The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 207: what you’re looking at

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196 which was to be spread in the banqueting-room. He therefore beckoned the footman forth upon the landing; and he said, “ What has occurred to annoy her ladysbip ?” For an instant the man looked confused, and seemed as if he would rather not have been ques- tioned: but, as at a second glance towards his master’s countenance, he caught the gaze of the merehant’s cold blae eyes fixed steadfastiy and soarchingiy upon him, he stammered out, “It is pertioular, sir——only a b person who has called on some little business “Called on business at such an hour and on sach an occasion!” said the merchant. “ Who is this person !” “The same, sir,” was the footman’s response, “who called the other day, when you questioned me—”” “Ah! the person who gave the name of Shad- bolt ?” said Sir Frederick: and though his coun- tenance continued coldly impassive, yet was his mind inwardly troubled: for he had not forgotten the confusion shown by his wife immediately after that former visit of Shadbolt’s, and which indeed bad led him to question the footman as to who the individual was. “And on what plea did this per- son solicit an interview at such an hour?” he asked. Again the domestic looked confused: again did he meet the ocld steady searching gaze of his master; and thinking he had better tell whatsoever he knew, he said, “I informed this Mr. Shadbolt that there was a large party at the house, and that her ladyship was particularily engaged: but he in- sisted upon seeing her ladyship———and in short, sir, he said it was something about a debt for which he had to claim payment.” Now did all the proud blood of the City mer- chant rush to his cheeks: his lips quivered—his eyes glistened—he even made a gesture of rage; and for that one instant he betrayed more emotion in the presence of his domestic than he had ever before done. But in another instant it had passed; and in a voice that was perfectly oold and frm, he said, “Do you know to whom this debt is due, or what is ite amount ?” “No, sir,” replied the footman. “Mr. Shad. bolt eaid nothing upon these points; and it ap- peared to me that when he did let drop some- thing about a debt. which he had to claim, it slipped out inadvertently—because, sir, to tell the tenth, the man is the worse for liquor.” Again did the blood rush to the merchant's countenance: he too felt humiliated, es his wife | had ere now done, that such « thing should be- come known to the menials of the household: but again quickly recovering himself, he said, “This must be some mistake: it is impossible her lady- ship can owe any money. However, you will do well to keep your own counsel upon the point :”— and Sir Frederick placed a couple of guineas in the servant’s hand. The man bowed, and was about to retire, when - his master said, “Go and tell your mistress that I wish to speak to her for a motnent in my private room; and let this Shadbolt wait until after I have thus spoken to her ladyship.” We must now return to Anastatia herself. She had repaired to the breakfast-parlour, where Mr. Shadbolt awaited her presence. He had partaken ; duty.” THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. somewhat copiously of wine—and haply of spirits | likewise, after his dinner; and though very far from being completely intoxicated, he was never- theless considerably elevated. He rose from his seat as Lady Anastatia, in her elegant ball-room apparel, made her appearance: but he had the air of one who was doggedly resolute in carrying out the point he had in view. “What means this intrusion at such an hour and on such an occasion ?” asked Anastatia, with mingled indignation and trepidation. “Why, your ladyship did not keep your word,” responded Shadbolt; “and therefore I thought there was no necessity to stand on niceties in this little matter.” “TI will communicate with Madame Angelique to-morrow,” replied Anastatia, with glowing cheeks. I could not do so before.” * Bat your ladyship may forget when to-morrow comes, as you have done for the last few days—and therefore,” added Shadbult resolutely, “we had better settle the business off-hand.” “The demand is a mistake,” she responded, “and I can easily satisfy Madame Angelique that it is so.” “And Madame Angelique says over and over in that it is so mistake whatsoever. Come, my lady—you had better pay the money at once, and avoid ail unpleasantness. To be plain with you, Madame Angelique is determined to have it: and her resolution is represented in your ladyship’s humble servant, honest Ike Shadbolt.” It was now for the first time that a suspicion of intended extortion flashed to the mind of Lady Anastatia Latham. The blood ran cold to her heart—the next instant it coursed like molten lead in its crimson channels. She knew not how to treat the matter—whether to repel the demand with indignation, or to submit to it and promise the money for the morrow. As that instant the door opened: and the footman entering, eaid, “If you please, my lady, Sir Frederick wishes to speak to you a moment in his study.” Anastatia was for an instant smitten as if by dismay at this announcement; and she was on the point of asking the domestic some question, when he said, “ And perhaps, my lady, Mr. Shadbolt had better remain until your ladyship comes back to him.” Without a word Anastatia issued from the room: but when in the hall she put to the footman the question to which she had a few instants back been on the point of giving utterance. “ What does Sir Frederick want me for?” she. asked, as if with an air of indifference. Sir Frederick questioned me, my lady,” re- sponded the footman: “and to tell your ladyship the truth, I was compelled to inform him that Mr. Shadbolt had called for payment of some little debt——”” “Ahi—then Mr. Shadbolt himself must have spoken to you f” said Anastatia: and it was with the utmost difficulty she could maintain an air of composure. “He only told me that much, my lady,” was the lacquey’s response. “I could not help answer- ing Sir Frederick-——” “ Certainly not!” interjected Anastatia, with an air of dignified self-possession. “It was your GOMGOOO (G | | | (CO