The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 82: what you’re looking at

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THB MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 69 “And now, sir,” said Venetia, in a voice that trembled not and with looks that quailed not, al- though with heightened colour upoz her cheeks,— —* and now, sir, suppose that I went straight to Lady Wenlock and detailed to her, word for word, all that has emanated from your lips?” “No, Miss Trelawney—no —you will not do it,” returned Malpas, with another sardonic sneer. “ A weak-minded, timorous, hysterical woman would adopt that course: but you are strong-minded, and will act with greater pradence. Because Lady Wenlock would not believe you: she could not possibly fancy that I am such a dastard—such a wretoh—such a miscreant. You see that I know how to speak of my own condact in befitting terms? Well, then—you yourself are aware that Lady Wenlock would treat your tale as an illusion —an impossibility. I should deny it indignantly —]I should appeal to those who have known me for yeare——And then again,” added the Cejonel, with a smile of self-sufficiency and confidence, “the whole thing would sound so remarkably im- probable—-—” ® Enough, sir—we will not protract this discourse unnecessarily,” said Venetia, who had al] along recognised the truth of the arguments thus insolently adduced, but who still did not choose to let it appear that she really saw their force. “I will tell you frankly and candidly that, woman though I am, I have courage and energy enough to tseat your con- duct—your bearing—even your menaces, in the only manner which is suitable to the occasion—namely, with contempt. You are right, therefore, in suppos- ing that I shall forbear from what you choose to denominate @ scene: and indeed, I shoald be espe- cially loth to mar the pleasure which the excellent Lady Wenlock experiences in giving this entertain- ‘ment. But you and I, sir, will part here—at once— and without another word. You can return ia that direction,” she added, pointing towards the mansion, —* while [fasten to rejoin my friends who are by this time at the end of the avenue.” “But do not mistake me, Miss Trelawney,” said Colonel Malpas,—“ nor treat my words lightly. Be mioe—or I will perform all that I have threatened !” And, darting upon her a look of mingled menace and misgiving,—for the reaction towards alarm at what he had done was even already taking place in his dastard mind,—he hurried along the avenue in the direetion which she had indicated. During the Jatter portion of the somewhat excit- ing scene which we have just described, Mrs. Arbuth- not and her daughter Penelope had walked on, with- out once looking behind them, to the end of the. avenue ;—and there they had seated themselves in a delicious arbour, where a table was spread with fruits, wine, cakes, and a varied assortment of light refreshments. On separating from Colonel Malpas in the manner just recerded, Venetia was about to hasten along the avenue to rejoin her friends: but scarcely had the cowardly bully dashed away from her, when she was startled by a sudden rustling amongst the evcr- greeus as if some one were forcing his way through them. She paused to lock in the direction whence the sounds came;—and in aucther moment a tall stout man, with enormous black whiskers, emerged from the bushes and stood before her. *~Hash, ma'am—hbush!—sot a word, if you please,” be immediately sa‘d, fu a low, hurried, sod ee nn mysterious tone. “I’ve overheard al! that has passed —and if you want a witness at any time——” “Ah!” ejaculated Venetia, as if suddenly struck by the importance of the proposal thus made herr “and to whom am I indebted ——" “ Hash, ma’am, hush—not a word—for I am only an interloper here,” said the whiskered stranger. “ But if you want to see me—and perhaps it would be as well, for more reasons than one—you can send me a message or a note, and I shall not fail to attend your summons. Here’s my card.” Thus speaking, the individual thrust a somewhat dingy morsel of pasteboard into Miss Trelawney’s hand;—and without even waiting for a reply, he plunged amidst the bushes and disappeared from her view. For a moment she stood undecided how to acts then glancing at the name and address which were printed upon the card, she placed it in her bosom and hurried along the avenue to rejoin her friends. In the meantime dancing bad commenced on the lawn in front of the mansion; and by the glare of the illumination the scene was brilliant and ex- citing. In another part of the grounds there wae a splendid display of fireworks; and presently Venetia Trelawney, accompanied by Mrs. Arbuthnot and Penelope, retraced their way from the arenue and mingled with the crowd of guests who were gathered in the vicinage of the pyrotechnic exhibi- tion. “My dear Miss Trelawney,” exclaimed Lady Wenlock, suddenly accosting her, “ how is it that you are alone? Where isthe Colonel? And will you not dance? There are numbers of gentlemen dying for the honour of being introduced to you-——” “I thank your ladyship,” said Venetia, acknow- ledging the well-meant courtesy with a gracious smile,—“ but J am somewhat indisposed this even- ing, and with your permission must retire shortly. As for Colonel Malpas, to whose care you so kindly entrusted us—we have by some accident separated from him-——” . ‘Ah! in the rush to see the fireworks,” ex- claimed the good-natured hostess, little suspecting how serious a scene had taken place. “ But you really cannot think of departing yet awhile? The recreations and amusements of the evening have only just commenced. Come, my dear Mrs. Ar- buthnot, join your influence to mine—and Miss Pene'ope also—and let us induce Miss Trelawney to stey a little longer.” “ I¢ would be discourteous and ungrateful in the extreme to persist in leaving after your kind per- suasion for me to remain,” said Venetia: for she had not only conceived a sort of affection for the excellent-hearted Lady Wenlock, but she also saw that Penelope waa anxious to stay. “Now this acquiescence with my desire I look n as a personal favour to myself,” exclaimed Lady Wenlock: “ for you will excuse an old womay like me telling you that you are the star of the assembly. But you will dance, will you a06?—and you also, Miss Penelope ?—Stay—I mustseck yoo suitable partnem.” And away bustled the well-meaning hostess, dis- appearing amidst the crowds of guests: but ins few minutes she returned, accompanied by two ele- gantly dressed and handsome young gentlemen— ove cf whom, the Honourable George Macnamara, > | COMuicooOolkxs.conrn