The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 210: what you’re looking at

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TRE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. ing tenderness. “There are perhaps terms on which I might listen to you—there is a language you might adopt that would prove irresistible——” “Qh! do not talk to me thus, Miss Owen!” ex- elaimed Loftus: and as he turned his eyes re- proachfally upon her, he observed that her own were swimming in a soft sensuous languor and that she was again performing the part of a syren- temptress. “I will not affect to misunderstand you, because it will only be prolonging a topic that is unfit for us both. Know, then, that I love and am betrothed to a young lady whose image is never absent from my mind,—a being endowed with every virtue, and the purity of whose soul 197 instruments of a vile conspiracy. Besides, think you that the Princess of Wales will receive you into ei establishment, if forewarned against you “Will you make war upon three young ladies who have not injured you, sir?” demanded Agatha, with a mixture of indignation and reproach. “Shall I suffer war to be made by three young ladies against a Princess who not only has never injared them, but whom so many high personages in England are leagued together to ruin ?”—aad as Jocelyn thus spoke, he fixed his gaze earnestly upon Agatha Owen, that the seriousness of his looks might confirm the decisiveness of his lan- shall never be outraged nor shocked by any word | guage or deed on my part.” “You are the most admirable preacher I ever heard out of a pulpit, Mr. Loftus,” said Agatha, in a voice of bitter irony: but instantaneously re- covering her wonted good-humour, she observed, “If you fancy that I hoped to inveigle you into a marriage with me, you are much deceived. But you spoke of loving me as a sister——”" “J meant that if you would adopt a course worthy of a high-spirited and hamane woman,” in- terrupted Loftus, “I should experience that ad- miration—should feel that friendship——”" “Which would doubtless be eminently flattering to me,” added the young lady, in a tone of good- tempered sarcasm. “But if.I give you no satis- factory assurance on that point?” she said inquir- ingly. “Then I shall have no alternative but to hasten on to Italy and warn her Royal Highness of the perils and the treacheries which are closing in around her.” “You would not go to this extreme, Mr. Lof- tus?” exclaimed Agatha, now more terrified than ever. “It would be made compulsory on my part by your perseverance in an unjust and dishonourable course,” responded the young gentleman. “Inany case I am determined to seek an interview with her Roya! Highness : but I should feel well pleased not to be compelled to make any mention of the name of Owen.” “But if my two sisters and I were to pledge ourselves to observe a discreet, forbearing, and honourable conduct towards the Princess?” ex- claimed Agatha, interrogatively. “Even on those terms, you could not accept situations about her person with honour to your- selves,” answered Jocelyn. “Ah! you mean to say that you would not be- eve us,” cried Agatha, her countenance becoming crimson. “ But how can we retreat? Would you have us return to England and tell our mother that we have thrown up these high situations and renounced all these brilliant prospects? It is for you to pause and reflect, Mr. Loftus. What would hecome of us? Our mother’s door would be closed against us: thepublic would fancy that something injurious to our characters had been suddenly dis- covered, and that our appointments as ladies-in- waiting to the Princess had been cancelled. Ruin —utter ruin —irremediable ruin would overtake us,” exclaimed Agatha in a voice of despair. ‘A more fatal destruction will entomb you, body and soul, Miss Owen,” said Jocelyn Loftus, with deep solemnity, “if you persist in becoming the “Oh! if my mother were here to counsel us !” she exclaimed, bursting into tears: and the bosom that ere now glowed q@ith sensuous transports and palpitated with the longings of desire, was oon- vulsed with sobs. . “It is a most painful thing for any one to speak ill of a mother to the ears of her daughters,” said Jocelyn: “ but you must be aware, Miss Owen, that she who should have proved your best friend, has been your greatest enemy—and fortunate will it be for you, perhaps, that your mother is not now here to influence your decision.” “And if my sisters and I renounce the service in which we are engaged,” said Agatha, when the first convulsion of grief had passed, “ what course are we to pursue ?—whither shall we go ?” “Return to England—seek your mother—and tell her the whole truth,” replied Loftus. “Say that you had no alternative but to come back to her, inasmuch as I was so resolute—so sternly re- solute—in declaring that if you did not, I would warn the Princess against you.” “But I must consult my sisters—I must also consult with Mrs. Ranger,” observed Agatha: “and this blow has fallen so suddenly—so un- expectedly——” “Take as much time as you think fit, Miss Owen,” said Jocelyn: “and in the interval I will keep aloof from you—I will even remove my quarters to another hotel——” “‘No—that would excite suspicions and create scandal here,” interrupted Agatha hastily: for, notwithstanding the hostile and dictatorial attitude which Loftus had assumed, she did not wish to part from him. “I will de nothing to increase your present annoyance,” he responded. “If you can still re- gard me in a friendly light, after all that has just occurred, I shall cheerfully remain in your com- pany. Indeed, I shall consider your desire for me to do so as an evidence of improved feeling on your part, and a proof that you understand and appre- ciate the sentiments by which my conduct is actu- ated. I shall now leave you, Miss Owen, for the present: and at six o'clock, I shall have the plea- sure of rejoining you at the dinner-table, when I hope that no frowns or black looks will await me on the part of any one.” Having thus spoken, Jocelyn rose from his seat —bowed—and quitted the apartment, leaving Agatha a prey to all the conflicting and unenvi- able feelings which her own disappointed sensuality and the young man’s decisive conduct had se deeply aroused in her bosom. Mrs. Ranger, Emma, and Julia shortly after 0 a, EOMICOOOKS. conn