The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 329: what you’re looking at

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eee 814 at length within a few days of the opening of the Opera, Mr. Gunthorpe arrived in London. By in- quiry of the manager he found out where we were residing: for in the general interdiction against Angela’s address being given at the theatre to any- body, a special exception was made in favour of our old friend. You know with what success my sister yade her debut in London, and how she has achieved a succession of triumphs. Once more re- ferring to that unfortunate affair of the duel, I must observe that Mr. Gunthorpe discovered it was to take place, and came upon the ground to prevent it. You can bave no difficulty, in conjecturing, my dear Florina, from whom he obtained the information. I was compelled on that morning to suffer the kind old gentleman to undergo some indignity on the part of the seconds in the duel: they bound him to a gate inorder to prevent his interference. But had I acted in his defence, I should have incurred the risk of being proclaimed a coward, and my inter- vention on his part would have been ascribed to a desire on my own to escape the duel. During the week that I lay so dangerously ill in consequence of my wound, Angela did not appear at tne Opera, the apology being a severe indisposition. And now, Florina, I have told you everything that regards myself: I have not concealed from you my humble parentage ——” “And if possible,’ murmured the beauteous sreature, “I love you all the more for your can- dour. But those mysterious words which your father uttered upon his death-bed, seem to ring in my ears as if I myself had heard them.” “And I also think of them often,” responded Deveril. “It would seem as if a person of the name of Thompson, the manager of a strolling troop—most probably that to which my parents at the time belonged—is acquainted with the secret to which my father alluded in his last moments. You may be sure that immediately on my arrival wm England I instituted inquiries amongst persons acquainted with dramatic affairs, to ascertain if this Thompson could be heard of. I alsv inserted some advertisements in the newspapers, requesting him ta communicate his address; and, if needful, he should be liberaily rewarded. But the steps I thus took all proved vain; and therefore am [ fearful that my father’s secret has died with him.” At this nument the clock over the entrance-tower of Saxondale Castle proclaimed one; and the lovers were thus made aware that they had been full two hours together. Almost immediately afterwards the bell rang for luncheon; and Florina, starting from THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT, be made known to your aunt——for remember Mr. Gunthorpe is, as he informed me, the intimate friend of your uncle the Marquis of Eagledean, and be may therefore feel himself justified in inter- fering to save you and Lady Macdonald from the contamination of Lady Saxondale’s society ——” “In that case,” ejaculated Florina, “my aunt would flee away in a moment. She is a good woman, though worldly-minded, but upright and conscientious.” “We shall see what will happen,” said Deveril. “Meanwhile you must, dear Florina, fissemble your feelings towards Lady Saxondale, whatsoever amount of violence you may do yourself. And now ‘farewell for the present, my well-beloved! To- morrow I must return to London.” “ Farewell, dearest William—farewell.” The lovers embraced tenderly and affectionately, and then separated. CHAPTER LXV. THE ACCIDENT AND THE RESCUR. WixLi1aAmM D&vVERIL scaled the low fence, traversed the park, and by making a small circuit, regained the river’s bank, which not only led towards Gains- borough, but likewise constituted the most agreeable walk: for he thereby avoided the dusty higlway. He had come on foot in order to avoid exciting suspicion by the presence of a vehicle waiting in the neighbourhood; and thus he had a good walk of some few miles before him. He was still rather too enfeebled from the effects of the duel to take so much exercise: but what fatizues would he not have dared in order to obtain an interview with Florina!—and what weariness was there that could not be compensated for by the delicious reflections inspired by all that had just taken place ! * Indeed, our young hero felt as if he were alto- gether a new being. Never had his heart felt so light—never had his spirits seemed so buoyant. A new strength appeared to invigorate him: he felt as if entering entirely upon another phase of exist- ence. As he was proceeding along the bank of the river enjoying the luxury of his reflections, he observed a strange-looking woman approaching from the con- trary direction. She was dressed in a sordid slovenly manner—indeed, wretchedly clad: a dirty. white cap appeared beneath an old straw bonnet; and though it was the middle of summer, she wore a the soat, exclaimed, “ We must separate now, dear | dingy-coloured cloak all tattered round the lower William ! for if I do not answer that summons, a! edge. As she drew nearer still, Deveril could not domestic will be sent to inform me that luncheon is | help observing that her features were singularly served up,” | harsh, coarse, and repulsive; and she had altogether “ How long, think you, dearest Florina, that you | a look of a sinister character. will stay at Saxondale Castle?” asked Deveril. “I suppose,” she said in a grating voice, “that “Tho invitation was for some weeks,” she re- | building I see yonder is Saxondale Castle?” sponded: “but if I must dissimulate my aversion “Tt is,” replied Deveril. and horror of Lady Saxondale, it will be impossible | ‘Thank you for the information,” said the woman: to play the hypocrite so long. I could not do such | and passing him by, she continued her way in the violence to my feelings——” | direction of the baronial structure. | ‘‘ Perhaps circumstances may transpire to abmdge | Deveril, as he walked on, could not help wonder- your visit,” said Deveril. “‘ For instance, if Mr. | ing what that woman wanted at the Castle, and he Gunthorpe should advise, after all that has passed between you and me to-day, that everything which we have learnt concerning Lady Saxondale should a, ee ee COMICLOOKS.eEO) concluded that she was one of those persons who go about the country seeking the charity of wealthy individuals. But while these thoughts were still