The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 383: what you’re looking at

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972 tered the rvom, “I can’t stand this sort of thing any longer; and so I have resolved to go abroad.” Lord Petersfield looked positively aghast at what his dignity was offended by the omission of these ceremonial phrases and compliments with which he expected that every visit should invariably commence. Mr. Malton was also surprised at the abrupt and ejaculatory language that Edmund made use of. “ Sit down,” eaid Lord Petersfield, pompously in- dicating a chair; “and when you have recovered breath and are perfectly master of your thoughts, have the goodness to explain what sort of thing it is you cannot stand.” “Why, I am sick of London-life,” exclaimed Saxondale, fling himself upon one chsir and putting his legs up on another. “I wish I had aceepted your lordship’s proposal of a few weeks back, abont being attached to that foreign embassy, you know. Of course you are well aware from that list of debte I sent in, that poor Emily Archer and I were on very intimate terms together ; and also as a metter of course, you have read the account in the news- papers of ber mysterious death.” “I have no doubt,” said Lord Petersfield, gravely, “that che was about to pay a visit to Saxondalo Castle at the time— perhaps thinking you were there—or perhaps to seo her ladyship for some pur- pose “Well, I can’t any,” interrupted Edmund; “and I don’t like talking of the business: it has upset me very much. Besides, I am so precious dull all by | u myself in Park Lene-——' “Then wherefore,” inquired Mr. Malton, “do you mot join the family circle down in Lincolnshire? I understand that Lady Macdonald and Lady Flarina Staunton are there-———" “No: they came back to town yesterday,” ob- served Edmund. “I learnt it by accident. My valet happened to see them arrive.” “And pray, Lord Baxondale,” asked Petersfield, severely, “have you not been this day to pay your respect to that lady who is affianced to you ?” “Can’t any that I have,” responded Edmund. “ But I shall go there presently. The fact is, I am very much afraid Florina must have learnt on what terms I was with poor Emily; and if so, all will be | is THER MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. CHAPTER LXXIX, THEE DISCARDED sGUItog. Wa must now return to Mr. Ganthorpe, whom we left at the moment when he departed from the pre- semes of Lord Petersfield and Sir John Marston. Returning to his carriage, whion was waiting, the old geatioman ordered himself to be driven to Lady Macdonald’s house in Cavendish Square; but as the vehicle proeseded thither, he felt almost inclined to issue a fresh instruction and postpone his visit to Lady Maodonald until the following day. He felt anxious—deeply anxious—-to return to Lady Bess’s cottage: but on mature reflection he resolved to let the interval of 4 might pass, so that he should have ample icisure to compose the feelings which had been 20 cruelly tortured, and thus prepare himself for an interview which he foresaw would be attended with painful circumstances. He therefore allowed the carriage to proceed towards Cavendish Square; and by the time # had reached Lady Macdonald's residence, Mr. Gunthorpe had so far regained his wonted composure that whatever he felt mwardly, was no longer reflected in his countenance. That his visit et Lady Macdonald's had been ex- pected, was evident from the circumstance that the moment he announeed his name he was eondacted into @ paxiour, where her ladyship immediately joined him. Florina was not present at tlus inter- view, which lasted for upwards of en hour. Me. Guntherpe and Ledy Macdonald had much to talk upon: but we cannot at present explain the nature of their discourse. Suffice it to any that at the ex- piration of the eollequy, Mr. Gunthorpe aceom- panied Lady Macdonald up into the drawing-room, where Florina was seated. This young ledy, rising from her chair, hastened forward to bestow the most cordial welcome upon her lover’s much-valued friend; and it was even with a species of paternal kindness that the old treated Florina. “ Now, I dare say,” he exclaimed, making her sit beside him upon a eofa, “that you are very anxious indeed to know what has taken between me and your aust? Well, I think, my dear Floriaa— for so you must permit me to call you—that your aunt will give you the weloome intelligence that she is perfectly satisfied with s certain young gentle- a] up in that quarter. I wish to go abroad for a few | man’s rectitude of canduet——” months; and therefore I came to tell your lord- ebip that I will accept of that post-—” “It is no longer vacaat,” remarked Petersfield : “but if you are serious, Edmund, you can ae- company me. For her Majesty's Ministers have entrusted me with a special mission to Vienna——”’ “And when do you propose to leave?” asked Saxondale, making a alight grimace at the thought of accompanying his guardian. “In three days,” returned Lord Petersfield. “But if you really purpose to go with me, you must make up your mind to-morrow.” “Ah, Mr. Gunthorpe!” murmured Florina, with blushes upen her cheake and the light of joy dancing in her beauteous eyes; “how can I sufficiently thank you for having thus eleared up the character of one—— ‘Whom you love so dearly—eh?” interrupted Mr. Gunthorpe. “Ah! you need not throw that dismayed look at your aunt. Sae will not reproach you for Raving kept tis love © acetel Rena See, She knows everything now.” “Yes, dearest Florina,” eaid Lady Maotonal, with a most affestionate kindness; “ Mr, “It's made up at once. I will go!” exclaimed | Gunthorpe has told me everything, and I shall not Edmund; “and there’s my hand upon it.” Lord Petersfield just took the tips of Edmund's fingers in a cold grasp, and began to give him some advice—which the young nobleman did not think it | truly and really consulted by this | chide you. . To tell you the truth, for the last two or three weeks I have myself entertained serious misgivings as to whether your happisess was being t with worth while to wait for; and bidding both his lord- | Lord Saxondale. But now I can hesitate no longer ship and Mr. Malton good bye, he quitted the 1 eum. | im giving you the assurance that it must be broken off.” ® COMIC LOO CO