The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 142: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. little shifting of toggery as your Grace per- Geives 7 “ But the business—the mission I entrusted to youP” interrupted the Duke, anxiously and ner- Yously. “ Tt’s done, my lo ingly given. “Done! Is it possible?” and there was a min- gled exultation and terror in the Duke’s tone. “If it wasn’t done, my lord,” said the Burker, “what the deuce should I be here for? Didn't your Grace tell me to meet you somewhere about this spot at eleven o’clock on any night that I might have summut good to communicate ?”” “Yes, yes—true!”’ ejaculated the Duke, who experienced a bewildering sensation—half in joy at being rid of a dangerous foe (as he thought)— and half in terror lest this new crime should en- gender new sources of apprehension. “And now, your Grace, for the reward,” said the Burker. “Short reckonings makes long friends.” “Wo cannot possibly converse here,” interrupted the Duke. “Follow me !—but follow me at a dis- tance !”” With these words Marchmont turned abruptly round, and bent his steps towards Belgrave Square, —an occasional glance thrown over his shoulder, showing him that the disguised Burker was follow- ing upon his track. ” was the response chuck- ° qn» CHAPTER CXI THE LIBRARY. THERE was a grand entertainment at the Duke of Marchmont’s house in Belgrave Square on the evening of which we are writing. The reader ie aware that the Duchess of Marchmont wasan ami- able and beautiful lady, but who unfortunately had experienced little happiness in her alliance with the Duke. She had forgiven him for that fearful con- spiracy which he had concocted against her some time back at Oaklands: but though she had for- given, she could not forget. Yet, with the natural generosity of her soul—with the self-sacrificing magnanimity of her disposition—she had studied to resume her wonted demeanour of affectionate regard towards her husband, and likewise to play the part which her high station assigned her in a manner that should prevent the world from sus- pecting her domestic infelicity. Thus was it that she from time to time gave those entertainments which a lady in her sphere was expected to give: while, on the other hand, the Duke, who to a cer- tain extent studied outward appearances, intimated his pleasure that such receptions should take place at Marchmont House. Especially, too, at the present time was his Grace anxious to court society, and to seem to have his leisure occupied by dinner-parties and other fashionable purauits. When a man if either medi- tating or darkly conniving at a crime, he takes all possible precautions to avert suspicion, and to afford proof that his th-ughts and aims were flowing at the time in altogether a different channel. hus, at this period when he was in reality devoured With anxiety and suspense as to the result of the 181 terrible task he had assigned to the Burker, he appeared to be pursuing a round of pleasure, and was giving splendid entertainments at his mansion m Belgrave Square. On the evening of which we are speaking, there had been a dinner-party at Marchmont House; and the saloons were afterwards thrown open for the reception of a fashionable assemblage. Dancing commenced in one room: the card-tables wero speedily occupied in another. The Duchess of Marchmont assumed @ gay and cheerful aspect, though her heart was inwardly a prey to the never-ceasing sense of neglect and ill-treatment— yes, even hatred, which she had experienced on the part of her husband. The Dake likewise dis. sembied the real state of his own feelings—but for a far different motive: and when he passed through his sumptuously furnished and brilliantly lighted rooms—-as if with the seal of a host who is carefal to eee that his guests are surrounded by all pos- sible hospitalities—frequent was the whispered re- mark to the effect “that his Grace had not for a long time seemed so cheerful nor performed his pert so affably as on the present occasion.” A little before eleven o’clook the Duke of Marchmont had slipped away from the midst of the gay throng; and throwing on an overcoat, had issued forth by the back part of the premises to proceed to the place of appointment which he had arranged with the Burker. They met, as we have already described ; and we left them bending their steps towards Belgrave Square,—the Duke leading the way—his assassin accomplice following at a little distance. The Duke stopped at a door in a wall which bounded the back part of the spacious stabling establishment attached to Marchmont House; and opening that door by means of a key which he had with him, he waited till the Burker came up. He then conducted the villain through all that depart- ment of the premises, and led him unseen by any of the domestics into the library. Wax candles were burning there: for it was usual to light up any part of the spacious establishment which his Grace might think Hit to visit. There was a screen at the lower extremity, which partially concealed one of the windows, whence a draught had lately been observed to emanate;—and at the instant that the door opened to admit the Dake and the Burker, a female figure glided behind that-ecreen. The drese, as well as the window-draperies, rustled for a moment: but neither the nobleman nor the assassin heard the sounds, which were indeed slight and transient. The Duke locked the door; and throwing himself upon a seat, said in an anxious voice, * Now tell mo all that has occurred.” “Tt’s short and sweet, my lord,” replied the Burker; “and I’ve no doubt will give your Grace the utmost satisfaction. Yesterday I kept watch in the garden of the lady's willa: but I had no op- portunity of striking the blow. On t’other hand I had plenty of time to admire her beauty; and [ don’t mind telling your lordship that it well nigh unsettled me altogether. Well, my lord, cir- cumstances last night made me change my dis- guise: and now Til just ask your Grace’s candid opinion which suite me best and whieh I look most genteelest in P” “A truce to this nonsense!” interrupted the Duke impatiently. “Proceed. Iam in a hurry.” (G NOOK (CO