The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 81: what you’re looking at

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62 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘Well, my lord,” said Mrs. Bailey, delighted and flattered at being thought of so much importance as to be consulted in the matter, ‘‘ there is something, you know — or, rather, you do not know, for it is a profound secret. The late Cap- tain Lacey imparted it to me, strictly enjoining me, however, not to divulge it. But as you have expressed yourself in such kind, such generous, such admirable terms, I think it would really be wrong for me not to take you into my confidence.”’ ‘“ My dear Mrs. Bailey, rest assured that I shall not abuse it; ’? and Hugh spoke with the ill-repressed eagerness of one who hovers in suspense on the threshold of a mystery’s solution. ‘Well, I will trust you,” said Mrs. Bailey, who was as frivolous as she was vain and selfish. ‘‘ The fact is, Bertram and Eliza were acquainted at Oxford. They loved each © other madly; they separated with an exchange of rings. I don’t know whether they have them still, but I do recollect that Eliza wore hers very frequently up to the day of her marriage, but never since. Well, the report reached England of Bertram’s death, and shortly afterward Captain Lacey and his daughter removed to London to live with me. In due time the captain received a letter from Bertram, expressing a hope that if the report of his death which was published in the English papers had come to his knowledge, the contra- diction had likewise been seen. This, however, had escaped the captain’s notice. Well, Eliza was beginning to be ad- mired in my saloons, and though the duke had not as yet seen her, there was every prospect of her forming some brilliant alliance. So I of course gave my advice on the subject, and of course Captain Lacey followed it. ‘ Bertram Vivian,’ said I, ‘is the mere cadet of a junior branch of a ereat family, and Eliza, with her beauty, can look much higher. Depend upon it, she will marry a peer of the realm. Keep this letter secret. Now that she is resigned to the belief of her lover’s death, it is a pity to disturb that feeling. At all events, let her continue in ignorance of Bertram’s miraculous escape until we see whether she cannot form a better match.’ Captain Lacey thought my counsel good, and adopted it.”’ ‘* And therefore,’”’ observed Lord Clandon, ‘‘ Eliza married the duke in the belief that Bertram was no more? ”’ ‘‘ Precisely so,’’ answered Mrs. Bailey. ‘ But I can assure Gomicbooks (E(0)