The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 74: what you’re looking at

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60 not!” cried the Marquis, fiercely. anything more to say to me?” “Only to inquire Ernestina’s address—for, being in town, 1 will see her—and—and we will embrace as brother and sister ought,” said the young nobleman, his voice becoming tremulous with painful but touching reminiscences, “In good sooth,” ejaculated the Marquis, “I did not think of demanding where she was staying. But her visit to London is a mere flying one— made in strict incognito—and moreover she did not remain three.quarters of an hour with me al- together. Beyond this, I have no information to give you on your sister’s account.” “J will not ask if she is happy,” said the young nobleman, with a profound sigh; “because I know that she cannot be! My lord, I will not detain you longer—I beg to say farewell.” “ Farewell, Lord Algernon Cavendish,” returned the Marquis of Leveson, flinging a taunt as it were after his nephew even at the moment of depar- ture. CHAPTER XVIII. BATHURST AND MRS. OWEN.—THUE POCKET- BOOK,! MISS AT three o’clock punctually, an elegant carriage drove up to the door of Leveson House in Albe- marle Street; and a lady, dressed with richness and even splendour, alighted. She was about five-and-forty years of age, and retained the traces of great beauty. Her dark hair was still unstreaked with silver—her eyes were large and piercing—and her teeth were admirably preserved, Upon her cheeks art had shed the bloom which once was natural there; and although some- what thin, her figure was well proportioned. On introducing her to the Crimson Drawing- Room, the footman announced Miss Bathurst. “ My dear friend,” said the Marquis of Leveson, hastening forward to welcome her, “you are in- deed punctual to your appointment :’—then, as he handed her to a seat, he observed, “ And, upon my honour! looking as young and as handsome as ever !” “Flatterer!” exclaimed Miss Bathurst, with a smile, showing that the compliment was far from disagreeable. “But your lordship is famous for the utterance of those amiable nothings——” “Oh! fie,’ ejaculated the Marquis. “Is it a mere meaningless phrase to assure Miss Bathurst that she never looked better in her life. But, after all, a lady of two or three-and-thirty is in the bloom of her existence——” “And your lordship at five-and-forty is a per- fect prodigy of youthfulness,” rejoined the lady. “You and J, my dear Marquis, may talk of our age, for old acquaintance’ sake.” “Yes —to be sure we may,” observed the nobleman, glancing at himself complaisantly in the mirror over the mantel. Now he knew full well that Miss Bathurst was at least five-and-forty—while the lady, on the other hand, was equally aware that his lordship could not be a day under sixty: but they chose thus to compliment and flatter each other, being mutu- THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. pt _ Sy Si eeee eee eee “Have you, | ally silly and vain enough to fancy that the one believed the other to be sincere. “Why, how long have we been acquainted, my dear Marquis?” said the lady, after a pause, “Surely it must be twenty years ?” “ Yes—I should think it must,” was the response. * But then we were so young at the time?” said Miss Bathurst. “To be sure!—a mere boy and girl,” observed the Marquis, with a sigh, “Do you remember the first time you ever saw the Prince 2?” “Oh! don’t talk to me of the Prince—¥ hate him!” exclaimed Miss Bathurst, petulantly. “You, my dear Marquis, who are acquainted with every- thing that has taken place between us, can judge whether I have been well used, or not?” “Why should you complain, my dear friend?” said the nobleman, in asoothing tone. You have not been worse treated than others. Look at Mrs. Fitzherbert—Lady Jersey—the Duchess of Devon- shire—and a host of other beauties—some dead, and some still living——_” “ Well, we have all had the supreme honour of being the mistresses of his Royal Highness,” ex- claimed Miss Bathurst, bitterly; ‘and he cares not one fig for the memory of those who are gone or the welfare of those who are living.” “ You should not say that, my dear friend,” ob- served the Marquis. “ His Royal Highness always speaks of you with the utmost consideration: but then, as the world does not generally know how tender your intimacy has been, the Prince has never paid you such particular attention in publie as to afford scope for scandal.” * You know very well that everything has been broken off for some time between the Prince and me,” said Miss Bathurst. “ But never mind! I am not going to inflict a long tirade concerning my grievances, real or imaginary. I come to ask you a favour.” “Of what kind?” demanded the Marquis, who had already anticipated the object of her visit. “Instead of saying, ‘ Of what kind? my dear friend,’ replied Miss Bathurst, reproachfully, * you should say, * Z’he favour is already granted. ” *‘ Well, the favour is already granted,” exclaimed Lord Leveson, laughing: then to himself he said, “She has fairly caught me, and I must accede to her demands.” “T was convinced that I could rely upon your friendship,” continued Miss Bathurst. “In plain terms, I want you to lend me a couple of thousand guineas for afew weeks; and I shall be enabied to settle with you for everything altogether.” “ A couple of thousand guineas!” ejaculated the nobleman, with a start. ‘My lord, if this request be disagreeable to you,” said Miss Bathurst, with an air of oflended pride, “T am sorry that I should have exposed myself to the mortification of a refusal.” “Not at all!—you have misunderstood me!” ex- claimed the nobleman, unwilling either to annoy or irritate so old a friend. “Ican assure you that my ejaculation meant nothing personal: but you said two thousand guineas—and there is a strange co- incidence——But no matter!” he cried, suddenly checking himself. “You shall have the money, with pleasure.” “] knew, my dear Marquis, that I could rely upon your kindness,” observed Miss Bathurst. cmarenumnereseunn-smngntinlinsesiigeantastepastiningniaaa LE ee COnNIELOOOKS (E()