The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 289: what you’re looking at

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

ee nn Ss 274 “Mrs. Mordaunt?” cried Octavia, literally trem- bling with impatience. “Yes — Mrs. Mordaunt,” repeated Pauline. “And can you guess who this Mrs. Mordaunt really is?” “ How can I, Pauline ?”- exclaimed the elder sister. “But you remember that we always sus- pected her to be some lady of rank—and her friend Mrs. Smith too “Mor were we wrong in our conjectures, Oc- NOT tavia,” proceeded the younger Miss Clarendon, solemnly: “for—as sure as J am now addressing my words to you—that Mrs. Smith was the high- born, wealthy, and fashionable Countess of Des- borough aud Mrs. Mordauut was her Royal Highness the Princess Sophia ” “Great heavens! is this possible?” exclaimed Octavia, almost forgetting her own afflictions in the absorbing interest of this tremendous revela- tion. “Tt is not only possible—it is the truth,” said Pauline. “I have been introduced to her Royal Hizhness—and there is no doubt of her identity with our Mrs. Mordaunt. Besides,” continued Pauline, “when in conversation with the Prince of Vales relative to yourself, I was anxious to ascer- tain whether ke was acquainted with his sister’s frailty—for at the moment I was breathing vague threats into his ear: and the few words which i let drop produced an effect upon him as if a vertigo had suddenly seized on his brain. Then—later in the evening—he asked me, ina tone full of deep meaning, whether Lord Florimel was acquainted with the Princess Sophia’s adventure in the Edge- ware Road 3 “Yes—yes--Ii recollect well!” exclaimed Octavia, a sudden reminiscence flashing in upon her brain: “it was from my lips that the Prince of Wales learnt the dishonour of his own sister! He ques- tioned me so closely—he forced me to reveal all that had occurred at the villa in connexion with the supposed Mrs. Mordaunt and Mrs. Smith—and now I remember that there was something strange and unaccountable in his manner at the time !” “ Oh! was it not a species of retribution that he should thus have received the intelligence of his sister’s shame from the lips of one whom he him- self had dishonoured ?” whispered Pauline, in a low and solemn tone. “ But you now perceive, my beloved sister, how it is possible that this haughty Prince can be made to fall on his knees before you and consent to any sacrifice which you may dictate as the price of secrecy respecting the Princess ?” “Ny God! I dare not employ menaces, Pau- line!” exclaimed Octavia, wringing her hands hys- terically. “Ihave loved him too well—still love him too tenderly——And yet,” she cried, suddenly interrupting herself,—“ why should I spare him, since he hesitates not to break my heart ?—why should I release him from his vows if it be indeed within my power to enrorce their fulfilment ?” “It is a matter of such vital importance, Oc- tavia,” said Pauline, “that you must deliberate on it with far more composure and tranquillity than you can now bring to bear upon the question. Let us cease to speak thereon for the present—and, in the name of everything sacred! study to exercise a control over your feelings.” “J may say that the bitterness of death is past,” observed poor Octavia, with difficulty subduing a THE MYSTERIES. profound sob. “The worst is now known—the most terrible paroxysm of grief is over —and I must endeavour 4 And searcely had she time to wipe away the traces of her tears and smooth her charming au- burn hair, when the door opened and the Hon. Arthur Eaton made his appearance. CHAPTER LXXVIII. THE PROPOSAL. “My sweet cousins,” exclaimed the young gentle- man, observing that they both started and even exhibited signs of confusion and embarrassment,— “if L interrupt youin any very serious discourse, I will at once retire. But really,” he added, smiling, “Tam at a loss to conceive what you can have to render you both so demure——” “May—come in, Arthur,” said Pauline. “You surely are not upon such ceremonial terms with us as to remain standing on the threshold until we invite you to enter.” “On the contrary, my dear cousin,” returned Mr. Eaton, “I consider myself on so intimate and friendly a footing in this house, that I at once and unhesitatingly avow my desire to have a few minutes’ conversation with your sister in private.” “ With me!” ejacuiated the elder Miss Claren- don, in amazement. “ Assuredly,” answered the young gentleman, with a smile: “since Pauline has no other sister, I must of course mean you.” © And what can you possibly have to say to me in private, Arthur ?” exclaimed Octavia, her colour coming and yoing in rapid alternations, as a thousand conflicting thoughts and feaxs swept through her mind. “Nothing very formidable,’ was the response. “ Now, my dear Pauline, fam certain you will gra- | tify my request by leaving me ¢éte-a-téte with your sister.” “Oh! certainly—since you are really serious— which I did not think you were aé first,” exclaimed Pauline: and, darting a look full of kind encour- agement upon her sister, she hurried from the room. “In the name of heaven! what means all thls mystery, Arthur?” demanded Octayia, the mo- ment the door closed behind Pauline. “You are agitated—trembling from head to foot —apparently overwhelmed with some secret grief, Octavia!” exclaimed the young gentleman, heed- less of her question—for he was suddenly struck by her excited manner, her changing cheeks, her rapid utterance, and her wild looks. “ Tell me— has anything occurred to vex or annoy you?—for you surely can make a confidant of one who feels so deep an interest in your welfare as I.” “ No—no—I am not agitated now,” said Octa- via, exerting all her power and all her strength to regain her self-possession. “I was only startled by the suddenness with which you demanded a pri- vate interview—I was fearful that something had happened—to my father perhaps——But I am composed and tranquil now, Arthur,” she added. smiling faintly. é ; “Jam afraid that you are only assuming a tran- quillity which you do not in reality experience ( GOMIGdoOoO @ <SEGOIn