The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 280: what you’re looking at

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| ee THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. I have taken No, noc itis my destihy—) man and ladies ebeorfulness.” the step and I aécopt it with It was i the middle of the day that the train reached Dover. Totally ignorant as they were of what hed ensusd immediately after the fight of Ooiietante,—and not for an instant donjecturing thet Lady Saxondals had in very spite, ab well as in the morbid wtate of her feelings, quitted Landon all the sam¢,—<he travellers were fearful of purstiit. | that if a chase wete tally instituted in any direo- tion, i¢ would be in that which they had taken. This caleuilation kad not from the fired escaped the Marquis: but he hid no alternative in respect to the routs he thus took, inatmuch a2 his diplomatic tmeint would be forfeited if he did not hasten to his post. Thus, with the fear of pursuit before their eyes, the travellers determined not tv pat up ab any of the first-rate hotels in Dovet, but to pro- uiries | conversation with the landlord. This gentleman = us a mere domestic, but shoulk be treated in the light of the friend of Constance, so that she might eit with them during the day in the same room, and occupy the same chamber with Constance at night. They reached the Admiral’s Head, whither the trunks were presently conveyed. The Marshalls received their guests with their wonted urbanity and attention; and while Kate—the handsome, joy- ous, merry-hearted Kate—conducted Constance and Mary-Anne up to a chamber that they might ar- range their toilet after travelling, the Marquis took the opportunity to draw old Marshall aside and in- timate to him that one of the ladies who accompanied hitn was to honour him with her hand en their arrival in Paris, and that he should be much ff no inconvenient answers were given to | timy inquiries that might possibly be made during the afternoon ot evening at the tavern. Old Mar. ' ghafl was thus given to understand that it was an | @lopement; and as the intimation was accompanied ' by five which were slipped into his hand, | be had no hesitation in promising “that the gentle- 4wo ladiesor I should zathet say, judging by their t make sare of his own dis. slice, gall tab af te family and servants, in the eventuality alluded to.” The Marquis then ordered dinner to be served up presently, and ascended to the sitting-room allotted for the accommodation of When Kate Marshall descended into the bar- perlour, she found her father, her mother, and sis- ters talking of the guests who had just arrived af the house; and Kate was then informed of the in- timation which the gentleman bad givon, and of the handsome present by which it was accompanied, She, in her turn, observed that the young lady with the fair hair was evidently of rank and station, but moet amiable and affable—one who in a very fow minutes would enlist the sympathies of those who eame in contact with her. Thus was it that though perfect strangers to the Marshaila, our travellers had eaceceded in making friends of them at once. While they were yet conversing in the bar. parlour, a tall gentleman, somewhat past the middle age, and handsomely dressed, walked into the tavern, and desired to have a few minutes’ private eee had been residing doring the summer months at Dover, where he lived in excellent style with his wife and niece. He was a baronet—Sir Joln Marston by name. He had a florid complexion—~ bushy whiskers that were nearly gray—and at the first glance a certain frankness of look: but « closer regard would satisfy the observer that in the small gray eye end in the lines about the mouth there wete the evidences of euaning and evil passions. The Marshalls knew hin by sight, as algo by name: but he had never before entered their esatablishmant ;— and the request that he made, in # somewhat per- emptory way, for a private interview with the old man enused no little degree of astonishment. How- ever, Mr. Marshall of course acceded to Sir John Marston’s demand; and conducting him inte a private room, awaited farther explanations. “Do you know,” inquired the baronet, glancing towards the door to assure himself that it was shut, “who the gentleman is that within the last quarter of an hour has arrived at your house P”’ “What gentleman?’ sail Marshall, knowing very well who was meant, but not choosing to give a direct response. “Why, the gentleman, to be sure, who came with looks, a lady and her maid.” “Ah! I believe we have come guests: but I didn’t take any pertioular notice of them.” “Well, I did then,” said the baronet: “and I waited in the street to see whether they meant to stay here. I saw a quantity of luggage arrive soon after ; and therefore I felt assured that they do pro- pose to remain. Now, it suits my purpose to ascertain why that lady is accompanying this gontienan——” “I beg, air,” interrupted Marshall, “that you will not attempt any interference with persons in my house; and if you think that Iam going to play the spy upon them, you are very much mistaken.” *‘ But I shall reward you well. for the service I require of you,” exclaimed the baronet, drawing out his purse and new condescending to a sort of fa- roiliar and ing tone, “J don’t take bribes,” was Marshall's bluf reply« eee eS SS. - =i = — es oor. — eee ‘ OO COMM