The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 281: what you’re looking at

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270 THE MY:TEGIES OF THE COURT. for he was straightforward and honest after his own fashion—and having accepted the five guineas from his guest for a particular purpose, he would not have been tempted by fifty from the baronet to betray the confidence reposed in him. “You surely canno+ be so blind to your own interests ?”” Sie John Marston. “I tell you that it is of the greatest consequence to me to astertain——” “T beg, sir, that our interview may end here,” in- terrupted old Marshall, in a resolute tone and with determined look. ‘Well then,” exclaimed the baronet, drawing himself haughtily up, and resuming the demeanour of a superior towards an inferior, “take up this card to the Marquis of Villebelleo——for that is the real name of your whatever he may call himeelf here——and tell him that I request an im- mediate interview. It is for his own interest that I am acting,” added Sir John, perceiving that the old landlord hesitated to comply with his request. “Mind you, sir,” responded Marshall, * I don’t know whether the gentleman up-stairs is a French- man or an Englishman—for he speaks English as well as you do: neither do I know anything about his being a Marquis: but I rather think he is nothing but a plain Mr. 80, if you are wrong in “T will, sir,” responded Kate: and she then pro- ceeded to explain what had taken place between her father and Sir John Marston, not forgetting to state that the former had refused the latter’s proffered bribe,—-a fact which Kate merely mentioned for the purpose of letting the lovers know that her family entertained friendly feelinge towards them, and would rather assiet than mar their plans. “You may tell Sir John Marston to come up,” eaid Villebelle, after a few momentd hesitation. Kate Marshall accordmgly quitted the room ; and the Marquis immediately said to Constance in a low hurried voice, as he clasped her to his breast, “ You must now prepare for a scene thet may perhaps excite you: bat acquainted as you are with all the meidents of my past life, there is nothing more that you have to learn——unless it be the names of those individ ou know to whom I allude—I mean in the affair of ny former so-called marriage. Take courage, Constance: there is no powgr to separate us, if you yourself be firm.” “Oh! that assurance has cheered me!” replied the young lady, with tears on her cheeks, but a smile playing upon her lips. “And now,” added the Marquis, in a hurried whisper, “go and prepare Mary-Anne for what- soever may happen——I mean in case those revoe- supposing that you know the gentleman, you will of | lations with which you are already acquainted, course take as final any answer he may send down to you.” “T will,” was the baronet’s emphatic reply. “This much I promise you. Take up my card.” Still old Marshall hesitated : but after some refleo- should transpire during the interview.” Constence pressed her lover's hand, and glided across the room to place herself by the side of Mary- Anne, who was discreetly seated at the farther ex- tremity: for the apartment was a large one. Almost tion he thought he had better do the baronet’s | immediately afterwards the door opened; and Sir bidding, particularly as the latter had assured him | John Marston entered the room. Constance threw that if was entirely in the mterest of the gentleman | upon him a quick glance to spe whether she recog- up-stairs. He therefore quitted the room where | nised him as one whom she had ever mot in society: this interview took plece, closing the door behind him. On issuing forth, he perceived his wife and daughters looking out of the bar-pariour in evident suspense as to what the mysterious interview could have been about. He therefore at once proceeded to join them, and in a few hurried words explained what had occurred. A rapid consultation was held, for all the Marshalls were entirely enlisted in favour of their guests up-stairs; but it was at length de- cided that the card should be delivered. Old Mar- shall was however one of those men who disliked missions of this sort; and he therefore delegated his elder daughter Kate to perform the task fon him. This she cheerfully undertook; and with the card in her hand, ascended to the apartment where the Marquis of Villebelle, Constance, and Mary. Anne were seated. Entering the room and closing the door behind her, Miss Marshall said, “If you please, sir, a gen- tleman has called who pretends that he knows you. He has sent up his card, and requests an immediate interview.” but he appeared a total stranger to her. Then she looked towards the Marquis, and saw that he had drawn himeelf up to his full height, and with a calm demeanour bowed coldly to the baronet. The latter seemed somewhat excited, although it was evident that he endeavoured as much as possible to conceal hie agitation beneath a haughty reserve. Looking back to assure hiraself that Kate Marshall, who escorted him up to the room, had closed the door behind him, he said, fixing his eyes with signi- ficant earnestness upon the Marquis, “ It is necessary that I should speak to you alone.” ‘““No, Sir John Marston,” replied Villebelle; “whatever you may have to say must be spoken here in the presence of us all.” “Surely,” responded the baronet, “ you cannot be serious in what you say ?’’—and he glanced towards the corner where Constance and Mary-Anne were seated, “T am most serious,” returned the Marquis in a firm voice. ‘‘Then perhaps I have laboured under a mis- The Marquis received the card—glanced at the | epprehension as to the footing on which this young name—and immediately turned pale. who had anticipated something wrong the moment Kate began to speak, threw an anxious look of in- Constance, | lady’’—again g‘ancing towards Constance—“ stands in respect to yourself ?”’ “Tf the idea you have formed upon the subject guiry at her lover. The Marquis, having almost | be an honourable one in respect to this young lady, immediately recovered his self-pussession, hastily | whispered to Constance, “ Do not be frightened :”— it is correct: but if the idea be a dishonourable | one,” added the Marquis, “it is most erronevus-——~ and then turning towards Kate, ho said, “Tell me ' and I hasten to dispel it.” whether the gentloman wko gave yuu this card has asked any questions. Pray be candid.” “It is thon as I thought,” observed Sir Johm | Marston, “In plain terms, it is an elopement—end GON GoOO SS - 4 CO