The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

———— th THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. explain the tacit readiness with which Zoe con- sented to separate from our heroine—or at least how if was that she did not offer any serious re- monstrance. And now, perhaps, the reader may wonder whether Christina had acquainted her bro- ther with the circumstances which had led to her change of situation. Yes: the young maiden had spoken frankly to Christian—and had described all that had occurred: but she did not even hint that her own feelings were not altogether so indif- ferent as she knew they ought to be with regard to Lord Octavian. Her virginal modesty would not permit her to avow even to the ear of an affec- tionate brother that which she would not admit unto herself: for though there was the suspicion —at times more distinct than at others—in her mind that Lord Octavian’s love had not proved entirely displeasing to her, she endeavoured to banish that suspicion—she did all that she could to crush it—and whenever she found the handsome young nobleman’s image stealing into her thoughts, she at cnce strove to turn them completely into some other channel. Tn the evening, when seated at the dinner table with the Princess Indora, Christina observed, ‘Phe conversation with your ladyship this morning changed to a topic which so engrossed our atten- tion, that I had not the opportunity of expressing my hope that Mr. Redcliffe’s warning letter was never justified by any actual attempts of the nature to which he alluded P” “Tmmediately on the receipt of it,” responded the Princess, “I gave to the faithful Mark ”—thus alluding to her steward and major-domo—* the in- structions which Mr. Redcliffe had himself sug- gested. Two or three persons—male and female — had been noticed by Mark lurking about in the neighbourhood ; and they endeavoured to enter into conversation with him: but he treated them with so chilling a reserve that they saw they had nothing to gain in that quarter. During the last two or three months I have heard no more of such attempts to pry into my proceedings.” “Ts it possible that your Highness has enemies in this country?” asked Christina, with the most perfect ingenuousness: for her pure mind, as in- experienced as it was artless, entertained not the slightest notion as to what the snare could be into which it was sought to inveigle the Princess and Sagoonah. “ No—thank heaven, I fear not enemies!” an- swered the Princess. “ But you, my sweet young friend, comprehend not as yet that there are per- sons wicked enough in this world to spread nets for the feet of others :’”—and having thus spoken, the oriental lady gave the conversation an imme- diate turn—not however with abruptness, but ina way that seemed perfectly natural. Precisely at noon on the following day, Chris- tina alichted from the carriage at the Merediths’ habitation in the Regent’s Park; and as it was already arranged that the equipage was to return to fetch her at four, she had no fresh orders to give—and the vehicle was at once borne away again by the handsomely caparisoned pair at- tached toit. Inafew moments the young maiden found herself clasped in the arms of Zoe. Lady Octavian received Christina in the drawing- room: she looked pale and languid; and our heroine was distressed to perceive that her be- 239 loved friend was yet some distance from complete restoration to health. Zoe questioned her in the kindest manner as to her new position; and she expressed her delight to hear that Christina was so happy with the Princess of Inderabad. An hour thus passed while they were in conversation together; and during the whole time Lady Octa- vian never once mentioned the name of her hus- band. There was however nothing pointed in this avoidance of such mention: if might or it might not have been a mere accident arising from the circumstance that the conversation flowed in channels rendering any allusion to Lord Octavian perfectly unnecessary. Refreshments were served up: but scarcely was tne luncheon-tray removed, when his lordship’s well-known knock was heard at the front door. Christina recognised it in a moment: she was thrown off her guard—she started—-she blushed—she was filled with con- fusion. “Tt is Lord Octavian,” said Zoe, in a quiet tone: and yet it struck Christina, as she glanced towards her friend, that a slight tremulousness was visible in her frame. ‘“ He must either have changed his mind in respect to passing the day with his father: or else the Marquis must have some other engagement which prevents him from entertaining his son.” While Zoe’ was thus speaking, Christina had leisure to recover somewhat from her confusion; and she felt the necessity of retaining all her self- possession. She was about to hint that she must now return to Bayswater, when she recollected that she had ordered the carriage to return not until four in the afternoon; and she therefore immediately perceived that were she now to depart abrupily, it would be admitting to Zoe that she attached a significaney to the circumstance of Lord Octavian’s unexpected presence. For though she had little doubt in her own mind that Zoe had more or less penetrated the circumstance which led fo her removal to another home,—yet it was one of those things concerning which the pure minds of two friends could not very readily show that they had any tacit but mutual understand- ing. While all these thoughts were sweeping through Christina’s mind, Lord Octavian’s well-known foot- steps were ascending the stairs: they approached the drawing-room door—and he entered. Fortu- nately he had heard from the footman who gave him admission, that Miss Ashten was with her ladyship; and therefore he was not taken by sur- prise on finding Christina there. Ah! but he should not have entered the drawing-room at all, while thus knowing whom he was destined to meet! He had even said so to himself while ascending the stairs: yet an irresistible impulse urged him on; and though conscience told him that he was doing wrong, inclination was stronger than conscience ! Assuming an air of mere friendly courtesy, he advanced to Christina, proffering his hand: she hesitatingly gave him hers—he retained it for a single moment—and having exchanged with her the usual compliments of courtesy, sat down close by Zoe’s easy-chair. “You did not exysect my return so soon, dearest Zoe,” he said, as if endeavouring to concentrate the greater part of his attention upon his wife: -_—_———- eee aot pce lacetoneenasie ate ea Ce a EF, ES A SE ge aiid ESL De Be nn) 0)(0)(0) (C S (CO)