The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 277: what you’re looking at

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ES I Ft 262 THE MYSTERIES. deep blush spreading over her countenance, “ that I am one of those vain and silly women who would glory in their very frailty so long as it was a Prince that seduced them into error.” “Tranquillise yourself, dearest Pauline,” said Flo- rimel: “ to the eyes of all this glittering throng there was nothing peculiar in your looks or manner—no- thing to encourage a belief that his Royal Highness was addressing you otherwise than in the usual strain of empty compliment and frivolous gallantry which prevail at such scenes as this. But to me, Pauline— to me, who am your lover—your adorer—your in- tended husband,—and who likewise was aware of the motive which brought you hither,—to me, I say, it was different; and I saw that your cheeks flushed sometimes—then grew pale suddenly,—Ii saw also that vou were profoundly excited in reality, though wearing an exterior of calmness and tranquillity. Yes —all this I observed, my Pauline—and I pitied you.” “Dearest Gabriel! your kind words recompense me for much of the pain which I have just endured,” saidthe young lady. “ But weshall be observed if we continue to discourse ina style that is naturally accom- panied by a kindred seriousness of the countenance. Come,” she added, a brilliant smile animating her lovely features; “give me your arm and let us take our place in the quadrille which is now forming— for I presume that we are to dance together this time.” And the bright and beautiful pair rose from their seats to join the second quadrille. In the meantime the Prince of Wales, on leaving Pauline, bethought himself of the sudden and abrupt manner in which he had left Mrs. Fitzherbert some twenty minutes previously; and it now struck him that she was probably offended at the favour which he had shown to Miss Clarendon in selecting her as his partner, instead of some lady of high rank, for the first quadrille. Returning, therefore, to the room where he had previously been seated with Mrs. Fitzherbert, he looked round for her in vain; and having traversed the entire suite of splendid saloons without perceiving her, he accosted the Duchess of Devonshire for in- formation. Drawing her Grace aside from a group of ladies with whom she was conversing, the Prince said, «Where is Mrs. Fitzherbert ?” “ Indeed, I have not seen her since the commence- ment of the first quadrille,” answered Georgiana. “And now that I recollect, she did not dance——” “TJ can understand it all,” interrupted the Prince, in a tone of vexation: “ she is offended with me, be- cause I chose to honour Miss Pauline Clarendon by *electing her for that quadrille—and she has doubt- less retired to her own apartment in a pet. Now, my déar Georgiana, you must go and persuade her to return ere her absence be so prolonged as to occasion unpleasant comment.” “T had rather that your Royal Highness would find me a more agreeable employment,” Said the Duchess, pouting ler beauteous lips: “ for to tell you the truth,” she added, sinking her voice to a Le ‘whisper, and dixing upon him a significant look, “i is no pleasant task to act as peace-imaker Ree husband and wife.” “Georgiana,” said the Prince, likewise in a low tone, but with almost a savage emphasis, and cer- tainly with a ferocious look, “I command you not to speak thus of myself and Mrs. Fitzherbert.” “T was only anxious to hear what you would say in reply,” observed the sprightly Duchess, by no means abashed, but with an enchanting gaiety of tone and manner and a species of wicked, mischief-loving archness which rendered her beautiful countenance absolutely radiant at the moment. “ However,” she exclaimed, tapping the Prince’s arm with her fan,— “since I have rendered you angry, I will endeavour ta atone for my indiscretion by acting as a peace- maker between your Royal Highness and Mrs Fitzherbert.” With these words, the Duchess of Devonshire turned away and quitted the room in order to seek the private apartments of Mrs, Fitzherbert; and the Prince of Wales, at that moment catching a glimpse of the Countess of Desborough’s fine figure as she moved with mingled elegance and grace through the labyrinthine dance, was reminded of the plot he had set afloat in regard to her. We have already observed that Eleanor looked perfectly splendid on the present occasion; and the royal voluptuary was fired with a devouring passion as his eyes now followed that magnificent form which seemed to glow with all the ardour of its own temperament beneath the exciting influence of the Muse Terpsichore. Anxious to learn whether Mrs. Brace had suc- ceeded in playing the part entrusted to her, the Prince quitted the ball-room—traversed the laad- ing—and entered a private chamber, where a page was in attendance. This vouth was despatched to summon Mrs. brace to his royal master’s presence 5 aud in a few minutes the milliner made her ap- pearance. “ What news concerning the charming Eleanor?” _ said the Prince, the moment they were alone to-— gether. “Her ladyship has completely fallen into the — snare,” responded the unprincipled woman; “and she will meet me at midnight in the appointed - place.” “So far, ness: then, referring to his watch, he observed, “Tt is now half-past eleven o’clock—mind you are punctual at your post.” “Fear nothing on that head,” returned Mrs, . Brace. “So far as the matter depends upon me, the beautiful Countess of Desborough will be in your power ! no doubt: for the mysterious words which, accord- ing to your instructions, I breathed in her ears, ° produced a magical effect. With all her pride and display of virtue, that haughty lady is not immaculate: conscious of some frailty, she trem- bles lest her secret be already known. Otherwise she would never have fallen into the trap which has | this night been set to ensnare her.” “QO ‘charming Eleanor,” exclaimed the Prince, ' earried away by the violence of his licentious long- ing,—“ within an hour shall I clasp thee in my. arms—Wwithin an hour shall I have revelled in thy . beauties !” « Andis it possible that your Royal Highness can. thus give free course to these thoughts and hopes, W hile. a terrible danger appears to be menacing you?” demanded Mrs. Brace: “for surely you must have already seen Pauline Clarendon here to- night 2—and ean her visit bode any good to you 2” “T have seen her—and no danger is to be ap- prehended for the moment,” answered the Prince. so good!” exclaimed his Royal High- — That she also will be punctual, I have . (E) 0)(0)) ‘Ss.co