The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 328: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXIV THE BRILLIANT ENTERTAINMENT Four or five days elapsed after theincidents which we have been describing, and Lady Anastatia Latham knew not pre- cisely what course to adopt in respect to Madame Angelique. She had promised Shadbolt at the time to call upon her, but the pledge was hastily given, for the purpose of getting rid of the man, and afterward Anastatia did not like to fulfil it. Equally distasteful to her was the idea of writing to Madame Angelique upon the subject of the claim made upon her, and thus these four or five days had passed away without anything being done. A grand entertainment was now about to be given at Tudor Lodge, and this was for the moment engross- ing her ladyship’s attention. ‘You will see to-night a very interesting young couple,”’ said Sir Frederick Latham to Anastatia, as they were seated together at breakfast on the morning of the day on which the entertainment was to be given. ‘“‘ A young married couple? ” said Anastatia, inquiringly. “No, brother and sister,’’ responded her husband, ‘“‘ and they are twins. Their name is Ashton, and as if all circum- stances should combine to augment the interest which en- velops them, they bear the names of Christian and Christina.”’ “Perhaps it was a mother’s pious love which bestowed these names upon her twin-offspring? ” said Lady Anastatia. “I do not know the circumstances,’ answered Sir Fred- erick Latham, “ but I will tell you how it is that Mr. and Miss Ashton are to be our guests this evening, and wherefore I am about to ask you, Anastatia, to show them all possible attention.” “ You know full well, Sir Frederick,” responded the ami- able wife, ‘‘ that no expressed wish of yours is ever wilfully 297 EOMINGIOOKS (CO)