The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 210: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MYSTERIZS OF THE COURT. “Christina,” he eaid, “ I have profited by your own noble example. I will not tell you how much I love you—because—becauso—I have promised that nothing now shall flow from my lips to which you may riot listen. Just now I felt as if there wero despair.in my heart! I came hither—I re- fected by myself—I comprehended you—I knew why you séemed cold to me! It was your duty which you were performing. Ah! and you have awakened me to a sense of mine! Yes, my re- solve is taken: every sacrifice shall be made for her who Aas made, and is still making, such im- mense sacrifices for me! I will not be outdone in generosity—in magnanimity. Christina,” he added, in a voice which was tremulous, and so low as to be scarcely audible, “ I leave England to-morrow —— I set out to rejoin Zoe !’’ “Lord Octavian,” replied Christina, scarcely able to keep back the tears whieh ineffable emo- tions sent up to the very brims of her eyelida— * you are now performing the noblest part—you are taking the most generous course which you ‘could possibly adopt——and heaven will bless ou !” ’ * Alas! Christina,” said Meredith, in a low deep voice, as before, “happiness and duty do not always go hand in hand !” ‘¢ Yes—you will be happy, Lord Octavian !” re- plied Christina, impressively ; “‘ because your con- science will tell you that you are acting rightly— and because heaven, which ever succours good in- tentions, will give you strength to perform your duties thus! You will go to the amiable Zoe—you will rejoin her—you know how deeply and fondly she loves you ” ‘¢ Enough, Christina !” interrupted Octavian, now with a gust of vehemence; “speak not thus, or you will deter me from my purpoee !” «« Heaven forbid!” cried the young maiden, em- phatically. ‘“ My lord, in Zoe’s name I thank you for this noble resolve that you have adopted. And now let us retire hence.” ‘¢ What! not another word before we separate, Christina >” said Octavian, again speaking pas- sionately : “no word of hope—no word of pro- 306" “¢ My lord,” she interrupted him—and it was now with a certain friendliness of manner, blending with true maidenly dignity,—“ you have resolved upon a good deed: you are at length doing an act of justice: for heaven’s sake mar it not by any weakness or folly now! Let us at once retire, my lord And if you need one word—yes, just one word—let me bid you rest assured that you shall have my prayers for the welfare and the happiness of yourself and your amiable wife !” ‘© Christina, you are an angel!” exclaimed Mere- dith: ‘“* you inspire me with courage to do my duty! And believe me it shall be performed |” Without another word, Lord Octavian gave his arm to Christina, and led her forth from the con- gervatory. She glanced furtively at, his counte- nance, and perceived that it now had a certain flush upon it—a certain animation, as if arising from tbe heart’s satisfaction at a strongly adopted resolve to perform a sacred, solemn duty. Chris- tina herself was not unbappy: no, she was happy: for perhaps stronger still in her mind was the sense of duty; and the self-martyrising heart, when truly pure and virtuous, experiences’ a bliss 199 in its own sacrifices. They returned to the ball- room; and there Octavian immediately quitted Christina’s side. Encountering her brother he shook the youth warmly by the hand, and held him in discourse for a few minutes,—he himself now conversing with a manly calmness and self. possession. Christina subsequently explained to her brother everything that had paseed. _ Meanwhile Lady Anastatia Latham, bethinking herself of the key of the safe, determined to place it in some drawer or secure nook until she should have an opportunity of restoring it to her husband. She felt for it in her dress: but it was gone. For a few moments she was frightened: she thought she must have left it in the lock of the safe: then she remembered that she felt it in her bosom when about to give it back to Sir Frederick; and nex$ she recalled to mind the circumatance that she had arranged the lace upon the corsage of her dress when seated at the extremity of the room. Thither she repaired: and she found it lying upon the quaintly-chalked floor, elose by that chair in which she had sat. She now placed the key in one of the mantel-ornamenta,—little suspecting however for what purpose it had served during the interval that it was lost from her possession. At one o'clock in the morning the supper-roome ‘ were thrown open; and a splendid banquet was given. We however pass over all details of the festive scene, inasmuch as therewith no incident is connected requiring special mention in the pages of our tale. Dancing was resumed after suppers but several of the guests began to take their depar- ture Foremost amongst them were Christian and Christina. We should observe that Lord Octavian Meredith did not make his appearance at all in the supper-room; and amidst such a number of guests his absence was not noticed by Sir Frederiok and Lady Anastatia Latham. Yet he had not quitted the mansion: he had no heart for the fes« tivity—but he still lingered at Tudor House in order to breathe one last farewell in Christina’s ear. He seized this opportunity just before her departure with her brother. “God blees you, Christina!” he said, taking her hand and for a moment pressing it fervidly. The look that he flung was full of unutterable emotions; and for an instant—but only for an in- stant—her own courage seemed to be giving way within her. But the next moment it was roe gained; and she hastily whispered, “ Remember, my lord, it is in your power to achiove Zoe’s happi- nese for the remainder of the time that God may permit her to dwell upon this earth.” Christina then quickly turned away ; and taking her brother’s arm, proceeded with him to the car- risge; for their adieux had already been paid to Sir Frederick and Lady Anastatia. We have said that several of the gueste took their departure aboat the same time, immediately after supper. Amongst these was Viscount Rush- brook: for, eontrary to his usual habit, he ree mained not to take his fill of the delicious wines which were placed upon the board. In spite of his mingled flippancy and recklessness, he felt uneasy: that oountenance heanted him — yet dimly, vaguely, gud impalpably ; for, as we have already said, he had not the slightest idea of the individual's featurés—no definite notion of the lineaments of that face. (CO COMIC DOG