The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 75: what you’re looking at

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andl: | 60 : tacit intimation that the subject was not to be dwelt upon. | Then, instead of taking an early dinner with your Royal Highness, I shall fasten myself upon the | hospitality of our Amazonian friend here,” re- marked Meagles, who understood the hint to aban- | don the delicate topic which he had touched upon, but who did not choose to appear disconcerted by the reproof that he had received. “ But I shall expect you at midnight, Tim,” ex- claimed the Prince, resuming his familiarity of manner as suddenly and as easily as he had thrown it aside for amomentary purpose: besides, it would not at all have suited his views to quarrel with an agent who was invaluable to him. “You and I shall be alone together to-night, Tim,” he continued: “and then I will explain to you a little service that I require at your hands.” “ Well, I don’t mind promising to be here at mid- night,” said Meagles, who never chose to let it ap- pear that he was servile in his attendance upon the Prince, or that he was a mere toad-eater constantly ready at the beck and call of his illustrious patron. * And now,” he exclaimed, pushing away his plate, “we will have a drop of kirchwasser after this famous breakfast.” Thus speaking, he filled three liqueur-glasses with the potent cordial; and Lady Letitia tossed off her dram with as much real gusto as her two companions. Shortly afterwards the Amazon and Tim Meagles took their departure by the private staircase ; and the Prince of Wales rang the bell to desire the attendance of his secretary with the morning’s news- papers and letters. CHAPTER XVIII. PAULINE. It was about seven o’clock in the evening—and Pauline was seated by the fire in the front parlour of the villa. She was not merely alone in that room— but likewise in the house: for the charwoman had taken her departure some hours previously, and Oc- tavia had been absent since five. We do not pretend to know—at least for the pre- sent—what excuse the elder sister had made for thus leaving home for two evenings running, and for several hours on each occasion; but certain it is that Pauline was well satisfied, and entertained not the least idea of the real motive of Octavia’s proceed- ings. And now she was seated by the fire, as above stated, and occupied with her needle—not on fine work, but in the repairs of the household linen: for although our readers may smile at our minuteness of detail in this respect, we can assure them that we have only mentioned the circumstance in order to enhance their good opinion of the charming girl who thus sought to make up by her own thrift for the slenderness of her father’s inzome. And as Pauline’s tall and elegant figure was slizhtly inclined over her occupation, and the cheerful light of the fire streamed with Rembrandt effect upon her lovely countenance, she appeared far more interesting and attractive than she would have done if lounging on a luxurious sofa, attired in the richest style of fashion, and embellished with artificial ornaments. For not THE MYSTERIES. ae ee me te a ss ee ee ew ee more beauteous in its glossy luxuriance would kave seemed that dark brown hair, though sparkling with gems: not more fair nor polished would have been that brow, though crowned with a tiara of diamonds ; —nor more pure and stainless would have ap- peared that white neck and virgin bosom, though adorned with brilliants worth a monarch’s ransom. Softly—how softly ! did her long black lashes seem to repose on her fair cheeks, as she sate with her deep blue eyes fixed upon her work :—rich with the hues of health, and delicate with the purity of a taintless complexion, were the cheeks whereon those lashes rested :—and, oh! how beautiful was the entire countenance ! Gracefully rounded, too, were the plump white arms, as Pauline plied her needle with the tapering fingers, the rosy nails of which were as exquisite in their almond shape and as well cared for as if they belonged to a Duchess. There was a smile of sweet contentment upon the moist red lips, which were just so slightly parted by that angelic expression as to afford a glimpse of the teeth that were faultlessly even, stainlessly perfect, and white asthe pearls of the east ;—and from be- tween those lips came the sweet breath as if from the dewy leaves of the rose, and mixing in balmy fragrance with the air. When, ever and anon, she raised her eyes from her work, they appeared radiant in their very softness: for no infelicitous reflections—no stormy emotions— no harrassing thoughts were harboured in her bosom, which, in its full and rounded contours, heaved and fell with gentle and regular respiration, © Such was the charming creature against whose in- nocence and whose peace an infernal plot was al- ready in train: and now do we tremble for thee, thou beauteous Pauline! It was, as we said, about seven o’clock on the evening in question, when a loud and impatient double knock at the front door startled Pauline from her work; and she hastened to answer the summons, her heart fluttering with the hope that it was her father who had returned. But she was disappointed in this respect: for a young lady appeared upon the threshold; and the moment Pauline opened the door, the stranger said in an anxious and appealing tone, “ May I beseech you to grant me refuge for a few minutes and to shield me against the insults of ruffians in the garb of gentlemen ?” Pauline gave a ready assent to the prayer; and the stranger was instantaneously admitted into the par- lour. This apparent young lady was in reality no less a person than Lord Florimel ; and, thanks to the taste and ingenuity of Mrs. Brace, his disguise was com- plete. ~His rich chesnut hair was curled into a thousand ringlets that showered from beneath an elegant gipsy hat over his shoulders; and the black silk gown which he wore, came high up to the very throat and was artistically padded in the corsage. The ample shawl was arranged with the utmost pre- cision; and Florimel’s feet and ankles appeared femininely diminutive in the silk stockings and neat boots which encased them. Altogether, he seemed and acted the well-bred lady to perfection. Pauline hastened to place a chair near the fire for his accommodation ; and then, resuming her own seat, appeared to await any explanatory remarks hat he might choose to offer. com EloOOKS. CORN