The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 290: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF COE ASSES Se ee were seated, in order to communicate to them the contents of the missive. They were well pleased at the prosp2ct of the lovers being enabled to eman- cipate themselves from the tyrannous power of Sir John Marston, whose overbearing conduct had ren- dered the Marshalls more zealous than at first in their determination to succour their guests to the utmost of their power. Kate had now a delicate task to accomplish. She had to put the Marquis of Villebelle in pos- session of the talismanic words that were to clear his path of #ir John Marston’s obstructiveness: but at the same time she could give no explanations as how she had become possessed of such important information ; for to no one, beyond her own family and those who were necessarily in the secret, did she ever reveal the mystery of the carrier-pigeons. She knew that she must expect to be questioned by the Marquis—but she prepared herself for the pro- cecding; and with the generous feelings of one who loves to do a kind action, ascended to the apart- ment where the guests were seated. The moment she entered the room, the Marquis, Constance, and Mary-Anne. all three saw by her countenance that she had something of importance to communicate, and that it was of no disagreeable character. “‘T hope you will ‘pardon me,” she said, addressing herself to the Marquis, “for the liberty I am taking in interfering in your own private affairs: but as you will presently perceive, it is with the very best intentions. In short, I think that I could effec- tually help you in setting Sir John Marston at de- fiance——” “ Oh, if this be possible!” exclaimed Constance, “ising from her seat and advancing towards Kate with an effusion of gratitude. “‘Yes,” said the young woman, “ I am convinced that you need entertain no farther fear of moles- tation on his part, if my advice be followed. To tell you the truth,” she added, with an arch and roguish smile which displayed two rows of splendid teeth, “I did happen to overhear something of what passed just now: but I declare upon my honour it was only through kind feelings that I listened.” “We will forgive you all that,” said the Marquis good-naturedly, ‘“ provided that you can really render us the immense service alluded to.” * I can—I will,’ answered Kate. “I had some such purpose in view when I gave a similar assur- ance just before dinner.” “ And what are we to do? what advice is it that you have to give us?” asked Constance. “Speak, my dear friend —for such indeed you are proving yourself to us,’ “A very few words will explain my Gicanniee responded Kate Marshall. “It is in fact by a sort of talismanic mystery you are to act. Let the words ‘Lady Everton’ be simply breathed in Sir John Marston’s ear, and he will molest you no more.” “Is this possible ?” exclaimed the Marquis and Constance both in the same breath: and then the former immediately added interrogatively, “ But what virtue can exist in the mere mention of that name ?”’ “You must ask me no questions,” replied Kate, “Do as I tell you.” “Then are we to understand that you yourself are acquainted with certain mysteries in connexion with the baronet ?” 2 =e. oe. eee ————— ——— eee re ee THE COURT. 275 “You are to understand nothing more than what I have chosen to tell you. And now,” added Kate, with another arch smile, “your happiness is in your own hands: for I am enabled to assure this lady that she who might perhaps assert a prior claim to his lordship’s affection, waives that claim altogcther —leaves him free and unshackled—emancipates him to the utmost of her power—releases him from all moral obligations towards herself—and gives a solemn pledge never to appewt in a lod sense against him.” As the reader may well suppose, the Marquis, Constance, and Mary-Anne gazed in speechless as- tonishment upon Kate Marshall as she made these announcements. “Ts it possible then,” at length cried Villebelle, “that you are acquainted with her of whom you are speaking ?” “I know her well—intimately,” responded Kate. “We were at school togetner at Southampton—we have frequently met of late years——But no matter : I am not going to enter into any particulars. Suffice it to say that I have put you in possession of a talisman which will reduce your tyrannical enemy to quiescence. And now, the sooner your lordship puts the value of the talisman to the test, the better. Your minds will then be ail tran- quillized.” “ But how are we possibly to express our grati- tude to you?” asked Constance, flinging her arms round Kate’s neck and embracing her warmly. “ Excellent-hearted young woman that you are,” said the Marquis, “ we shall never forget you !” ‘Who knows but that your lordship may some day or another be able to do me a service?” re- sponded Kate, speaking thus rather for the purpose of escaping from farther effusions of gratitude, than because she really attached any special meaning to her words. She was about to hasten from the room when the Marquis called her back to inquire where Sir John Marston resided. She mentioned a particular address on the Marine Parade; and the Marquis declared his intention of proceeding thither at once. Kate left the room; and Villebelle, having embraced the now overjoyed Constance, issued forth from the hotel. In the street he saw a person, looking like a footman in plain clothes, Joitering about ; and it im- mediately struck him that this was a spy whom Sir John Marston had planted there to watch the move- ments of himself and Constance. The suspicion was confirmed, when, as the Marquis continued his way along the street, the individual in question fol- lowed him. Villebelle however did not show that he noticed the circumstance: for if Kate’s talismanie words should prove effective, there would be a speedy end to this espjonnage. The Marquis had to inquire his way to the Marine Parade, being almost a stranger in Dover. He how- ever speedily reached the handsome row of houses fronting the sea, and knocked at the door of the one to which he had been directed. In response to his inquiry, he was told that Sir John Marston was at home; and he was immediately conducted into a handsomely furnished apartment, where the baronet was seated at a table with an open writing- desk before him and examining a number of papers. ‘‘Ah! I presume you are come to signify your ore re ——— —— ere eee —— ~— «+ * Deanne a aaaaeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacaaaaaaaaaaacaaaacaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacaaaaaacaaamaaaaaaa ECORNICLOO (C €5) (CO)