Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 105: what you’re looking at

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— ee ee oe os a ee 92 ELLEN PERCY ; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS. and custards—and the whole assemblage stand by to witness the effect. Not long do they wait. The Musical Musk-Rat begins to hover about the trap—the odour of the musk grows stronger—the orchestra sends forth a delicious harmony; and Oh! at length the rat fairly glides into the trap. Then the transformation instantaneously en- sues =. “ But is the Prince himself now an inmate of the trap?” I inquired. “Not an atom of it!” replied Mr. Jingleton. “The young Prince comes forward in his own natural shape—of course the Princess flies into his arms—the old King blesses them both—they kneel in gratitude at the feet of the sagest of all philo- sophers whose unapproachable wisdom brought about this happy denéuement; and the curtain falls, while the King is giving orders to ring the marriage bells at once and prepare the most mag- nificent banquet ever seen within those walls.” “IT sincerely congratulate you, Mr. Jingleton,” I said, “‘ on having brought all your characters to so agreeable a denéuement. And now x “Just hear the prologue of my new drama! Pray in mercy do, Miss Trafford!” he ejaculated. “T could not for worlds go without your opinion upon it!” Before I could give utterance to another sylla- ble of remonstrance he caught up a music-stand —placed it in the middle of the room—settled his manuscript-book upon it—and then as I was on the point of assuring him that I could not give him another minute of my time, he launched forth into the midst of his prologue. Now he ranted and raved and declaimed at so furious a rate that nothing more ludicrous than his appearance could be well conceived. Indeed it was with more diffi- culty than ever that I prevented myself from laughing outright. He did not notice the effect he thus produced: but on he went, ranting and declaiming and gesticulating, so that at last I was actually afraid lest the servants should become alarmed and wish to know if anything had hap- pened. Nothing could stop him: I was compelled to allow him to get tothe end of his prologue; and then he offered to read the epilogue. But this was more than human nature could endure; and I was therefore compelled to speak in a tone more pe- remptory than I had hitherto adopted. His manner became all meekness and humility, as it was when first he entered into my presence: the poor gentle- man looked quite abashed and confused; and it now seemed to occur to him for the first time that he had been intruding. I however said a few kind words to set him at his ease on thaspoint; and with many expressions of gratitude for the bounty I had bestowed upon him, he took his departure. CHAPTER LXXXII. WILLOWBRIDGE MANOB, It was about five o’clock in the evening of that same day, and I was seated in the drawing-room con- versing with Mary Glentworth during the half-hour prior to the announcement that dinner was served up,—when aloud double knock at the front door —_—_— se warned us of the presence of visitors. In a few moments Mr. Norman and Juliet made their ap- pearance; and I need hardly say that they expe- rienced a most cordial reception. This visit was not altogether unexpected on my part; for Juliet had written some days previously to say that if I did not go down to see her at Dover, she would come up to see me in London: but I was not aware of the precise time when she and her father would be likely to make their appearance in the metropolis. Mr. Norman looked pale, ill, and careworn: Juliet’s mien likewise denoted mental despondency ; for though two months had now elapsed since the terrific exposures at River House, yet the impres- sion naturally remained strong upon the minds of the father and daughter. They congratulated me upon my extraordinary good fortune: they likewise congratulated Mary Glentworth in respect to the success which she had achieved upon the stage. When alone with Juliet I inquired if she had seen or heard anything of her wretched hus- band Lord Frederick Ravenscliffe since the day when he went forth an exile and a wanderer from his home ? * No,” answered Juliet; “we have heard no- thing more of him. My father believes that he must have gone upon the Continent to bury him- self in some strict seclusion: but this is only con- jecture. Perhaps never more may we hear of him! — perhaps under some fictitious name, and in some far-distant land, he may pass out of existence, and the fact may continue unknown to me! Ah, mine is a wretched fate, dearest Ellen! But I have not come hither to render you unhappy, to inflict my sorrows upon you sf * You are aware, Juliet,” I said, “that you have my sincerest sympathies; and if it be any conso- lation for you to spss= to me of your sorrows, heaven knows that I will listen with patience, and that now as heretofore I will do all I can to con- sole you. But I had hoped that by this time your mind would have regained its fortitude and com- posure = “T shall never be happy,” interrupted Juliet— “I shall never experience mental calmness and tranquillity, so long as I remain in ignorance of what has become of my unfortunate husband! To think that at any moment he might come forward to claim me as his wife——” “ Rest assured, Juliet, he will never do it!” I exclaimed. “What! after everything that has taken place at River House—after he must have known that your love had received so dreadful a shock—and with the burning sense of utter humi- liation and infamy ee “True, Ellen! it is scarcely probable that he will ever seek me again! SBut still there is that possibility; and there are times when the idea haunts me like a spectre. My father Knows that this is the case 7. “And do you not see, Juliet,” I said, “that your father is suffering on your account? Oh! you ought to exercise all your mental powers * “ Believe me I will do so!” rejoined Lady Frede- rick Ravenscliffe. ‘“ Now that I am once more with you, my best and dearest friend, I shall de- rive salutary influences from such sweet com- panionship.” “ J am glad you have come therefore, Juliet,” I Gomichboo (E@)