Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 64: what you’re looking at

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ELLEN PERCY: OR, THE MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS. the house. On gaining the street, 1 looked at the direction of the letter, and found that it was ad- dressed to Alfred Peters, Esq., Duke Street, Man- chester Square. This being at some considerable distance from Melissa’s abode, I took a hackney- coach to proceed to my destination. On alighting at the house—which was in a very good street, and in a fashionable quarter of the town—my sum- mons at the front door was answered by a female- servant, who had a somewhat brazen look, and who surveyed me in no very respectful manner. _ I inquired if Mr. Peters were at home: she an- swered in the affirmative,—adding “I suppose you have an invitation or appointment ?” Methought there was something flippant, if not altogether insolent, in the servant’s speech: and now for the first time it struck me that there ‘might be some impropriety in the mission which I had undertaken on Miss Harrison’s behalf. Until this instant such an idea had not occurred to me; for during the ride my thoughts had been totally absorbed in the tale I had heard, and in the hope of being enabled to benefit one who had suffered so deeply. However, I had now gone too far to re- treat, even if such were my wish after the pro- mises I had made Melissa to conduct the matter to the best of my ability. *T have neither invitation nor appointment,” was the reply I gave to the female-servant’s ques- tion; and summoning all my fortitude to my aid, i spoke with a calm dignity. “I wish to see Mr. Peters upon a subject of some importance. I have a letter for him, which [ should prefer delivering into his own hand.” * What name shall I announce?” inquired the woman, now contemplating me with a little more respect, but stillin a manner as if she were at a loss to make up her mind what to think of me. “Tt is no use to give any name,” I answered, “as lama total stranger to Mr. Peters; and I come solely on behalf of another.” ** Have the kindness to remain here for a mo- ment,” said the servant: then after a few instants’ hesitation and reflection, she added, “No! Per- haps, all things considered, it will be better for you to walk up and see the I mean Mr. Peters at once.” She led the way up a staircase to the first-floor landing—on reaching which the sounds of female voices laughing merrily, met my ears. I con- cluded that Mr. Peters must be a married man; and now I was again stricken by an unpleasant reflection : for how could I possibly acquit myself of so delicate a mission in the presence of a wife who must no doubt be utterly ignorant of his irre- gular proceedingsP Accordingly, stopping short, I hastily whispered to the servant, “It is not in the presence of Lis family that I wish to see Mr. Peters.” The woman gave a strange subdued laugh, be- tween a chuckle and a giggle—a laugh which I by no means liked; and a species of terror took possession of me. I would have questioned her farther—I would have even made my retreat: but it was too late. She flung open the door of a back room, saying, “ Here is a young lady, sir, who wishes to see you.” I advanced mechanically; and just as I crossed the threshold, the first object that struck me was the form of a gentleman disappearing by means a 51 of a door on the other side of the apartment. It was with a sort of rush that he had thus beaten a precipitate retreat; and the impression instan- taneously conveyed to my mind was that I had thus caught a glimpse of Edwin St. Clair. At the same moment I perceived that there were two females in the room ; and the coarse unlady-like laughter which burst from their lips, completed my utter bewilderment and confusion. A dizzi- ness seized upon my brain—a sudden film came over my sight: it appeared as if I were allina moment enveloped in a mist ;—and I mechanically handed Melissa’s letter to a gentleman who at first had his back turned towards me, but who now rose from the table and suddenly -accosted me. An ejaculation burst from his lips: a half-stifled shriek pealed forth from mine:—for I now recog- nised Colonel Bellew ! wee CHAPTER XT. COLONEL BELLEW’S HOUSR. Tat shriek was produced by a sense of danger: but it was the next moment succeeded by one of mingled disgust, shame, and indignation, at the thought that 1 had been imtroduced to a scene which it was not fitting for a young maiden to gaze upon. The room was well furnished: there were shelves containing handsomely bound books —there were pictures in splendid frames: and I recollect also that I caught sight of a uniform, as well as of a sword and pistols, The table was spread for breakfast; and there were champagne bottles upon it. The two young women who were present, were negligently apparelled; and their looks were immodest and brazen. The Colonel himself was in a morning negligée—a flowered silk dressing gown confined at the waist by means of a rich cord with heavy tassels. At the side of the table nearest to the inner door, was a vacant chair: a half-emptied champagne glass was also at the place which a minute back had been occupied by the individual who took to so precipitous a flight, and who had struck me as being St. Clair. “What ? Miss Percy!” exclaimed Colonel Bel- lew. ‘Is it possible ” “Sir,” I interrupted him, now feeling myself nerved by all my courage and sustained by all my feminine dignity, “if that letter be intended for yourself, read it: but if I have made a mistake, I beg you to return it to me.” Having thus spoken, I stepped out upon the landing, from which the female-servant had dis- appeared; and I placed myself in such a manner as to be hidden from the view of the two brazen girls that were seated at the table. Colonel Bel. lew glanced at the superscription of the letter; and immediately came forth upon the landing, closing the door after him. He was in no way confused nor embarrassed in my presence: but on the other hand there was nothing insolent nor disrespectful in his looks. “Yes, Miss Percy,” he said: “this letter is for me—and I know the handwriting. Will you have the kindness to walk in here P” Thus speaking, he threw open the door of a front drawing-room: a glance showed me that the LIBRARY UNIVERSIA OU KELL <S Com