The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

30 that wheras the former was characterized by the proud and haughty spirit of Lady Saxondale, the latter was all gentleness, meekness, and affection- ate submission. ‘Explain this conduct on your part,” said the indignant mother: and though her two daughters were tall, yet her own stature was elevated above them to the majestic height of Diana the Hun- tress. “Tt is somewhat too hard,” returned Juliana, almost in a tone of defiance, “ to be taunted with having wilfully played the part of spies, when it was really all the result of accident ;” and having thus spoken, the Hon. Miss Farefield walked towards the window. ‘‘ Constance,” said Lady Saxondale, addressing her younger daughter in a milder tone than she had previously used; “ you willat least give your mother a satisfactory and respectful answer.” “It is as Juliana has said,” replied Constance— “the result of accident. Tired of our music and drawing, we each resolved to commence a piece of tambour-work, and thought of copying two of the pictures in this room. So we came hither with our frames, which are there,”—and with her white hand she pointed in the direction to which her sweet blue eyes also glanced. ‘ But scarcely had we entered—not five minutes ago—when we were startled by hearing high words in the next room ; and recognizing Edmund’s voice, we in- slinctively approached the door to listen. The action was so quick on our part, that I did not pause for a moment to reflect that it might be wrong; and I am sure it was the same with Juliana.” “And what did you hear?” demanded Lady Saxondale. ‘ Come, speak, Miss! — tell me what you heard?” she added more sternly, seeing that her daughter hesitated and looked frightened. “Oh, my dear mother!” exclaimed Constance, bursting into tears: ‘I heard you beseech and implore Edmund to treat you with kindness and» respect aud it cut me to the quick to think that you should have thus to speak to my brother ?” “Ah! then you were ear-witnesses, young ladies, of your mother’s deep humiliation—her utter degradation ??— and as Lady Saxondale spoke with accents of bitterness and imp!acability, her countenance grew pale with the fierce feel- ings that raged within her bosom, and her fine majestic form trembled from head to foot. ‘‘Dear mother, is it something so terrible— something so unpardonable, that we have done ?” —and Constance turned aside to weep more bitterly than before. “ Juliana!” exclaimed Lady Saxondale; ‘‘come hither—approach me, I say! Wherefore do you thus stand aside and lounge listlessly in that window-recess, as if you were indifferent to what is passing ?” ‘Because I think that yourladyship,” answered the Hon. Miss Farefield, “tis treating us with un- necessary harshness for a very venial offence— if an offence it be at all ;” but as she spoke she advanced towards her mother, of whom she still stood in just sufficient awe not to dare defy her altogether. ‘There can fall upon a mother’s head no curse more withering than that of having disobedient childven,” said Lady Saxondale in a strange deep ne ee +t THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. voice. ‘ You, Constance,” she continued, placing her hand caressingly upon the shoulder of her fair-haired younger daughter, “are penitent for this transgression on your part; and you at least treat me with respect. But you, Juliana,” she added, turning towards the dark-haired elder girl, “‘ are inclined to display that same rebellious spirit which your brother has dared assume. However, understand me well! I am not only the mistress of this house, but am likewise your parent, and you are dependent upon me. There- fore, once for all, take heed how you manifest any undutiful conduct towards me.” “One would think that I had committed some grievous crime by the language which your lady- ship uses :” and as Juliana thus spoke, the rich red blood mantled upon her cheeks and her eyes flashed fire. ‘“ Insolent girl, beware how you provoke me!” cried Lady Saxondale. Juliana drew herself up haughtily, and turned away with an air of complete defiance. At this moment a door communicating with the landing outside, was flung violently open; anda woman, whose age appeared to be fifty, and who was dressed in the matronly garb of a house- keeper, entered the room, exclaiming in a sharp querulous voice, “It is abominable, and I am de- termined to have satisfaction. My lady, I demand protection at your hands! I cannot be insulted any longer in this way; it exceeds all human patience. The impertinent coxcomb! the petty tyrant! the cowardly hound !” “Mabel, what in heaven’s name does all this mean ?” cried Lady Saxondale, rushing towards the old housekeeper—for such was the situation occupied by the woman at the mansion. ‘‘ Com- pose yourself—tranquilize your feelings: you know that I will not suffer you to be insulted with impunity.” “ But this is constantly going on,” Mabel again burst forth, advancing farther into the room, and both speaking and looking as if she were despe- rately angry with everybody and everything. “He is always insulting me—he hates me, just because I possess your ladyship’s confidence, and have been in the family for so many years. What did he mean by calling me an old beldame when he met me on the stairs? Was it that on account of my rheumatism I couldn't get out of his way quite quick enough to please my lord? ButI will teach him better manners, I will! he shall respect me, the impudent puppy !” “ Mabel, Mabel, mind what you are saying!” exclaimed Lady Saxondale, evidently much agitated. ‘ You must not speak thus of his lord- ship.” “This woman’s conduct is perfectly disgust- ing,” said Juliana, tossing her head indignantly. “ Your ladyship just now spoke in the harshest terms to me and Constance for a very trivial thing; and yet you put up with the astounding insolence of a wretched dependant.” “ Dependant indeed!” yelled forth Mabel, her spiteful eyes darting reptile-looks of malignity upon the Hon. Miss Farefield. “ How dare you speak of me in this way? I tell you that you are a@ vain and haughty minx, as your brother isa contemptible coxcomb.” “ Mabel, I insist upon your holding your tongue,” said Lady Saxondale, but rather ina voice of entreaty than command. “ Juliana— ee site eee ee eS COL <S EO) 0)(0)(0)