The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

BERTRAM VIVIAN 65 is something going on which [ cannot comprehend. I must speak out; I am glad that accident has thus thrown you and me together at this moment. There is something in my heart that I burn to unbosom to a confidant. You love me, Hugh; you have testified the noblest and most disin- terested attachment — I wish to God I could say the same of your brother.”’ “What, my lord!” ejaculated Clandon, “ has Bertram been wanting in love and respect toward your Grace, the head of the family, our benefactor, our uncle — ”’ “Hugh,” interrupted the Duke of Marchmont, “it is impossible you could have remained blind to all that is going on. Bertram treats the duchess with downright insult. At first his conduct was merely a cold reserve, on which the best interpretations might be put. But now he has been nearly ten days here, and instead of getting on a more friendly footing, he behaves with ill-concealed aversion. The duchess, all amiability herself, will not admit that it is so; she cannot see through it. But I can blind myself no longer, Hugh. I have endeavoured in my own mind to make every possible allowance for Bertram, and all in vain. It is the blackest ingratitude on his part, and I am deter- mined not to put up with it.” “But, my dear uncle,’ said Lord Clandon, with a con- ciliatory tone and manner, “ pray do not judge hastily, pray do not visit your displeasure upon my brother. You have been pleased to signify that my conduct is worthy of your approval; as a favour therefore for myself, I entreat your Grace to be lenient toward poor Bertram.”’ ‘“‘ This intercession on your brother’s behalf, Hugh, does you infinite credit,’’ rejoined the Duke of Marchmont. “ But such conduct is intolerable. It is not merely insulting to the duchess, insulting to myself, but insulting likewise to all the guests. A damp has been thrown upon the spirits of a circle which I gathered about me for purposes of gai- ety.”’ ‘““ Would you, my dear uncle, permit me to offer a sugges- tion?’ asked Lord Clandon, in a mild and submissive manner. “To be sure, Hugh,” responded the duke. ‘Speak. I am glad that your own magnanimous conduct enables me to treat you as a confidant. In a word, do you not think EONMICLIOO KS (E(0)