The Mysteries of London, Vol. IV — page 226: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON. ~~ held reficu :d in the faithful mirror; and never was woman mi 6 profoundly conscious of the sovereign power wlich perfect loveliness exercises ovor thie heart of man, than was Laura Mortimer on this occasion. Tho reader has already scenenough of this young vroman to be well aware that sho was a most extra- ordinary character; and, though her conduct would in another often warrant the bolief that she was made up of contradictions, yet with her those vory deods or thoughts that might seem to deservo such a name, were in reality in perfect keeping with a disposition to the reading of whose depths and in- tricacies tho koy of no ordinary experionce of the fomale heart would servo, Thus was it that a wild—astrange—and a daring scheme roso up in her mind, as, surveying her peer- less charms in tho polished mirror, sho repeated to herself, Charles Hatfield is in Paris! He will be in the capital for twenty-four hours; and in twenty- four hours so much may bodone! May I not tako the first step in my meditated vengeanco—a small step, it is truo,—~and yet a commencement [ Yes— at the same timo I may provo the irresistiblo power of my beauty, and wring his recreant heart with a joalousy—a jealousy so keen, so acute, 60 galling that he shall writhe in agony of spirit, and yct dare notutter a word! All this I can do, and still not violate my compact with his father. For how run the conditions? Never to molest the young man in any way—never to return to England, but to fix my abode in some continental State—and never f reveal the fact of our marriage! Not one of those condi- tions shall I break by tho plan which now engages my attention. For if we happen to meet in the same room, or at the same public resort, it cannot be said that I molest him. No:—and now for the execution of my project—a project that, in its car- rying out, will excite in bis breast the tortures of hell !” And the beauteous mouth was wreathed into a smile of malignant—almoat fiend-like triumph, as those last words camo hissing between her pearly teeth—not borne upon a voice melodious as a silver bell, but in a tone so changed for a fow moments, that had she spoken inthedark, with her own mother or CharlessHatfield present, but able only to hear and not to see, that voico would not have been re- copnised by them! Rosalie, the adept and intriguing Jady’s-maid, svas now summoned to hold a conference with her mistress. “Tt is my intention to appear in the Champs Elysées this afternoon, attired in tho most becoming manner,” said Lauran. “ The day is gloriously fine, and the carriage will bo open, 1 wish you to exer- cisc all your judgment and your best taste in the superintendence of my toilette. Let mo haye no gaudy colours—nothing savouring of splendour. Chasto elegance mnst characterise my costume: in a word, Rosalie, lot my beauty be enhanced by my apparel, without appearing to bo in any way in- debted to artificial means.” «T understand you, mademoiselle,” said Rosalie; “and you may depend upon me,” But now I wish to appeal to your ingenuity, my dear girl,” proceeded Laura,—“ having thus recom- mende myself to your good taste, Listen atten- tively! @he Grand Duke of Oastelcicala is in Yaris; and his stay is limited to a fow hours. Charles liatfield,”’ she continued, sinking her voice ONDON. 219 almost to a whisper, as if the very walls had cars, “is in his suite; and I am desirous that Ae—Charles Hatfield—accompanied by three or four other gen- tlemen in the Duke’s service, should be allured by some means to the Ghamps Blysécs this afternoon.” “ You wish that Mr. Charles and his companions may appear, cither on foot or horseback, in the fashionablo lounge at the time when you yoursolf will be thero?”’ said Rosalie, interrogatively. ‘You have expressed my desiro with accuracy,” observed Laura. “Does your imagination suggest any plan by which this aim can bo accomplished 2” Rosalie refiected profoundly for upwards of a minute: then, suddenly turning towards her mis- tress, she said, “ Can you tell me the names of any of the nobles or gentlemen in the Duke’s suite, be- sides Mr. Charles Hatfield ?” Laura immediately directed Rosalie’s attention to the paragraph in the Jfessenger ; and the cunning lady’s-maid, having perused it, exclaimed, ‘ Will you leave this matter entirely in my hands, made- anotseile 2” ‘““T will,” answered Laura. “But, whatever be your plan, remember that you must not com- promiso me. All I demand or require is that Charles Hatfield, accompanied by three or four of his comrades in tho Duke’s servico, shall visit the Champs Elysées this afternoon. The rest concerns me.” “Y understand you, mademoiselle,” snid Rosalie: “vou may trust entirely to my discretion, without entortaining the Jeast dread of being in any way compromised.” The abigail then rotired, and Laura was left alone to meditate upon the schomo she had thus set on foot. How her dependant proposed to act, in order to accomplish that part of tho design which had been entrusted to her, Laura could not conceive: nor indeod did she give herself much trouble to conjec- ture. Sho placed full reliance upon the tact, dis- cretion, and ability of Rosalio; and regarded success as certain. In order to while away the time, she turned to her writing-table, and examined a packet which her music-master had left with her on the provious evening. The enclosure consisted of English translations of several of the most popular French songs and national airs; and Laura sot herself do- liberatoly to the study of these picces, well aware that an acquaintance with their tendency and spirit would prove of advantago to her in conversation. The first manuscript to which she thus earnestly addressed horself, was a free version of that soul- stirring hymn, La Aarseillaise :— LA MARSEILLAISE. Sons of heroes, famed in story, Onward march to death or glory ! For see, the foemen’s standard wares O’er ficlds that soon must be thoir graves ! Hear yo tho clashing of their arms— Their shouts portending dire alarms ? Eager for slaughter, on they press To make your children fatherless. Then lot each warrior grasp the gleaming brand, And shed tl’ invaders’ blood to fertilize the land j Wherefore to our peaceful coasts Rush thoso sanguinary hoste f (C(O) (C DOO <S LL (SO)