The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 378: what you’re looking at

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THE exceedingly beautiful—at least the world says so: and on that score you will not be ashamed of your wife.” “ But this implacable vengeance which you cherish against Arthur Eaton,” said Mr. Clarendon,— “whence did it arise ?—how has he provoked your hatred 2” “Would you know the truth?” she exclaimed, with a laugh which sounded wild and savage from behind that thick black veil. “Oh! it is a strange secret for a woman to reveal to the man whom she invites to marry her! Nevertheless, I am not dis- posed to stand upon any false delicacy in these ne- gotiations which are now progressing between us. In a word, then, Mr. Clarendon,” she added, her voice becoming suddenly hoarse and thick, “ Arthur Eaton seduced me—and I have sworn to wreak a deadly vengeance upon him !” * Methought that he loved—at least at one time —a certain Miss Fernanda Aylmer ?” said Claren- don: “surely—surely, you cannot be the niece of the Earl of Desborough ?” * There is no need for farther disguise nor mys- tery,” exclaimed the lady. ‘ Yes—I am Fernanda Aylmer !” And she threw back the dark veil—thus reveal- ing to the eyes of Mr. Clarendon that beauteous countenance which seemed as unfit to express the working of all the darkest passions of the human soul as the blushing rose to bear the slime of the snail upon its bloom. The snowy skin and the scarlet lip—the luxuriant brown hair and the deep violet eyes—the proudly- rising throat and the well developed but not exube- rant bust—the exquisitely chiselled nose and the pearly teeth—the high forehead softly veined, and the classically rounded chin,—these were the charms which constituted the whole glory of dazzling beauty that burst upon the sight of Mr. Cla- rendon. He had heard of Miss Aylmer on many occa- sions: but he had never seen her face until now. And when it was thus revealed to him, his first feel- ing was one of joy and pleasure at the idea of pos- sessing such a bride: hissecond was an emotion of miogied horror and dread at the thought of taking to his bosom a snake with so lovely askin. But again, and allin a moment, did his sentiments un- dergo a transition—and heeding only the glittering prize of a coronet which by her agency appeared to be within his reach, the infatuated votary of ambition smiled with ineffable satisfaction as he took her hand, saying, “ Fernanda, you are ador- able—and I already love you!” “Then, as we have come to so perfect an under- standing on all points,’ exclaimed Miss Aylmer, “let there be no delay in affording each other the proper guarantees of our mutual sincerity. The dis- tance is not great from hence to Doctors’ Commons —a license can be procured there in a few minutes —and at the private residence of some clergyman in the neighbourhood may our hands be joined in matrimonial bonds. Come, Mr. Clarendon—do you hesitate ?” “Not at all,” was the reply. “ But I was think- ing that the abruptness of this step would surprise the world—my daughters too——” “We care nothing for the world,” interrupted Fernanda, petulantly : “ and as for your daughters— dare they look coldly upon their father, or super- MYSTERIES. 363 | ciliously upon the mother-in-law whom he may in- troduce to them ?” “ Assuredly not,’ answered Mr. Clarendon. “But there is still another objection which I am compelled to urge against the precipitation of this step——”’ ** Speak — speak !” ejaculated Fernanda, im- patiently. “ You are probably aware that my income depends wholly and solely upon the generosity of Lord Marchmont,” continued Mr. Clarendon; “ and should he take offence at this marriage—or should his son Arthur conceive that such an alliance is at least fraught with suspicion, if not actual menace towards himself——” “In that case you will lose your ineome—is it not so?” exclaimed Fernanda: then, without waiting for a reply, she observed, “ But you may make yourself perfectly easy upon that head. I am not without friends or resources.” ““Yes—Iam well aware that your uncle the Earl of Desborough is rich,” said Mr. Clarendon: “ but I was fearful that, should he likewise disapprove of this match, your own means would be dried up as well as my own.” “T care not the value of a grain of sand for either Lord or Lady Desborough,” returned Miss Aylmer; “and, thank heaven! I am not dependent upon their bounty. In Lord Montgomery I possess a generous relative and kind friend—and for many months past he has supplied my purse without even inquiring the purposes for which I have needed considerable sums of gold. Look!” she exclaimed, drawing forth several Bank-notes from the bosom of her dress and displaying them before the eyes of Mr. Clarendon: “here are two thousand pounds—and this amount will last us a considerable time. When it is gone, my cousin Lord Montgomery will not fail to act as my banker.” “But how know you that even he may approve of this marriage ?”” demanded Mr. Clarendon. “JT know that he will not disapprove of anything that I may do in order to forward my own interests oraims,” answered Miss Aylmer, in a decided tone, “ Are all your objections now set at rest?—or have you any farther scruples to get rid of ?” “ None,” responded Mr. Clarendon, yielding to the force of circumstances—or rather to the temptations thrown in his way—with the desperate firmness of a man who surrenders up his soul to Satan. Miss Aylmer replaced the veil over her counte- nance and quitted the house, Mr. Clarendon under- taking to meet her in a few minutes in Portland Place. His toilette was then hurriedly performed ; and, without breathing a word of his intentions to his daughter Pauline, he hastened to join his in- tended bride at the spot where she was waiting for him. A hackney-coach was immediately sum- moned; and the driver received orders to repair direct to Doctors’ Commons, CHAPTER CIV. PAULINE. WE have already stated that Pauline was too much absorbed in her own mournful reflections to notice the excited manner of her father on this memorable morning. We have also observed that when [er- nanda Aylmer knocked at the door, the young maiden hurried to the window and was disappointed So GOMIGDOO (CO)