The Mysteries of London, Vol. IV — page 324: what you’re looking at

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

ee ee To TeTe ae nanan ee ee ee 2 new argument in support of my own peculiar tenets relative to matriage-ties ;—for assuredly you are endowed with qualities calculated to render a swoman happy-~-or I am deeply, deeply deceived.” ‘Ah! it isasad tale—and I daro not venture upon the narration now,” said tho Marquls, witha profound sigh. “But should our acquaintance continue—as I ardently hope it may—TI will some day give you the fullest and most ample explana- tions. And you yourself, charming creaturc—-is there not some mystery attached to you? How happens it that at your age you should be so svell acquainted with the world ?—how is it that you seem free to follow the bent of your own inclina- tions, uncontrolled even by your mother? For rumour declares that you have a mother alive e “Tam independent of her in a pecuniary point of view, my lord,” intorrupted Lanra; ‘and Iam de- termined to consult ms own ideas of happiness, in- stead of adopting the standard of enjoyment and pleasure established by the fashionable world.” - “Would to heavens that it layin my power to ensure your happiness—or even to contribute to it ” exclaimed the Marquis, gazing upon her with admi- ration and ardent passion. “Long years have elapsed since J encountered any woman who in- spired me with even half the interest that I fecl in you; and it seems to me that YF become young again when in your sweet socicty.” “ And, on my side,” answered Laura, casting down her eyes and assuming a bashful demeanour, “] donot hesitate to admit that I experience greater enjoyment from your conversation than from that of any other nobleman or gentleman with whom I am acquainted.” « Sust now, my sweet Miss Mortimer said tne Marquis, approaching still nearer to her, a..d speak- ing in a tone that was low and tremulous with omotion,— just now you declared that ‘all the rest vou might listen to°——” “And I donot attempt to revoke the admission that thus fell from my lips,” murmured the design- ing young woman, turning a glance of half-timidity and half-fondness upon the old nobleman, who, in spite of a strong and vigorous intellect, was ren- dered childish and plunged as it were into dotago by tho fascinating — ravishing influence of the syren-enchantress. “Whatam J to understand by those words?” he asked, in an eestacy of delight. “Oh! is it possible that you can become something more to tho old man than a mere acquaintance—something more than even a friend——” * T could wish to retain your good opinion—your esteem for ever!” said Laura, now turning upon him a countenanco radiant with hope and joy. “Tt is scarcely possibie—I am dreaming—'tis n delicious delusion—a heavenly vision !” murmured the Marquis in broken sentences,—for ho was dazzled by the transcendant beauty of the houri who seomed to encourage him in the aspirations which he had formed. “Te it, then, so extraordinary that I should havo learnt to Jove one who is s0 kind—so generous- hearted—~so intellectual as yourself?” asked Laura, caning towards him so that ber fragrant breath fanned his countenance and her forehead for an instant touched his own. “ Great heaven ! is it possible that so much hap- piness awaits me?” cried tho Marquis, scarcely able to believe his eyes or his ears: then, after gezing THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON. ~—_ < 19 upon her for a few instants with all tho rapturous ardour of a youthful lover, he sank upon his knees before her, exclaiming, “ Laura, I adore you!” The designing woman’s triumph was complete: the Marquis was inextricably entangled in her snares ;—and, throwing her arms around his neck, she murmured, “Oh! it is an honour as well as a joy to possess your love !” Then the old man covered the charming young woman’s countenance with kisses; and for several minutes not 2 word was spoken between them, But at length the Marquis, who could scarccly believe that he had won a prizo the possession of which all the noblest, handsomest, and wealthiest young men in Paris would envy him, began to speak upon the course which it would be prudent for them to adopt. Laura at onco gave him to understand that she should experience no sentiment of shame in appear- ing es his mistress; and sho undertook—as well indeed she might do—to reconcilo her mother to this connexion which she had formed. “Let us then return to England without dolay,” said the Marquis. “ Tho business which has brought me to Paris is now in such a position that an agent may manage it forme. But tell me—is your mother dependent upon you %” “Entirely,” answered Laura, anticipating the course which her noblo Jover was about to adopt. “And yonr fortune is doubtless large?” he con- tinued, interrogatively. ‘Tt isnot nearly so large a3 rumour has alleged,” was the reply. ‘“ Stillitis a handsome competency for ono person.” “hon, as there shall be nothing having even the slightest appearance of selfishness in my attachment towards you, Laura,” resumed the nobleman, “ you must immediately assign all your property to your mother; and I will at once—yes, at once—give you 2 proof of the boundless devotion with which you have inspired me. Permit mo the uso of your desk fora few moments.” Laura rang the bell, and ordered Rosalio to bring writing materials; and when this was done, the marquis seated himself at the table and wrote some- thing upon a sheet of paper. THe next penned a letter, which he folded up, sealed, and addressed; and, turning towards Laura, he said, “ This draught, beloved girl, is for the sum of sixty thousand pounds, payable at sight at my bankers’ in London. This letter, which you will have the kindness to send throngh tho post to-morrow, is to advise them of the fect,of such a cheque having been given, and to prepare them to meet it, so that there may be no hesitation in paying sucha large amount. For it will bo my joy and delight to enrich you, my dearest Laura; s0 that the old man may to somo extent repay the immenso obligation under which he is placed by the possession of such a heart as thine. I would not hare you remain wealthy through your own resources: henceforth you must owo every thing to me—for if you cannot bo my wife in name, you ehatl at least be the sharer of my fortune, as you have consented to bo tho partner of my destinies.” “Your gencrosity, my dear Marquis, only binds mo the moro closcly to you,” exclaimed Laura, lavishing upon the old man the most exciting and apparently feryont caresecs. “At the samo timo permit me to remind you that there is nothing selfi h in that affection which so suddenly sprang up in my bosom towards you: becauso I am no needy adven- turess—no intriguing fortune-hunter,—and you aro eS a ee a aera a a (C(O) (C DOO <S LL (SO)