The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 330: what you’re looking at

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

ay eS SE pSneeeeemeeeeeere ener ee THE MYSTERIES. 315 calmness, she felt that her heart would burst. “And now, sir,” she said, in a tone which was so cold and wth a manner which was so glacial that it froze the b vod in Meagles’ veins,—* you may return to your royal master, the Prince of Wales. Tell him that you have done his behest—that you have succeeded in inducing me to say farewell for ever to this abode jn which I have passed some happy hours—and that I do not seek even a moment’s interview with him ere I cross this threshold, never to return. Go, sir —and in less than an hour Mra. Fitzherbert will be no longer an inmate of Carlton House.” Thus speaking, she waved her hand imperiously— and Meagles retired with precipitation from the pre- sence of a woman against whom he had suffered himself to be made the instrument of go diabolical @ persecution. Repairing straight to the private apartment in which the Prince of Wales was so anxiously expect- ing him, Meagles flung himself upon a seat—and, though he uttered not a word, his manner indicated that a very painful scene had taken place, but that it had ended agreeably to the wishes of the heir-ap- parent “T can read success in your countenance, Tim,” said his Royal Highness: “but why are you also so infernally mournful ?” “Because I have this day played a part of which I am ashamed,” was the emphatic response. “ And yet there was no help for it—the step was rendered imperiously mecessary by a variety of circum- . stances—— “To be sure—to be sure! ejaculated the Prince, interrupting his friend who was falling into a musing humour: “there was no help for it! But what has been done ?—will she go?— how have you managed? —does she want to see me {” “Do you wish to see her” demanded Meagles, almost savagely. “Not I—no—I would rather not,” returned the Prince, fearful that a last interview had been pro- mised. “You do not mean to say that there is to be any leave-taking——” “None — none!” cried Meagles, emphatically. “ She will depart within an hour—unless indeed her heart should break——” “Is it possible that she can be so powerfully af- fected ” exclaimed the heir-apparent, feeling a mo- mentary sorrow stealing over him: but instantane- ously recovering his hardihood, he said, “‘ Well, Tim, you have indeed performed prodigies! Yesterday with my father—to-day with Mrs. Fitzherbert——” - “ And now, if you wish to testify your gratitude,” interrupted Meagles, “you will at once cease from talking on the latter subject. I tell you that I am displeased with myself—and I feel cold all over as if with remorse. Let us change the conversation, then. Come—have you naught to communicate to me—no pew amour——” “ By the bye,” ejaculated the Prince of Wales, a sudden thought striking him,—“I have indeed something to speak to you about. You remember that money-lending fellow, Foster——” “Who blew his brains out?” cried Meagles, darting a bitterly reproachful glance at his royal companion. “The same,” returned the latter coolly, and not noticing the peculiarity of Meagles’ look at the moment. “ Well—did you not know that this same man possessed a daughter—a very beautiful girl|__.” “And how came you to know it” demanded Meagles, turning sharply round towards the Prince, “Egad! I never knew it at all till last night,” continued his Royal Highness. “Only conceive the romance of the narrative I am about to unfold to your ears. Mrs. Brace—the dear, delectable, accommodating Mrs. Brace—received within her establishment a certain Camilla Morton—a sweet creature, attired in deep mourning for the recent loss of both her parents. Asa matter of course I determined to possess the charming Camilla ——” *'Well— go on—go on!” exclaimed Meagles, scarcely able to restrain the mingled impatience and indignation which now animated him. * You determined to possess the charming Camilla, you say—and Mrs. Brace doubtless aided yon—-” “To be sure: she is devoted to me,” returned the Prince. “Accordingly, last night I supped with the excellent milliner—and at the proper time I repaired to the young lady’s chamber ——” “What! without any previous understanding, agreement, or appointment?” exclaimed Meagles, “Upon my word, you carry your love-conquests by storm,” he added, concealing with a forced laugh the bitter vexation which he in reality ex- peripced. “By Jove! there was no conquest in this in- stance—but a signal defeat,” cried the Prince. “Ha! ha! let us hear all about it,” said Meagies, his laugh now suddenly becoming hearty indeed. “The tale is told in five words,” continued his Royal Highness. “ Miss Camilla Morton was sitting up, although it was past midnight—and she had not made the least preparation for retiring to rest. The fact is, she was in a pensive mood, and was giving way to mournful reflections. This much I ascertained by peeping through the key-hole of her door; and, unable to restrain my impatience, I burst in upon her reverie. After a short colloquy she appeared to consent to my views and wishes: but it was only a trick on her part to get me out of the room, under the pretence that she could not lay aside her clothing before me. And I was fool enough to believe her——” “Fool indeed!” ejaculated Tim, with another merry laugh—for he now quite enjoyed the Prinoe’s narrative. “ What happened next ?” “ Why—the cunning, daring, adventurous puss tied the sheets, blankets, and drapery together,” continued his Royal Highness; “and she lowered herself from a second-floor window down to the pavement of St, James’s Square.” “Merciful God!” exclaimed Meagies, terrified by the bare idea of this appalling feat: “ what— without experiencing the slightest Injury? Im- possible !” “It is so possible, my dear fellow,” returned the Prince, “that I saw it all with my owneyes. And now for the sequel. Prior to trusting herself to the rope, she had most likely intended to secure about her person any papers of consequence which she possessed—for the contents of her work-box and drawers were all thrown confusedly out in different | directions: and in her hurry she doubtless dropped a letter upon the floor. At all events, I picked one up : and behold ! it was directed to Miss Rose Foster, and addressed to the very house in the Edgeware Road where my money-iending Foster used to dwell, The truth flashed to my mind ina moment! COMGLOO S COMM