The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 273: what you’re looking at

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256 at the end of the passage where she is to meet you —and the Countess will pass on into that apart- ment, thinking that you are showing her into some retired place where you may converse together without fear of interruption or observation.” * And what next ?” asked the milliner. “ Why—the instant the Countees has crossed that threshold,” returned the Prince,—“ instead of following her, you will shut the door hastily—lock it on the outside—and take your departure. Leave all the rest to me.” “The scheme appears as clumsy ia its concep- tion as it will prove awkward in the carrying out,” said Mrs. Brace. “It may seem wild, far-fetched, and even pre- posterous to describe,” observed his Royal High- ness: “but, when managed with your tact and in- genuity, it will pass off just as I anticipate. At all events, you will do your best, Fanny ?” “ Most decidedly,” answered the milliner. The footman now entered the room to lay the table for supper; and in a few minutes Camilla Morton made her appearance. The Prince of Wales was introduced to her as Mr. Harley; and he was instantaneously struck by her sweet, pensive, and touching style of beauty. The lily whiteness and rose-leaf hue which were so delicately mingled in her complexion, were set off to the t ad- vantage by her mourning garb; and the dark vesture likewise enhanced the elegance and grace ot that figure which, though slight, was rounded in accordance with the most perfect specimens of Grecian art. She was somewhat surprised when, instead of meeting Lord Florimel, she was thus introduced to a Mr. Harley: but the milliner hastened to inform her that his lordship had been seized with a sudden indisposition, and that Mr. Harley, who was “a very old friend indeed,” had dropped in by accident ;— and as Camilla cared nothing for either the one or the other, it was perfectly indifferent to her whether she sate down to supper with Lord Flori- mel or Mr. Harley. The evening passed away ; and, although Camilla fancied that Mr. Harley fixed his eyes upon her somewhat intently more than once, she was never- theless compelled to admit to herself that he was a polished gentleman, very agreeable, and endowed with great conversational powers. When she rose at eleven o’clock to retire to her own chamber, the Prinee proffered his hand and endeavoured to con- vey her’s to his lips, while Mrs. Brace was con- veniently stooping to pick up her handkerchief: but Camilla instantly snatched back her hand, while her cheeks suddenly became crimson ;—and, darting on his Royal Highness a look which con- vinced him that he had made no impression upon her heart, however agreeable she might have thought him as a companion, the young maiden hurried from the room. And when she had gained the solitude of her own chamber, Camilla burst into tears: for a sus- picion, faint as the murmuring of far-off waters in the ears, had now for the first time sprung up in the secret depths of her soul,—a suspicion, with regard to the virtue of Mrs. Brace and the respecta- bility of her establishment. THE MYSTERIES. CHAPTER LXXIII. THE GRAND ENTERTAINMENT AT CARLTON . USE It was half-past nine o’clock on the memorable Monday evening so anxiously anticipated by many hearts; and the state saloons of the princely dwelling were bathed as it were in a flood of roseate Nothing could transcend—scarcely equal—the brilliancy of the scene. The lustre of crystal chandeliers and innume- rable wax-candles — the gorgeous draperies—the magnificent pictures and mirrors—the splendid furniture, rich in crimson velvet, and glittering with inlaid gold—the costly vases of porcelain and alabaster, filled with hot-house flowers—the im- mense China jars whence perfumes exhaled—the warm and fragrant atmosphere—and the strains of delicious music which began to pour through the spacious apartment,—all these produced a magical effect, to ravish and enchant the senses, The guests invited to the ball were now begin- ning to arrive; and the Prince of Wales, having already left the dinner-table, was conversing with those ladies who had been present at the select banquet. There was Mrs. Fitzherbert, in all the grandeur of those charms which were now embellished by the richest and most tasteful toilette. Her hair, so pale in hue but so glossy and shining, appeared to have caught the golden rays of a brilliant noon- day sun and to have imprisoned them in those luxnu- riant tresses, which showered over a back and shoulders of pearly whiteness, and even caressed the full and finely rounded bosoms which the low dress left more than half-exposed to the ravished eyes of the beholder. Next to Mra. Fitzherbert sate the Duchess of Devonshire, radiant in loveliness, and with glow- ing smiles upon hercoral lips. Nature’s own roses, which art cannot equal, blushed softly upon her cheeks; and her silky auburn hair was brilliant with all the richest metallic hues. Love, pleasure, and light were in her large deep hazel eyes: she was a glorious being—a splendid specimen of that finely developed, superb, and Juno-like beauty which ina moment can melt into the tender and yielding sensuousness of wanton Venus. And in that same saloon where the Prince of Wales was now conversing with Mrs. Fitzherbert and Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire, there were other heavenly faces and lovely forms: and the lustre of the chandeliers was reflected in eyes bright as the diamonds that surmounted polished fore- heads or glistened amidst shining hair. Grace- fully, too, waved ostrich-plames over charming heads; and fair hands agitated the rich fans which raised a gentle zephyr in the midst of the warm, languid, and perfumed atmosphere; — and the rustling satin or the richly flowing velvet over the thick carpet, as light footsteps moved across that scene of pleasure. The company invited to the bali had begun to arrive; and every minute some scion of the aris. tocracy—some noble, with a star upon his breast, or some lady bearing s proud name — made obeisance to the heir-apperent to the British throne. e eS Say te er i-inr e pueysantns easpasevesencumyeemeapateannasseans COMIGBOOKS COMM