The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 273: what you’re looking at

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ome wrmeases | deep blush apseading over-her countenance, “that I am one ef those vain and silly somen whe would glory-in their very frailty. sa long as it was a Prince that seduced them inte error.“ ¢ Trapquillies yourself, deareet Pauline,” saz Fio- gimel: “to the eyes of all this glistesing throng there }- was nothing peculiar ia .yeur looks er manoer—no. ahieg ta encoyrege-a belief that his Royal Highness ‘wasaddressing you eberwisethan in the usual atraip of erepty compliment and fsivolous gallantry which “{ was only anxious tohear whet you would say in reply,” ebserved the epsightliy Duchess, by ne means abached, but wathan enchanting gaiety of tqne end manner and a apecies.of wicked, O eehicl lovee archness which rendered her beautiful countenance ‘peewail at such seenes as.this, Bat to me, Paaline— | F: @o,me, who am yeur loves--your adorer~<your in- tended husband,--aad who likewise was aware of the |- mactwe-uhiok brought yen hither,;—-to--me, 1 spy, % was different; and I saw that your cheeks finehed -gesnetames—dhen grew pale suddeniy,—I aaw also that you were profoundly excited im-reality, though weaving an eutesior of calmness and-tranquillity. Yes wall this [| ebserva), my Pauline-—and I pitied you.” “Dearest Gabriel! your kind words .recompesse ane fen much of:the painazhioh I have just endured,” emdthe-young lady. “ But weshall be observed if we continue tediecousesinastyle that is naturally accom- panied by a.kindred seriousness of the couptenance Come,” she added, a brilliant smile animating her Jowely featrses ; ‘give me your arm and let us take our plese in the quadsiie-whieh is now ferming— for I presume that we are to dance togethes this time” And the bught. and heautiful pair rose from their eeats to join the second quadrille. In the. meantime the Prince of Wales, on leaving Pauline, bethought himeelf of the gudden and abrupt mannez in which he had lef Mra. Bitsherbert some ¢menty minutes previeusly; and it now streck him Abat che was probably offended at the favour which he had-:shown to Misa Clarendon in eeleoting her as his partner, instead of seme lady of high rank, for the firat. quadrille. therefore, to the room where he had previonsly been seated with Dire. Pitzherbert, be. jooked round for her in vail; and having traversed theentire suite of splendid saloone without perceiving: hen, he accosted the Duchess of Devonebire fer: in- formation. Drawing her Graee aside from a group of ladies with whom she wae conversing, the Prince «aid, “ Where is Mra. Fiteberbert ?” “ Indeed, I have not eson her sinog the commence- ment of the fisst quadsille,” anewered Georgians. “ And now that I recollect, she did not dance——" “TI can understand it al,” intevrupted the Prine, in a tone of vexation: she i is offended with me, be- cause I choseto honour Miss Pauline Clarendon by selecting hez for that quadrillo—and she has doubt- less retired to ber.own apartment in a pet. Now, my dear Georgiana, you must go and persuade her to rete ore her absence:be so prolonged as to oceasion anpleasant comment.” “fT had rather-'that your Royal Highness would find me a more agreeable empleyment,” eaid the Duchess, pouting her beauteous lipe: “ for to tell you the truth,” she added, sinking her voice to a low whisper, and fixing upon hi:n a significant look, “ it in no pleasant task to act as peace-maker between Sushend and wife.” “ Georgiana,” said the Prirtee, likewise in a low tone, but with almost a savage emphasis, and cer- tainly with a feroeious look, “I eommand you not to speak thus of nyself and Mrs. Fitaherbert.” had set afloat in regard to her, | We have already observed that Eleanor. leolged perfectly epleadid om the present occasion ; and the royal voluptuary was Gred with a doevearing passion as his eyes now followed that magnificent ferm-whick scemed 40 glow with ajl the ardour of ite own temperament benggth theeneiting influence | Asxious te:Jearn ahethen Mrs.‘Beace had suc- ceeded in playing the part entrusted ¢o her, the ‘Priévee quitted the ball.scem~~teaversed:she land- ing—end entered a private chamber, whase a page was in attendance. This youth was despatehed to summon Mire. Brace this reyal magter’s presence 5 | end in 9 few minates the milliner made her ap- “ What news concerning the chasming Eleanor ?” said tha, Prince, the moment they: wese alene to- gether. | “dies ladyship- has completely fallen into the snare,” responded the anprincipled woman; “and | she will hheet me at miinight im the appemted place.” “So. fax, se-good exclaimed his Royal High- ness: then, referring te his watoh, he observed, “It io new -half-past eleven o'cleck— mind you are pusctaal at your: ° | “Fear nathing on that head,” returned Mra. Brace. “So far as the matter depends upon me, ) the beautiful Oountess of ugh will be in your power! That che also will be punstual, I have ‘no doubs: fev the mysterious words which, accord- | ing to your imefrections, I breathed im her ears, produced a magical effect. With all her pride — and display of views, thas haughty lady is sot immaculate: copssious of some frailty, ske t#em- bles lest her seeret be already known. Otherwise she wauld aever heve fallen inte the trap which has thie aight been set to ensnare her.” “O charming Eieanor,” exclaimed the Prince, carried away by the violence of his lieentious long- ing,—* within an hour shall [ olasp thee in my arms— within an hour shall [ have revelled in thy beauties * “ And is it possible that your Royal Highness can thus give free course to these thoughts and hopes, while a terelble danger appears to be menacing you” demanded dirs. Brace: “for surely you muss have already seen Pauline Clarendon here to- night?—and can her visit bode any good to you ?” ‘‘— have seen her—and no daager ig to be ap- orehendad for the moment,” answered the Prince EEE Go 2 oe Oe So a CORNICE OOO ‘SS (CO)