The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 384: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 873 “Oh, my dear aunt!” exclaimed the beauteous girl, bounding from her seat and embracing Lady | Macdonald fervently. “You know nct what hap- piness your words have given me! I¢ was only in obedience to your wishes that I ever consented to receive a suit all along so odious to me.” “We will say no more upon that part of the subject, my dear Filo,” interrupted her ladyship. “Mr. Gunthorpe has made me fully aware of the | impropriety and imprudence of opposing the na- ' tural current of the heart’s affections. Besides, Florina, I have ceased to entertain any respect for Lady Saxondale. I have heard such sad things ing her——But you are already acquainted termined to put a bold face on the matter; and therefore he was entering the room with a jaunty free-and-easy look and manner, when he was taken considerably aback on bebolding Mr. Guuthorpe. For knowing that the old gentleman had been in Linoolnshire at the time of the murder, he coald not help fancying that his presence at Lady Macdonald's on this occasion, was to give some explanation or waming not altogether favourable to his (Saron- dale’s) engagement with Florina. He therefore started, and stopped short for a moment: but quickly recovering his effrontery, he exclaimed, “Ah, Mr. Gunthorpe! What—are you here ?” “You see that I am,” responded the old gentie- with them all: Mr. Deveri] has informed you of man; “and this time, Lord Sdxondale, I do not everything.” think that you will threaten to have me kicked out “ And Mr. Deveril will receive permission,” added | uf the house, as you did when last we met--which Mr. Gunthorpe, “ to pay his respects to you, Florina, at your aunt’s house.” Need we say that a still sunnier joy than her eyes had already shown, now danced in those besuteous orbse—or that still deeper blushes ap- peared upon Filorina’s cheeks? This was indeed a moment of hsppiness well and amply repaying her for any past sorrows she had endured. in di seat by Mr. Gunthorpe’s side, she took his hand, and pressed it gratefully to her lips. “But what about my poor brother?” she said, after a pause, and while a cloud suddenly gathered upon her brow. ‘Where is he at this moment ?” demanded Mr. Gunthorpe. me just now: he remains at Saxondale Castle— having been thrown from a horse about a week back. But fortunately he has received no serious was in Park Lane.” “Oh! never mind the past,” ejaculnted the young nobleman, looking somewhat confused however: then advancing towards the young lady, he extended his hand, saying, “ Well, Flo, s0 you have got back from Lincolnshire ?” She did not accept the proffered hand; and her did | look remained grave—buat no word passed her she embrace her aunt; and then returning to her | li pe. “ Cool, eh?” muttered Lord Saxondale to himself: then turning towards the aunt, he said, “And how is your ladyship? Why, what the deuce is the mat- ter? ‘You all sasm so uncommonly serious !” “Perhaps your lordship will sit down,” inter- rupted Lady Macdonald, pomting to a chair at a “Oh! I recollect. Your aunt told | little distance from the group: “for it is necessary that you shoald receive a certain explanation frum my lips.” — Edmund took the chair secordingly, and endea- hurt. Now, Florina, the conduct of your brother | voured to assume—or rather to persevete in the is far from sati to those who are interested assumption of an off-hand and unconcerned man- in him: bat be must be left to his own course for ner: but he nevertheless felt confused and un- the present.” . easy. “Ah! Ihave the most serious apprehensions on | “My lord,” continued Lady Macdonald, “from his account!” exclaimed Florina. “I foar lest that some additional particulars which have appeared in wicked woman Lady Saxondale——” | the newspapers relative to a certain lamentable “ Well, but we must talk no more upon that sub- ‘ tragedy—and which particulars cannot have escaped ject now,” interrupted Mr. Gunthorpe. “From all your notice—it is but teo evident that one of the I know of your brother, he is not a man to be unfortunate victims had for several weeks past been either persuaded or coerced into one particular living under your protection.” eourse when he has set his mind on another. How-, “ Well, what of it?” ejaculated Edmund. “I am ever, do not be afraid that he will be altogether lost not married to Flo yet; and of course should have sight of ——” ‘ cut the concern as soon as we were married. These At this moment the door opened, and a domestic things are always done by young men; and I don’t entered to announce that Lord Saxondale had just suppose you want to make moe an exception to the ealled. Both Lady Macdonald and Florina threw general rule.” quick glances of inquiry upon Mr. Gunthorpe to| “It is not to argue the point, Lord Saxondale,” ascertain from his looks what course he would re- commend; and he at once made a siga that the young nobleman should be shown up. “It will be as well,” he said, when the domestic had quitted the room, “ that this stripling should be frankly dealt with at once; and as the opportunity presents iteelf, let the explanation take place in my presence. You, Lady Macdonald, must speak; but rest assured that I shall come to your rescue, if he dares display any of his flippant impertinence.” y had Mr. Gunthorpe finished speaking, when the door opened again, and Lord Saxondale was announted. Apprehensive, as the reader has already seen, that his affair with Emily Archer might be known in Cavendish Square, bo hed de- eaid Mr. Gunthorpe, with a severe look, “that her ladyship was addressing you—but to make a certain announcement which it is needful you should hear.” “Oh, I can guess what’s coming!” cried Edmund snappishly: “but I am not to be put off so easy, [ can tell you. What the deuce, Mr. Gunthorpe, have you got to do with the business? why are you poking your nose in the affair? And by the bye, if you have been telling any tales about me, I can tell one about you. That day you dined with Lord Harola in Jermyn Street, didn’t you get most blazing drunk ?” .“‘ No, sir,” responded Mr. Gunthorpe sternly: “I affected to be overcome with liquer, in order that I COMM NOOK