The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 285: what you’re looking at

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270 ‘THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. Z for he was straightforward and honest after his own | “TI will, sir,” responded Kate: and she then pro- fashion—and having accepted the five guineas from | ceeded to explain what had taken place between her his guest for a particular purpose, he would not | father and Sir John Marston, not forgetting to state have been tempted by fifty from the baronet to | that the former had refused the latter’s proffered ’ betray the confidence reposed in him. bribe,—a fact which Kate merely mentioned for the - ee i rr rr ee, ee ee a CORMCOOOKS.eO ‘You surely cannot be so blind to your own | purpose of letting the lovers know that her family interests?” urged Sir John Marston. “TI tell you | entertained friendly feelings towards them, and that it is of the greatest cgnsequence to me to | would rather assist than mar their plans. ascertain——” . “You may tell Sir John Marston to come up,” *““T beg, sir, that our interview may end here,” in- | said Villebelle, after a few moments’ hesitation. terrupted old Marshall, in a resolute tone and with | Kate Marshall accordingly quitted the room ; and determined look. the Marquis immediately said to Constance in a low “Well then,” exclaimed the baronet, drawing | hurried voice, as he clasped her to his breast, “ You himself haughtily up, and resuming the demeanour | must now prepare for a scene that may perhaps of a superior towards an inferior, “take up this | excite you: but acquainted as you are with all the card to the Marquis of Villebelle for that is | incidents of my past life, there is nothing more that the real name of your guest, whatever he may call | you have to learn unless it be the names of those himself here and tell him that I request an im- | individuals—you know to whom I allude—I mean mediate interview. It is for his own interest that I | in the affair of my former so-called marriage. Take am acting,” added Sir John, perceiving that the old | courage, Constance: there is no power to separate landlord hesitated to comply with his request. us, if you yourself be firm.” “Mind you, sir,” responded Marshall, “I don’t | “Oh! that assurance has cheered me!” replied know whether the gentleman up-stairs is a French- | the young lady, with tears on her cheeks, but a smile man or an Englishman—for he speaks English as | playing upon her lips. well as you do: neither do I know anything about “And now,” added the Marquis, in a hurried his being a Marquis: but I rather think he is‘ whisper, “go and prepare Mary-Anne for what- nothing but a plain Mr. So, if you are wrong in , soever may happen——I mean in case those reve- supposing that you know the gentleman, you will of | lations with which you are already acquainted, course abi as final any answer he may send down | should transpire during the coming interview.” to you.” Constance pressed her lover’s hand, and glided “T will,’ was the baronet’s se hana reply. | across the room to place herself by the side of Mary- This much I promise you. Take up my card.” Anne, who was discreetly seated at the farther ex- Still old Marshall hesitated: but after some reflec- | tremity: for the apartment was a large one. Almost tion he thought he had better do the baronet’s | immediately afterwards the dvor opened; and Sir bidding, particularly as the latter had assured him | John Marston entered the room. Constance threw that it was entirely in the interest of the gentleman | upon him a quick glance to see whether she recog- up-stairs. He therefore quitted the room where | nized him as one whom she had ever met in society : this interview took place, closing the door behind | but he appeared a total stranger to her. hen she him. Oni issuing forth, he perceived his wife and | looked towards the Marquis, and saw that he had dauchters looking out of the bar-parlour in evident | drawn himself up to his full height, and with a suspense as to what the mysterious interview could | calm demeanour bowed coldly to the baronet. The have been about. He therefore at once proceeded | latter seemed somewhat excited, although it was to join them, and in a few hurried words explained | evident that he endeavoured as much as possible to what had occurred. <A rapid consultation was held, | conceal his agitation beneath a haughty reserve. for all the Marshalls were entirely enlisted in favour | Looking back to assure himself that Kate Marshall, of their guests up-stairs; but it was at length de- | who escorted him up to the room, had closed the cided that the card should be delivered. Old Mar- | door behind him, he said, fixing his eyes with signi- shall was however one of those men who disliked | ficant earnestness upon the Marquis, “Itis necessary missions of this sort; and he therefore delegated | that I should speak to you alone.” his elder daughter Kate to perform the task for “No, Sir John Marston,” replied Villebelle ; him. This she cheerfully undertook; and with the | “ whatever you may have to say must be spoken card in her hand, ascended to the apartment where | here in the presence of us all.” the Marquis of Villebelle, Constance, and Mary- “Surely,” responded the baronet, “ you cannot be Anne were seated. . serious in what you say ?”’—and he glanced towards Entering the room and closing the door behind | the corner where Constance and Mary-Anne were her, Miss Marshall said, “If you please, sir, a gen- | seated. tleman has called who pretends that he knows you. “Tam most serious,” returned the Marquis in a He has sent up his card, and requests an immediate | firm voice. interview.” “Then perhaps I have laboured under a mis- The Marquis received the card—glanced at the | apprehension as to the footing on which this young name—and immediately turned pale. Constance, | !ady’”—again g:ancing towards Constance—* stands who had anticipated something wrong the moment | in respect to yourself?” Kate began to speak, threw an anxious look of in- | “Tf the idea you have formed upon the subject quiry at her lover. The Marquis, having almost I be an hondurable one in respect to this young lady, immediately recovered his self-possession, hastily | it is correct: but if the idea be a dishonourable whispered to Constance, “ Do not be frightened :’— | one,” added the Marquis, “it is most erroneous— and then turning towards Kate, he said, “Tell me | and I hasten to dispel it.” . whether the gentleman wlo gave you this card has “Tt is then as I thought,” observed Sir John asked any questions. Pray be candid.” Marston. ‘In plain terms, it is an elopement—and te ee -_