The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 334: what you’re looking at

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

THE BRILLIANT ENTERTAINMENT 303 restraint. Nevertheless, although to every one else Chris- tina’s aspect and bearing were devoid of aught to create any particular attention, yet Lord Octavian felt as if his heart were riven with a pang, for to him this calm firmness ap- peared a proof of indifference. He said not a word for several minutes after he had invited her to dance with him, but still he had sufficient presence of mind to avoid betraying by his looks the feelings which were agitating in his breast. “Little did I expect the pleasure of encountering you here,” he presently said, and again his voice was low and tremulous. ‘I have mingled but little in society lately. I came hither to-night to distract my mind as it were from the thoughts which are ever agitating 1t — ”’ ‘‘ May I inquire,” asked Christina, ‘‘ if your lordship has lately heard — ”’ ‘From Zoe? Yes,” and he heaved a profound sigh. “I see that your brother is here,’’ he immediately added, evi- dently for the purpose of changing the topic. The circumstances of the dance suddenly interrupted the discourse, and when the figure was ended, Lord Octavian was evidently too much embarrassed to know how to resume the conversation. Christina therefore began to speak on in- different topics, but her position was growing more and more embarrassing and painful, for by a kind of intuitive knowledge she comprehended what Meredith himself felt. ‘“Ts it possible, Christina,’ he presently said, in a low, deep voice, “‘ that I have become an object of utter indiffer- ence toward you? You are scarcely courteous toward me, — your manner is absolutely chilling — ”’ “TI am incapable of behaving with a wilful deficiency of courtesy,’’ replied Christina, but there was something in the quick look which she flung upon the young nobleman which seemed to imply that if she did not absolutely resent, yet she at least deprecated his calling her by her Christian name. ‘But why thus cold toward me? ”’ he asked; ‘‘ why thus freezing? Surely I have not offended you? ” ‘No, my lord, you have not offended me,” she answered. “ But may I beg that you will cease these reproaches? ”’ Again did the circumstances of the dance interrupt the discourse, and when it was renewed, Christina talked in a manner which as plainly as possible forbade any recurrence to that which she evidently regarded as forbidden ground. CORnnICLOOoOKS (CO)