The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 380: what you’re looking at

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THE and thither did Pauline repair, leaning upon Flori- mel’s arm—for a faintness was in all her limbs, and her spirit was crushed with a presentiment of evil. “T am glad that you are here, Gabriel,” were the first words which the Duchess uttered, as she caught sight of the young nobleman: then, taking Pauline’s hand, she said, ‘‘ My dear young friend, I shall not keep you in a state of unnecessary suspense——” “‘No—no: for heaven’s sake, speak!” murmured the maiden, shuddering from head to foot. “I see that your Grace has bad news for me——” “Alas! would that I could give you some re- assuring answer!” exclaimed the Duchess: “ but poor Octavia is far from well—the blow has been a 33 cruel one —— “ But she is alive?” ejaculated Pauline, in atone of thrilling anguish, as the terrible idea flashed to her imagination that her beloved sister was no more and that the Duchess was about to break the tidings of her death as gently as possible. “Oh! entertain not such a dreadful apprehen- sion,” cried Georgiana, penetrating her thoughts. “ Yes—Octavia is alive, thank heaven—and well too in bodily health——” “QO horror! I begin to comprehend the appalling truth !” shrieked forth the wretched Pauline: “it is her reason that is aflected—her senses have aban- doned her! Great heaven! I understand it all now——and your Grace does not contradict the fact! Alas—alas! my poor dear ruined sister, what has thy destroyer done to thee2—what new iniquity has he perpetrated? Oh! vengeance upon his head——no, not vengeance—'tis mercy that I implore of the Prince—mercy on behalf of the ruined Oc. tavia !” And having given utterance to these exclama- tions in a wild tone, and with a countenance evinc.- ing the poignancy of the anguish which rent her soul, Pauline sank upon her knees—covered her face with her hands—and burst into an uncontrol- lable passion of sobs, and tears, and bitter lamen- tations. “ Let her weep, Gabriel—let her weep,” whispered | the Duchess hastily to the young nobleman, as he cushed forward to raise his well-beloved from that posture of despair. “This outpouring of her sur- charged soul will relieve her.” And for some minutes Pauline continued to give way to her almost frantic sorrow. But suddenly raising her head, though without moving from her knees, she looked up into Georgi- ana’s countenance, exclaiming, “ You have not told me whether my horrible suspicions be true! Per- haps I may be wrong—God grant that lam! Is my sister so deeply afflicted that she has lost her ceason? Tell me, dear iady—oh! tell me—let me know the worst—or else give me instantaneous relief by the assurance that my fears have exags gerated the evil !” And, as she thus spoke, tho beauteous creature twined her outstretched arms round the form of | the splendid Duchess of Devonshire,—every linea- ment of the anguished countenance expressing the intense anxiety with which the response was awaited. “My dear girl,” said her Grace, profoundly af- fected, “ your surmise is indeed too true! But, in the name of God! tranquillise yourself ——” “No —I cannot become tranquil!” exclaimed Pauline, springing straight up like a galvanized body. “Something must now be done—a decisive course must be taken—I can deceive my father no longer: He is not at home now—but he will re< turn presently—and then — oh! then,” she added wildly, “I shall throw myse upon my knees be- fore him—TI shall tell him all—and I shall implore his forgiveness on behalf of my poor ruined sister !” She paused — seated herself on the sofa—and appeared to reflect profoundly for upwards of a minute. At iength Lord Florimel approached her: and, taking her hand, he pressed it to his lips, saying, “ My beloved Pauline, I beseech—I implore you to compose yourself. All may not be so bad as you imagine——” “It is impossible that the aspect of my poor sister’s position can be worse, Gabriel,” interrupted the young maiden, in atone of profound feeling ; and then followed another outburst of indescribable anguish. “Listen to me, my sweet young friend,” said the Duchess of Devonshire, when the violence of this new paroxysm of Pauline’s affliction had somewhat subsided: and placing herself by the young lady’s side on the sofa, Georgiana took her hand with every demonstration of affection, observ- ing, “You are endowed, Pauline, with a strong mind and excellent sense—and I am certain that you will look this misfortune courageously in the face. For that any harm which happens to your sister, becomes a misfortune to yourself, I am well aware—so great is the affection existing between you both. But what course does prudence now recommend? That the veil of secrecy shall be drawn as completely as possible around this la- mentable occurrence—and that the worlé shall not be suffered to learn the real cause of Octavia’s atiliction, She is now in a comfortable retirement —surrounded by all the gentle ministrations and affectionate attentions which friendship can suggest and which her position demands. An eminent medical practitioner devotes himself to her cure; and he last evening declared to me most solemnly that in a few weeks’ time her reason will be re-es- tablished, provided his regimen receive no hin- drance nor interruption. It would therefore be imprudent for you, my dear Pauline, to think of visiting your sister at present. As for cherishing sentiments of vindictiveness towards the Prince of Wales, your own good sense will show you how use- less and ineffectual such a project must prove,—while its only result would be to proclaim to the world your beloved sister’s dishonour. Respecting your father, my dear Pauline,” continued the Duchess, her tone becoming more tender and soothing as she proceeded, “I will myself undertake to com- municate the distressing intelligence to him ;—and I will guarantee that he shall pardon his afflicted daughter—pardon you also for having in any re- spect withholden from him the truth.” “ Her Grace speaks fairly and kindly, Pauline,” said Lord Florimel; “ and you will do well to leave the matter entirely in her hands.” “ Yes—TI will follow your advice, dear Gabriel,” returned the young maiden: “and to your lady- ship,” she added, addressing herself to Georgiana, “my eternal gratitude is due forall the generous interest you have taken and are still taking in this lamentable affair. But tell me about my dear =" MYSTERLES. 365 (S(O) nn) (@ 6)(0)©) KS a(S)