The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 267: what you’re looking at

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was staggered by the fact that Eleanor’s deportment towards her husband was not that of a woman con- scious of her secret shame: nor was the Earl's be- haviour towards her that of a man who had any reason to complain of his wife. On the contrary, he was most tender, and deveted with regard to his beautiful Countesa; whereas her conduct was somewhat capricious and versatile—at one time re- ciprocating his leve, end at another being charac- terised by a caldnese which she evidently tried to subdue, but could net, When he reflected pan these circumstances, he could not in any way reconcile them with the supposition he had formed to aenount fee the fact of the Karl and Countess alseping in separate apartments; and yet in no other manner was he able to find a reason for this singulay mode of life which they led. It was strange—moet strange, that a man in the prime of his years and a lovely woman of ardent temperament THE MYSTERI BS. which I so providentially found,” observed Ramsey; throwing a certain degree of mournful tenderness into his voice: “ but, under circumstances, the sooner I And, stopping short, he aflected to be seized with a confusion as complete as that which Eleanor had ere now experienced in such reality. “Has anything eccurred to displease you, Mr. Wakefield?" she inquired. “It is the wish of the Earl and of myself you should receive all pos- sible attention; and if you have sustained any annoyance—any slight—any neglect —” “My God! I have been treated tea well—too kindly,” interrupted Ramsay, with enthusiasm ; “and my heart abqunds in fee of the most fervent gratitude towards your noble hushend and youyagl£” “Then wherefore hint se that elpausp- stanees will compel you to deparyt saen, Mz. Wake- field?” aaked the Countese, in a voice that trembled and glowing pasajens should a self-denial as | somewhat, and with a fluttering of the heart. mysterions as it was “Did I indeed make suck an obesrvation? Then But we have ghgerved that Rameey had ived | ] waa wrong ~-very wrong,” exclaimed Ramesy, that he himself was not displeasing to the Countess ; speaking as if vexed with himself * Bat in orden at your and, unmindful of the generous hospitality which he had received and was still receiving at the hands of the Eayl of Desborough,—forgetful of his duty to- wards the nobleman who had promised to become his friend and patron, and who, with the most admirable philanthropy, had undertaken to provide for him in future,—the treacherous guest had already resolved upon the seduction of Eleaner | With theee few observations, we resume the thread of our narrative. The heart of the Countess of Desborough was beating y, and a rich ceynation glow appeared beneath the transparent olive of her checks, as she entered the drawing-room where, as she had hoped and antiaj she found Ramsey alone. And he failed not to observe that heightening colour and the trepidation of ber manner as she ad- vanced across the spacious apartment—her rich dress sweeping the thiek carpet on which her elastio atepa scarcely left a visible impression. “Your ladyship took advantage of a day un- usually fine at this season of the year,” observed Ramsey, as he made a low and graceful bow en ao- costing the Countess. “ My beloved friend the Princess Sophia sent yes~ terday to command me to wait upon her at a sore- what early hour in the forenoon to-day,” responded Eleanor; “ and we paid a visit to the Duchess of Devonshire. But how ‘happens it, Mr. Wakefield, that you have not also availed yeurself of this glo- rious sunshine to breathe the fresh air? A little ex- ercise would have benefitted you after your severe indispesition.” “T feel no inolination te cress the threshold of your ship’s hospitable mansion,” said Ramsey “ontil I leave it altogether,” he added, with a half- stifled sigh. “ But you are in no hurry to leave us, Mr. Wake- field!" exclaimed the Countess, with involuntary wanmnth; and instantaneously perceiving that she had spoken in such a tone, she became scarlet with confusion and embarrassment. “1 mean,” she ac- Suotly Sooreds it We ant “that until you are per- recovered, it is quite unnecessary for you to seek another abode.” y “Did I consult my own feelings alone, I should not indeed be precipitate in leaving this friendly home ladyship may not interpret my inconsiderate words to the prejadice of the domestics ef this esta- blishment, permit me to asmure you that I have received every possible attention at their hands, The ciroumstunees to whieh J alluded——" * Are perhaps —— with your position in this country?” said Kleaner, “I am aoguainted with your history —the Baril haa made 1 kmewn to me in all ite —and I can understand, Mr. Wakefield, posal anys tact welaehend adr iaier in ease and and looking upen himeeif as large fortuna, to awake frem that adversity inatead of face, Such has onely upon the course of life which may best suit your inclinations, and en which he will assist you to enter, In the interval it is his desire that you should make this house your home; and it would grieve him were he to hear you speak of any circumstances prompting you to depart abruptly.” “ Again do I assure your lgdyship,” said Rameecy, in a soft and low voice, “that if I consulted my own inclinations only, I should not dream of quitting this hospitable mansion. But—pardon me—forgive me,” he exclaimed, his tone suddenly becoming impas- sioned and his manner excited,—* my happiness is compromised—even if it be not aroeay srrockes beyond redemption——Oh! would to that I had never set foot in this metropolis—that I had never left my native Jamaica to seek my frtune on the British soil !” An his head, he to be prof d, averting his head, he appesred to be profogndly “Mr. Wakefield, I am grieved {o observe thet you are unhappy,” said Eleanor, her heart palpitating more rapidly than ever, and a singular co over her as if some mystic influence asso- ciated herself and her own feelings with the sionate emotions which ispiayed. “| to you more frankly than I should to any other friend or acquaintance, use you are a guest in this house—because you are a stranger in this country— OONRANKA ateilo) S COMM