The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 76: what you’re looking at

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| 70 possible for him to restrain; and though his duty towards Zoe, and his duty towards Christina her- self, should have led him to avoid the dangers of another interview,—he had not the moral courage —he had not indeed sufficient control over him- self, to resist the temptation of calling upon the object of his passion. To do the young nobleman justice, the idea of a deliberate seduction had not for a single instant entered his head:—in his infatuation he thought of nothing but the pleasure of beholding Christina again—of contemplating her beauty—of listening to the sweet music of her voice. Yet there was a whisper in his soul that this visit which he was now paying, would not be the last: for he could not possibly make up his mind to the bold and resolute step of avoiding her in future. Yet to announce his real name— to proclaim himself Lord Octavian Meredith— would be to furnish her with the means of ascer- taining that he was already married,—a circum- stance which an accident at any moment might bring to her knowledge. And if the truth did thus come to her ears, he could not again hope to be received by her: whereas, if disguised under the name of Percival, he might entertain the hope of being occasionally permitted to call in Mortimer Street. Thus it was without any deliberately wicked plan—without any positively settled de- sign against the virtue of the young girl—but merely in obedience to an infatuation which he could not possibly control—Lord Octavian Mere- dith secured to himself the advantage which his feigned name gave him in the matter. It was not until Meredith entered the young people’s sitting-room, that he entertained any par- ticular idea of whom he should find with Christina —whether she was living with ‘parents or re- latives—nor indeed in what circumstances she was placed,—save and except that he knew she had a brother, with whom he had seen her walking on a few occasions, as he had stated to the Duke of Marchmont. He had longed to ask the servant who opened the door, some few questions: but he was fearful that such curiosity, on being reported to those whom it concerned, would act preju- dicially against him: and therefore he had ab- stained. “ According to my promise, Miss Ashton,” he said, as he entered the apartment, “Iam here to make you aware of my safety.” He extended his hand towards the young gu, who gave him her’s with an ingenuous frankness : for she felt that she lay under a deep obligation to one who had delivered her from a gross insult —and who, by the very words which had just fallen from his lips, had evidently been compelled to risk his life on her account. In the same artless manner she renewed her thanks for his chivalrous conduct; and timidly but sincerely expressed her delight that no serious con- sequences had ensued. - “None, Miss Ashton,” answered Meredith. “I went out with Mr. Stanhope,--for that is the name of the gentleman who insulted you; and no harm was done. I need not ask if this be your brother :’—and thus speaking, he turned toward Christian, to whom he with well-bred affability proffered his hand,—which was accepted with all the frankness of unsuspicious youth. Octavian sat down, and began conversing with THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. the twins upon a variety of topics. He learnt from them that they had been six months in the metro- polis—that their parents had been long dead—that they were brought up by an uncle, a gentleman of some little property, who dwelt in a remote vil- lage in the northern part of England—and that they possessed not, to their knowledge, any rela- tions now upon the face of the earth. These little pieces of information came out during the dis- course: but the twins did not mention whence their present resources were derived,—and Lord Octavian did not seek by any insidious dexterity to fathom the matter. He saw that they were all ingenuousness, frankness, and inexperience; and he was fearful of shocking the delicate fibres of their minds by the display of aught savouring of undue curiosity. On rising to take his leave, he requested permission to call occasionally when he might happen to be passing that way. Christina gave no response: but Christian, delighted at what he considered a display of the kindliest and friendliest feeling, cheerfully proclaimed his as- sent. Lord Octavian Meredith had not taken his departure many minutes—and the twins were in the midst of self-congratulations that the duel had resulted without injury to either party—when Mrs. Macaulay burst somewhat suddenly into the room, with a visible consternation depicted upon her countenance. The brother and sister both surveyed her in alarm; and she hastened to exclaim, “ Have I not heard you say, my dear young gentleman and lady, that Mr. Preston of the Regent’s Park is your friend—or guardian—or something of the sort ?” A quick affirmative burst from the lips of the twins; and it was with increased suspense, min- gled even witna terror, that they surveyed Mrs. Macaulay: for they were smitten with the presen- timent that something serious had happened. “Do tell me,’ she went on to exclaim,—“ has Mr. Preston got much money of yours in his hands ?” “We do not know,” was Christian’s response. “ Indeed, we are utterly uninformed on the sub- ject. But wht has occurred P” “Tam really very much afraid it will be a sad blow for you,” she said. “Now, don’t alarm yourselves—I mean, don’t excite yourselves too much—though I dare say it will be exciting enough = “But what has occurred?” asked Christina, almost goaded to torture with anxiety. “Do not keep us in suspense !” “Mr. Preston has run away,” responded Mrs. Macaulay: “he has committed forgeries to an immense amount—placards are posted up offerig a reward for his apprehension—I have just seen one—and as the name struck me, I was fearful it might be your Mr. Preston. And it is too!— there is no doubt! Joseph Preston, of Cambridge Terrace ?” Yes—it was the same; and this announcement came like a thunderbolt upon the brother and sister. For upwards of a minute they stood cons templating Mas. Macaulay in blank dismay: then, as if simultaneously smitten by the same senti- ment, which prompted them to seek consolation from each other, they locked themselves in a fond embrace. Mrs. Macaulay’s worst fears were con- CONMMICLO© S (C(O — OT