this glo- rious sunshine to breathe the fresh air? A little ex- ercise would have benefitted you after your severe indisposition.” “1 feel no inclination to cross the threshold of your Jadyship’s hospitable mansion,’ said Ramsey ;— ‘until I leave it altogether,’ he added, with a half- stifled sigh. * But you are in no hurry to leave us, Mr. Wake- field !’’ exclaimed the Countess, with involuntary warmth; and instantaneously perceiving that she had spoken in such a tone, she became scarlet with confusion and embarrassment. “ 1 mean,” she ac- cordingly hastened to add, “that until you are per- fectly recovered, it is quite unnecessary for you to seek another abode.” “Did I consult my own feelings alone, I should not indeed be precipitate in leaving this friendly home which I so providentially found,” observed Ramsey; throwing a certain degree of mournful tenderness into his voice: “ but, under circumstances, the sooner I depart——” And, stopping short, he aflected to be seized with a confusion as complete as that which Eleanor had ere now experienced in such reality. “Has anything occurred to displease you, Mr. Wakefield?” she inquired. “It is the wish of the Karl and of myself that you should receive all pos- sible attention; and if you have sustained any annoyance —any slight—any neglect——” “My God! I have been treated too well—too kindly,” interrupted Ramsay, with enthusiasm ; “and my heart abounds in feelings of the most Pe tvent gratitude towards your noble husband and yourself.” “Then wherefore hint so mysteriously that cireum- stances will compel you to depart soon, Mr. Wake- field?’’ asked the Countess, in a yoice that trembled somewhat, and with a strange fluttering of the heart. ** Did I indeed make such an observation? Then I was wrong—very wrong,’ exclaimed Ramsey, speaking as if vexed with himself. But in order that your ladyship may not interpret my inconsiderate words to the prejudice of the domestics of this esta- blishment, permit me to assure you that I have received every possible attention attheir hands. The circumstances to which I alluded——” “ Are perhaps connected with your position in this country ?” said Eleanor. ‘I am acquainted with your history —the Earl has made it known to me in all its details—and I can understand, Mr. Wakefield, how painful it must be for one nurtured in ease and comfort, and looking upon himself as the heir to a large fortune, to awake from that dream and find adversity instead of prosperity staring him in the face. Such has indeed been your Jot: but you must not look upon the future with apprehension and dis- trust. The Earl of Desborough has proffered you his friendship; and he is a man of warm heart and generous feelings. But not until you are completely restored to health, will he begin to talk to you seri- ously upon the course of life which may best suit your inclinations, and on which he will assist you to enter, Inthe interyal it is his desire that you should make this house your home; and it would grieve him were he to hear you speak of any circumstances prompting you to depart abruptly.” “ Acain do I assure your ladyship,” said Ramsey, in a soft and low voice, ‘that if I consulted my own inclinations only, I should not dream of quitting this hospitable mansion. But—pardon me—forgive me,” he exclaimed, his tone suddenly becoming impas- sioned and his manner excited,— my happiness is compromised—even if it be not already wrecked beyond redemption——Oh! would to God that I had never set foot in this metropolis—that I had never left my native Jamaica to seek my fortune on the British soil !” And, averting his head, he appeared to be profoundly affected. “ Mr. Wakefield, I am grieved to observe that you are unhappy,” said Eleanor, her heart palpitating more rapidly than ever, and a singular sensation coming over her as if some mystic influence asso- ciated herself and her own feelings with the pas- sionate emotions which Ramsey displayed. ‘‘ I speak to you more frankly than I should to any other friend or acquaintance, because you are a guest in this house—because you are a stranger in this country— SO On rE nn) (C 6)(0)() (C(O) CS.Cco