The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 381: what you’re looking at

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366 THE MYSTERIES. sister: is she melancholy or excited ?—and where is she?” * Octavia is at a charming little villa which I possess in Buckinghathshire, at no considerable distance from Aylesbury,” replied the Duchess. “ Respecting the state of her mind, I must inform you that there are times when she is dreadfully excited—and others at which she falls into a black despair.” “ Poor Octavia!’ murmured Pauline, the tears streaming down her cheeks, and her lovely bosom heaving with the sobs which half choked her. “But as I have before stated,” continued Geor- ciana, “she is under the charge not only of kind at- tendants, but likewise of a skilful physician; and you may be assured, my sweet young friend, that the moment Dr. Clarges gives his permission for you to visit her, I will myself come and fetch you in my carriage for that purpose.” In this manner did the Duchess of Devonshire and Lord Florimel exert themselves to sooth the afflicted mind of the younger Miss Clarendon; and in the course of an hour she became considerably tranquillised. They were then all enabled to con- verse more calmly and seriously upon the unhappy event which had occasioned Pauline so much sor- row; and the Duchess of Devonshire took an oppor- tunity to hint that she was the bearer of such good tidings for Mr. Clarendon in one sense that he would be partially consoled for the evil intelligence await- ine him in another. Thus did three hours pass away; and the time- piece on the mantel was striking four, when a hackney-coach drove up to the front-door, and Mr. Clarendon alighted. But instead of immediately entering the house, he turned to hand a lady from the vehicle; and this fair companion, taking his arm, passed into the dwelling with him. Another minute—and the drawing-room door be- ing thrown open, Mr. Clarendon and Fernanda ap- peared upon the threshold; and the former, leading his companion towards Pauline, said, “ My dear. child, this lady has consented to ensure my happi- ness by becoming my wife: it is for youto welcome her to that home over which she will henceforth preside with thedignity, grace, and kindness natural to her character.” CHAPTER CV. MR, CLARENDON. Ir would be impossible to describe the astonishment, amounting to a positive shock, which Pauline ex- perienced as this strange announcement fell upon her ears. The colour forsook her cheeks, and she stood motionless and pale as a statue, her eyes fixed vacantly upen Fernanda: thena crimson glow suddenly suffused her countenance—her bosom rose and fell rapidly—and her looks settled upon her father’s features, as if to read the truth therein and convince herself that she was not being made the victim of a heartless joke or cruel mockery. To Fernanda this scene, brief though it were, was far from agreeable —especially as she immediately recognised the Duchess of Devonshire and Lord Florimel, with both of whom she was acquainted; but, with characteristic self-possession and frm- ness, she took Pauline’s hand, saying, “ Have you no congratulations to offer to your father, if not to me? But we shall be friends—-very good friends dear girl—when you come to know me well.” These words recalled the maiden to a sense of the necessity of demonstrating her obedience towards her parent’s wishes, as well as her respect for the choice which he had made and the step which he had taken: she accordingly endeavoured to makea suitable reply to Fernanda’s speech and give utter- ance to some words of welcome and congratulation ;— but the thought suddenly flashed to her mind that while her father was bringing home a young and beanteous bride, her sister was suflering under the most cruel affliction. A torrent of tears choked her utterance—and, staggering back a few paces, she would have failen heavily, had not Lord Florimel caught her in his arms and supported her to the sofa. Mr. Clarendon’s countenance became black with — displeasure—and Fermanda turned white and red a dozen times in half a minute. But the Duchess of Devonshire hastened to ap- © proach them, and taking the hand of the latter said, “My dear friend, I congratulate you—most sin- cerely congratulate you, upon the alliance which you have formed—as [I have not the slightest doubt that you have therein consulted your own happiness, Being an old friend of your aunt Lady Desborough, © { am naturally interested in your welfare; and I therefore rejoice that accident should have lea to my being here so opportunely to offer my felicitations. You will present me to Mr. Clarendon, Fernanda,” added her Grace, with a sweet smile. The introduction took place; and the Duchess hastened to say, as she glanced towards Pauline, “Mr. Clarendon, you must not misinterpret your daughter’s feelings. She is too good, dutiful, and af- fectionate a girl not to be contented and satisfied with any step which you may take to ensure your own happiness; and therefore the embarrassment which she evinced at first and the emotions which she is experiencing now must not be attributed to a wrong cause. The truth is, Mr. Clarendon,” added Georgiana, “she has this afternoon received intelli- gence that is only too well calculated to afflict her; and circumstances rendered me the unwilling bearer | of these evil tidings.” “ Evil tidings!” ejaculated Mr. Clarendon, throw- ing a glance of anxious inquiry upon the countenance of the Duchess of Devonshire. “ Alas! it is too true,” replied her Grace : “and these tidings equally regard you. But I have like- wise some welcome intelligence to impart; and therefore I must crave a few minutes’ interview with you alone.” Mr. Clarendon glanced towards his bride to see what effect these mysterious words on the part of the Duchess produced upon her ; and it instantaneously struck the shrewd and far-seeing Georgiana that the favourable portion of what she had to communicate would materially please, as indeed it now materially interested Fernanda in her capacity as Mr. Claren- don’s wife. With admirable tact and judgment, therefore, did the Duchess of Devonshire hasten to observe, “‘ When I say that I request an interview with you alone, Mr. Clarendon, I do not mean to exclude your fair bride from our conference.” . Fernanda’s countenance now brightened up; and | i pe ee im (EO) 00) (C SAGO