The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 375: what you’re looking at

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sister: is ehe melancholy or excited 7—and where is she /” “ Octavia is at a charming little villa which I possces in Buckinghamshire, at no considerable distance from Aylesbury,” replied the Duchess. "Respecting the state of her mind, I must inform ‘you that there are times when she is dreadfully excited—and others at which she falls into a black despair.” “Poor Octavia fl murmured Pauline, the tears streaming down her cheeks, and her lovely bosom heaving with the sobs which half choked her. “But as I have before stated,” continued Geor- giana, “ she is under the charge not only of kind at- tendants, but likewise of a skilful physician; and you may be assured, my sweet young friend, that the moment Dr, Clarges gives his permission for you to viait her, I will myself come and fotch you in my carriage for that purpose.” In this manner r did the Duchess of Devonshire and Lord Florimel exert themselves to sooth the afflicted mind of the younger Miss Clarendon; and in the courses of an hour she became considerably tranquillised. They were then all enabled to con- verse more calmly and seriously upon the unhappy event which had occasioned Pauline so much sor row; amd the Duchess of Devonshire took an oppor- tunity to hint that she was the bearer of such good tidings for Mr. Clarendon in one sense that he would be partially consoled for the evil intelligence await- ing him in another. Thus did three hours pass away; and the time- piece on the mantel was striking four, when a hackney-ooach drove up to the front-door, and Mr. Clarendon alighted. But instead of immediately entering the house, he turned to hand a lady from the vehicle; and this fair cempanion, taking his arm, passed into the dwelling with him. Another minute—and the drawing-room door be- ing thrown open, Mr. Clarendon and Fernanda ap- peared upon the threshold; and the former, leading his companion towards Panline, sald, “My dear child, thie lady has consented to ensure my happi- ness by becoming my wife: it is for you to welcome her to that home over which she will henceforth preside with thedigaity, grace, and kinduess natural | and to her character.” CHAPTER CV. MB. CLARENDON. fe would be impossible te deseribe the astonishment, amounting to a positive shock, which Pauline ex- atood motionless and pale as a states, her cyes fized vacantJy upon Fernanda: then a crimson giow suddenly suffused her countenance—her bosom rose and fell rapidiy—and her looks settled upon her father’s featares, as if to read the truth therein and esuvince herself that she was not being made the vietiin of a heartless joke or creel mockery. To Fernanda this scene, brief though it were, was but, with characteristic self-possession and @rm. ness, she took Pauline’s hand, saying, “ Have you no congratulations to offer to your father, if not to me? But we shall be friends—very good friends, dear girl—when you come to know me well.” These words recalled the maiden toa sense of the necessity of demonstrating her obedience towards her parents wishes, as well as her respect for the choice which he had made and the step which he had taken: she accordingly endeavoured to make a suitable reply to Fernanda’s speech and give utter- ance to some words of welcome and congratulation ;— but the thonght suddenly flashed to her mind that while her father was bringing home a young and beauteous bride, her sister was suffering under the most cruel affliction. A torrent of tears choked ber utterance—and, staggering back a few she would have fallen heavily, had not Lord Florimel canght her in his arms and supported her to the 60 Mr. Clarendon’s countenance became black with displeasure—and Fernanda turned white and red a dozen times in half a minute. But the Duchese of Devonshire hastened to ap- proach them, and taking the hand of the latter said, “My dear fnend, I congratulate you—moast sin- I have not the slightest doubt that you have therein consulted your own happiness. Being an old friend of your aunt Lady I am natarally interested in your welfare; and I therefore rejoice that accident should have lea to my being here so opportunely te offer my felicitations. You will present me to Mr. Clarendon, Fernanda,” added her Grace, with a sweet smile The introduction took place; and the Duchess hastened to say, as she glanced towards Pauline, “Mr. Clarendon, you must not misinterpret your daughter's feelings. She is too good, dutiful, and af- fectionate a girl not to be contented and satisfied with any step which you may take to ensure your own happiness; and therefore the embarrassment which she evinced at first and the emotions which she is experiencing now must not be attributed to a wrong cause. The truth ia, Mr. Clarendon,” added Georgiana, “she has this afternoon received intelli- gence that is only too well calculated to afflict her; circumstances rendered me the unwilling bearer of these evil tidings.” “ Evil tidings ” qaculated Mr. Clarendon, throw- ing a glance of anxious inquiry upon the countenance of the Duchess of Devonshire. “ Alas! it is too true,” replied her Grace : “snd these tidings equally regard you. But I have like- wise some welcome intelligence to impart; and therefore [ must crave a few minutes’ interview with you alone.” - Mr. Clarendon glanced towards his bride te ses what effect these mysterious words en the part of the Dachess produced upon her ; and it instantaneously struck the shrewd and far-secing that the favourable portion of what che had to commanicate would materially please, as indeed it now materially interested Fernanda in her capacity ae Mr. Claren- don’s wife. With admirable tact and jadgment, therefore, did the Duchess of Devonshire hasten to observe, “ When I say that I request an interview with you alone, Mr. Clarendon, I do not mean to exclude your faz bnde from our conference.” Fernanda’s ceuntenance new brigh:-' +l up; aod | COMIC OOO SS co