The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

WSS DS EE) Oa. THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. ss ee ee 69 “ And now, sir,” said Venetia, in a voice that trembled not and with looks that quailed not, al- though with heightened colour upon her cheeks,— —* and now, sir, suppose that I went straight to Lady Wenlock and detailed to her, word for word, all that has emanated from your lips?” “No, Miss Trelawney—no—you will not do it,” returned Malpas, with another sardonic sneer. “A weak-minded, timorous, hysterical woman would adopt that course: but you are strong-minded, and will act with greater prudence. Because Lady Wenlock would not believe you: she could not possibly fancy that I am such a dastard—such a wretch—such a miscreant. You see that I know how to speak of my own conduct in befitting terms? Well, then—you yourself are aware that Lady Wenlock would treat your tale as an illusion —an impossibility. I should deny it indignantly —I should appeal to those who have known me for years——And then again,” added the Colonel, with a smile of self-sufficiency and confidence, “the whole thing would sound so remarkably im- probable——” “ Tnough, sir—we will not protract this discourse unnecessarily,” said Venetia, who had all along recognised the truth of the arguments thus insolently adduced, but who still did not choose to let it appear that she really saw their force. “I will tell you frankly and candidly that, woman though I am, I have courage and energy enough to treat your con- duct—your bearing—even your menaces, in the only manner which is suitable to the occasion—namely, with contempt. You are right, therefore, in suppos- ing that I shall forbear from what you choose to denominate @ scene:. and indeed, I should be espe- cially loth to mar the pleasure which the excellent Lady Wenlock experiences in giving this entertain- ment. But you and I, sir, will part here—at once— and without another word. You can return in that direction,” she added, pointing towards the mansion, — while I hasten to rejoin my friends who are by this time at the end of the avenue.” “ But do not mistake me, Miss Trelawney,” said Colonel Malpas,—* nor treat my words lightly. Be mine—or I will perform all that I have threatened !” And, darting upon her a look of mingled menace and misgiving,—for the reaction towards alarm at what he had done was even already taking place in his dastard mind,—he hurried along the avenue in the direction which she had indicated. During the latter portion of the somewhat excit- ing scene which we have just described, Mrs. Arbuth- not and her daughter Penelope had walked on, with- out once looking behind them, to the end of the avenue ;—and there they had seated themselves ina delicious arbour, where a table was spread with fruits, wine, cakes, and a varied assortment of light refreshments. On separating from Colonel Malpas in the manner just recorded, Venetia was about to hasten along the avenue to rejoin her friends: but scarcely had the cowardly bully dashed away from her, when she was startled by a sudden rustling amongst the ever- greens as if some one were forcing his way through them. She paused to lookin the direction whence the sounds came;—and in another moment a tall stout man, with enormous black whiskers, emerged from the bushes and stood before her. “ Hush, ma’am—hush! — not a word, if you please,” he immediately said, ina low, hurried, and ~~ ee eS ‘how serious a scene had taken place. ee ee ee mysterious tone. “ I’ve overheard all that has passed —and if you want a witness at any time——” “An!” ejaculated Venetia, as if suddenly struck by the importance of the proposal thus made her: * and to whom am | indebted ‘i “ Hush, ma’am, hush—not a word—for I am only an interloper here,’ said the whiskered stranger. * But if you want to see me—and perhaps it would be as well, for more reasons than one—you can send mea message or a note, and I shall not fail to attend yoursummons. Here’s my card.” Thus speaking, the individual thrust a somewhat dingy morsel of pasteboard into Miss Trelawney’s hand;—and without even waiting for a reply, he plunged amidst the bushes and disappeared from her view. For a moment she stood undecided how to act: then glancing at the name and address which were printed upon the card, she placed itin her bosom and hurried along the avenue to rejoin her friends. In the meantime dancing had commenced on the jawn in front of the mansion; and by the glare of the illumination the scene was brilliant and ex- citing. In another part of the grounds there was a splendid display of fireworks; and presently Venetia Trelawney, accompanied by Mrs. Arbuthnot and Penelope, retraced their way from the avenue and mingled with the crowd of guests who were cathered in the vicinage of the pyrotechnic exhibi- tion. “My dear Miss Trelawney,” exclaimed Lady Wenlock, suddenly accosting her, “ how is it that youare alone? Where isthe Colonel? And will you not dance? There are numbers of gentlemen dying for the honour of being introduced to 9? you—— “J thank your ladyship,” said Venetia, acknow- ledging the well-meant courtesy with a gracious smile,—‘ but I am somewhat indisposed this even- ing, and with your permission must retire shortly. As for Colonel Malpas, to whose care youso kindly entrusted us—-we have by some accident separated from him——” ‘“‘Ah! in the rush to see the fireworks,” ex- claimed the good-natured hostess, little suspecting * But you really cannot think of departing yet awhile? The recreations and amusements of the evening have only just commenced. Come, my dear Mrs. Ar- buthnot, join your influence to mine—and Miss Penelope also—and let us induce Miss Trelawney to stay a little longer.” “It would be discourteous and ungrateful in the extreme to persist in leaving after your kind per- suasion for me to remain,” said Venetia: for she had not only conceived a sort of affection for the excellent-hearted Lady Wenlock, but she also saw that Penelope was anxious to stay. “Now this acquiescence with my desire I look upon as a personal favour to myself,” exclaimed Lady Wenlock: “ for you willexeuse an old woman like me telling you that you are the star of the assembly. But you will dance, will you not ?—and you also, Miss Penelope ?—Stay—I must seek you suitable partners.” And away bustled the well-meaning hostess, dis- appearing amidst the crowds of guests‘ but in a few minutes she returned, accompanied by two ele- gantly dressed and handsome young gentlemen— one of whom, the Honourable George Macnamara oe oe | a — ——— ee eee AMUICLOOOLS ~ (EO) (©)