The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 390: what you’re looking at

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

— SS aes” THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. jn Lady Macdonald’s opinion than ever? need I as- sire you that she is fully convinced of your inno- eence and of Lady Saxondale’s guilt? cepted suitor of Lady Florina Staunton.” A cry of joy, fervid and enthusiastic, burst from | the lips of William Deveril, as he threw himself upon his knees, and taking Mr. Gunthorpe’s hand, — pressed it between both his own. Tears of minglea gratitude and delight trickled from the dark eyes of the lovely Angela; and Mr. Gunthorpe was deeply affected by the scene of happiness which he thus witnessed and of which he was the author. He soon afterwards took his departure; but on his way back to his own mansion at Stamford Hill, he stopped for a few moments at Mrs. Leyden’s dwelling to inform Henrietta that he was perfectly satisfied ‘with the result of his interview with Adol- phus at Mrs. Chandos’s cottage, and that she had every hope of bliss to anticipate from that young nobleman's love. Thus did the old gentleman, while his own heart was secretly devoured with care, busy himself to promote the happiness of others ; and to a certain extent it was a relief to his own sorrows that he was enabled to do so. At eleven o’clock on the following day, Mr. Gun- thorpe’s carriage again drew up in front of the picturesque cottage near Edmonton. Elizabeth immediately came forth to welcome the old gentle- man; and she informed him that her brother and Adolphus had gone out together for a long ramble in the neighbouring lanes and fields. “T am glad of it,” said Mr. Gunthorpe, kindly but mournfully; “for I wish to have a serious—a very serious conversation with you. Will you be enabled to give me two or three hours of your time this morning P” “Yes—assuredly,” responded Elizabeth: but she was struck by the mournfulness of Mr. Gunthorpe’s look and manner—and the truth flashed in unto her mind. The old gentleman dismissed his carriage for the present, bidding the coachman return at two o’clock ; and he then entered the parlour with Lady Bess. Closing the door, she looked him full in the face —but yet with an expression of profound sorrow and humiliation on her features—-saying, ‘“ Mr. Gunthorpe, do you not despise me? do you not scorn and loathe me?” “My God, no!” he ejaculated with a strange ex- citement: and taking her hand, he pressed it long and warmly, while the tears ran down his cheeks. “ You suspect, Elizabeth, that I have learnt some- thing concerning you——” “ Yes—l see it in your manner—I know that you have!” she answered, weeping. “ But how is it possible that you could come near me again? how is it that you can thus demonstrate so much kind and generous feeling towards me? Who are you. Mr. Gunthorpe? ‘Tell me who you are! That is a question which I have asked myself a thousand times since you were here yesterday—a question that I must ask a thousand times again until you solve it!” “T cannot now, Elizabeth,” replied the old gen- tleman. ‘ But shortly—very shortly—I may do so 375 But there | is one piece of intelligence which I must hasten to’ give you: which is, that the engagement is broken | off with Lord Saxondale—and you are now the ac- for now that you know all, you must feel how Suffice it fur you to know that I entertain the warmest and sincerest interest in your behalf.” “Oh, that proof of munificence which you left with me yesterday!” exclaimed Lady Bess. “It is a fortune! But see—I have not dared to avail myself of your bounty! LI give it you back again: thoroughly unworthy I am of your kindness :’— and as she spoke, she drew forth from her bosom the cheque which Mr. Gunthorpe had left on the preceding day. “Keep it, Elizabeth—keep it—it is your’s,” he said, gently pushing back her hand which held the draft. “Would to heaven that ten thousand times the amount would redeem the past !” “Ah, would that I could redeem it!” ejaculated Elizabeth: “but at least I may atone for it—and most solemn is my resolve to make such atone- ment,” “TI came not to reproach you, my dear Eliza- beth,” said Mr. Gunthorpe, still profoundly affected —‘‘but to hear from your lips the narrative of that Past for which you promise atonement. I am sure you will not refuse me your confidence.” “No—not for worlds!” cried Lady Bess, with unfeigned sincerity. “ Your goodness towards me demands it—and I feel also, without knowing why, that you have a right to expect it. Most sacredly do I assure you, Mr. Gunthorpe, that my mind was made up to tell you everything the next time you called, even though you should not have elsewhere discovered that dread secret which has filled you with so much generous affliction on my behalf. Oh! but I have been haunted by the fear, ever since you left this house yesterday, that you would never return! I was seized with a presentiment that you were going somewhere to make inquiries that would bring to your knowledge this sad phase in my eventful life; and methought that if you did thus learn it, you would cast me out with scorn and loathing from your memory.” “No, Elizabeth—I could not do that,” said Mr. Gunthorpe: “and that I could not, the proof is that I am here again to-day! And now that I have given you the assurance that it is not my pur- pose to reproach you, I beg you will delay not, my dear Elizabeth, in lifting the veii that covers the mystery of your life, Conceal nothing from me. W hatsoever you may have to confess, will not draw vituperation from my lips: nothing but sympathy shall flow thence. You have not known me long but perhaps you have seen enough of me to trust ia this assurance ?” “If any encouragement were wanting,” said Klizabeth, deeply moved, “to induce me to make the fullest revelations, it has just been given in these kind words that you have spoken.” She seated herself near Mr. Gunthorpe; and in a calm firm voice, commenced her narrative in the tullowing manner. CHAPTER LXXX. COMMENCEMENT OF LADY BESS'S HISTORY. “Tne earliest period of existence to which my memory can be carried back, is connected with this cuttuge. ILere I dwelt in my infancy, with an ee tN sei eateries ECOMmIiclboooks (CO)